Checklist for a Camp Management Agency

Assessment and Coordination

  • A national/regional shelter coordination mechanism has been established and has active members in the camp.
  • Baseline data are available on the affected population and hazards.
  • Shelter and settlement options, risks and vulnerabilities have been identified.
  • A shelter contingency plan has been designed to inform the response.
  • Initial assessment information has been identified and analysed.
  • A shelter/non-food items inter-agency assessment has been planned or conducted.
  • Other feasible settlement options such as rental have been considered.
  • A coordinated and realistic site plan is in place before building begins.
  • There is a water and sanitation plan for the camp, including water supply, site drainage, hygiene promotion and solid waste disposal.
  • Site selection has taken place to ensure that the camp is located away from insecurity and safety threats such as conflict areas or landslides.
  • The impact of displaced populations’ presence on host communities has been assessed.
  • The material, financial and human resources of the affected populations to meet some or all of their urgent shelter needs have been identified.

Demographics

  • The number of people comprising a typical household, disaggregated by gender and age, is known.
  • The number of people, disaggregated by gender and age, who do not form typical households, such as unaccompanied children or particular minority groups with household sizes, is known.
  • The number of households in the camp who lack adequate shelter has been identified.
  • The number of households that can be assisted to return the site to their original homes or to find shelter with host families has been identified.

Risk and Vulnerability

  • The issue of family and individual privacy has been taken into account.
  • Programmes have been planned enabling people to live in dignity and to provide care and protection to their families.
  • There is no immediate risk to life due to inadequate shelter, clothing and bedding.
  • Particular risks for vulnerable individuals, including women, children, unaccompanied minors, persons with disabilities or those with chronic illnesses, due to the lack of adequate shelter have been identified.
  • The potential risks for conflict or discrimination among or between groups within the affected population have been identified.
  • Monitoring is in place to find out if the occupants are affected by violence or subjected to harassment, when accessing camp shelter assistance.
  • Potential risks to lives, health and security through inadequate shelter have been assessed.
  • The effect of general living arrangements and the social organisation of the displaced population on the protection and care of vulnerable persons have been taken into account.
  • The potential risks for conflict or discrimination among or between groups within the affected population have been identified.
  • Vulnerable persons and those with specific needs are being supported to construct or upgrade their shelters, and to transport their shelter materials from distribution sites.
  • Measures have been implemented to monitor and to improve the living conditions of those with specific needs and their carers or families.

Contingency

  • There is a plan in place and sufficient materials to deal with new population influxes and other scenarios.
  • Discussions have taken place on more durable shelter plans between camp management, national authorities and residents.

Management

  • There is an active shelter organisation in the camp which has sufficient resources, skills and capacities to support shelter needs.
  • Skilled individuals, local or international, are available to be hired to support shelter programmes.
  • Sufficient and skilled staff are monitoring construction projects.
  • There is a functioning Shelter Committee which has a clearly defined role and representative of women, men, minorities and persons with specific needs.

Household Activities

  • Household and livelihoods-support activities typically taking place in and around the shelters of the affected population are known, and issues around sufficient space have been addressed.
  • The different needs and activities of women and men, children and persons with specific needs have been taken into consideration.

Host Community and Environmental Impact

  • Issues of concern for the host community are known and are being addressed.
  • The environmental impact of shelter, fuel, sanitation and waste disposal has been assessed and planned for.
  • Thought has been given as to whether shelters and shelter infrastructure can be used by the host community when the camp is closed.
  • Local environmental concerns regarding the local sourcing of construction materials and fuel have been identified.

Other Considerations

  • The shelter provision in the camp is in line with local practices and norms.
  • Household and livelihoods-support activities typically taking place in and around the shelters of the affected population are known, and considerations of space provision are being addressed.
  • Livelihood support opportunities are being considered through the sourcing of materials and the construction of shelter and settlement solutions.
  • If communal buildings, particularly schools, are being used for shelter by displaced populations, a process and timeline for their restoration to normal use has been identified.

Maintenance

  • Issues or improvements that have the highest net worth to inhabitants have been assessed.
  • People are being supported to maintain their shelters through the most appropriate means.
  • The Camp Management Agency is advocating for solutions in the event of any administrative reasons why people cannot upgrade their shelters.
  • There is physical space available to upgrade or expand shelters.
  • Camp residents have access to tools and materials to upgrade their shelters.
  • The impact of upgrades on local natural resources has been accounted for.
  • Physical and technical support is being provided, as appropriate, to help camp occupants maintain their shelters.