Checklist for a Camp Management Agency

  • The Camp Management Agency works closely with the Camp Administration and CCCM Cluster/Sector Lead in order to ensure safety and security of camp population and staff.
  • The Camp Management Agency carries out risk assessments to identify threats to camp residents and staff to establish the likelihood and the possible impact of such threats and then implements mitigating measures.
  • The Camp Management Agency employs, where possible or where they do not have security staff employed, security experts in risk assessment and analysis, development of security plans and associated systems and SOPs.
  • Security systems and contingency plans, including evacuation plans, are shared with other agencies and coordinated to ensure that all staff are safe.
  • Security plans include a context specific security alert level matrix which identifies indicators and triggers of a potential change in the context and outlines the measures to be taken in readiness for such a change.
  • Incidents against or involving Camp Management Agency staff are reported up the management chain to the manager or staff responsible for security. A log of such incidents is kept to allow for analysis of trends and review of the effectiveness of safety and security procedures in place.
  • Camp design and planning take account of safety, security and protection issues, especially the safety needs of those who may be most vulnerable to threats and those with specific needs.
  • There are trained and professional civilian police deployed in proximity to, but ideally not stationed inside, the camp.
  • Police checkpoints and patrols could be considered within the camp particularly in large camps, subject to the context.
  • The community participates in its own security through a system in which wardens are trained, supervised, monitored and equipped by either a designated agency with specific competency or the Camp Management Agency.
  • Equitable assistance programming and protection in the camp to reduce exposure to crime, violence and abuse.
  • The camp community has opportunities to participate in education and vocational training, livelihoods activities, religious, cultural, sport and other recreational activities.
  • Community-based initiatives make it possible to communicate information on protection issues. This may occur, for example, through radio, theatre, information leaflets or in committee or interest group meetings.
  • Reporting mechanisms are accessible, safe and in place, to allow camp residents to report incidents of crime, violence, human rights abuses or breaches in security and to do so confidentially.
  • Referral systems for survivors of crime and violence are in place to ensure adequate care and follow-up by protection agencies for camp population or by human resources (HR) colleagues for staff members.
  • Regular monitoring of security indicators allows the Camp Management Agency to be aware of changes in the security level of the environment and to act accordingly.
  • Camp committee members are trained in security-related issues and, where appropriate, are allowed to conduct awareness-raising programmes in the camp.
  • Camp residents are consulted and involved in planning for effective safety and protection.
  • SOPs are in place, which set out how the Camp Management Agency should respond if it becomes aware of the presence of armed elements in the camp. 
  • Groups or persons at risk of recruitment by armed forces or groups have been identified. 
  • Sources of tension and possible unrest between the camp and the host population and local community are understood by the Camp Management Agency.
  • The Camp Management Agency is proactive in fostering positive and mutually beneficial relationships between the camp and the host community.
  • Forums and systems are in place for representatives of the camp and host communities to meet regularly to address and resolve issues.
  • Camp Management Agency staff are aware of the impact of their presence in the community. They understand and communicate their agency’s mandate and humanitarian objectives and behave in ways that promote openness, respect and goodwill.
  • The needs of the host community are taken into consideration in the planning and implementation of assistance in the camp.