Cross-cutting programming

Protection mainstreaming66

Given the multifaceted nature of protection threats and the complex contexts in which they arise, the many organizations andauthorities that deliver a humanitarian response must coordinate and work in ways that are complementary and collaborative.Putting protection at the centre of humanitarian action requires a system-wide commitment.67 Humanitarian actors need to mainstream protection in their programmes, taking age, gender, disability and diversity intoconsideration, following the four key elements of protection mainstreaming:

  1. Prioritize safety and dignity and avoid causing harm. Prevent and minimize as much as possible any unintended negative effects of your intervention which can increase people's vulnerability to both physical and psychosocial risks.
  2. Meaningful access. Arrange for people's access to assistance and services in proportion to need and without any barriers (e.g., discrimination). Pay special attention to individuals and groups who may face heightened protection risks or barriers to accessing assistance and services.
  3. Accountability. Create appropriate mechanisms through which affected populations can measure the adequacy of interventions and address concerns and complaints.
  4. Participation and empowerment. Support the development of self-protection capacities and assist people to claim their rights, including – but not exclusively – the rights to shelter, food, water and sanitation, health and education.

Prioritize safety and dignity and avoid causing harm

The first principle above (to prioritize safety and dignity and avoid causing harm68) must be inclusive of harm to persons with disabilities. It should not be used to deny aid, promote discriminatory actions,or create barriers to aid for persons with disabilities. Organizations that act without consulting persons with disabilitiesmay set priorities incorrectly and plan badly, putting persons with disabilities at greater risk of harm. Failure or refusalto act, to avoid causing harm, can inadvertently cause harm.

Prioritize safety and dignity and avoid causing harm

Doing nothing inadvertently causes harm Doing wrong causes harm
Setting up programmes or projects (such as food distributions or water points) without considering whether persons with disabilities are able to access the locations chosen. Acting without the free and informed consent of the person concerned can have irreparable effects on their health.
Failing to provide information about programme or project entitlements in multiple accessible formats and in a language that everyone can understand. Acting without consulting beneficiaries, including persons with disabilities, may lead humanitarian actors to set incorrect priorities and plan poorly, putting beneficiaries at greater risk of harm.

Mental health and psychosocial support

Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) refers to any type of support that aims to protect or promote psychosocialwell-being or prevent or manage mental health conditions.69 During humanitarian crises, many factors (violence, uncertainty, loss of family members, loss of home...) can negativelyaffect the mental health and psychosocial well-being of individuals, families and communities; persons with disabilities areoften disproportionately affected. By integrating MHPSS into programming, humanitarian actors can improve the mental healthand psychosocial well-being of all affected people, including those with physical, sensory, psychosocial or intellectual disabilities.MHPSS responses in emergency settings include various levels of support, coordinated across different sectors, in a multi-layeredand complementary model (illustrated by the intervention pyramid for mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies):70

  1. Actions that restore a sense of dignity and safety in emergency-affected populations, while promoting equal access to basic services, are of paramount importance for their mental health and psychosocial well-being. (Level 1.)
  2. Other important interventions strengthen social cohesion and support the community and families. (Level 2.)
  3. Individual, family and group interventions that provide emotional and practical support further contribute to mental health and psychosocial well-being.

These interventions can be delivered by non-specialized workers and peer supporters in health, education or community services.(Level 3.)

  1. When necessary, specialists provide specific MHPSS interventions (which may be psychological or pharmacological). (Level 4.)

MHPSS interventions are based on a human rights framework and promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.Multi-layered MHPSS services and support benefit all affected persons, including persons with disabilities, who face significantpsychosocial stressors.