INTERNATIONAL POLICY FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Policy on Emergency Preparedness and
Response

- outlines the internal disaster preparedness and response procedures used by UNHCR, including risk
management and contingency planning, the timing and method of emergency declarations,
coordination plans, and support systems.
- is the main document that governs how UNHCR responds to emergencies.
- creates the foundation for the UNHCR's emergency planning and response. It is applicable to every
employee of UNHCR and its affiliates both at headquarters and in the field.
- It is mandatory to follow the guideline.

MAIN GUIDANCE OF THE POLICY

There is a criteria to be met:

- A humanitarian crisis or disaster exists that, if quick action is not taken, either has caused or
threatens to create more forced displacement, fatalities, or other serious harm, or it significantly
impacts the rights and well-being of displaced and stateless people.
- The humanitarian crisis must demand exceptional measures because current government and
UNHCR capacities are inadequate for a predictable and effective response.

The declaration of an emergency level is based on a country operation's analysis of the situation, as well as
its existing preparedness and response capacity.

The policy is guided by principles which are namely humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality. A number of
other principles are added to these, such as the importance of protection, state accountability and humanitarian
complementarity, acting with "no harm" and "no regrets," safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and
harassment, duty of care, expanding partnerships, links to development, and environmental sustainability.

1. Emergency Preparedness
- A prompt and efficient reaction depends on proactive planning and early involvement.
- Proactive readiness requires effective risk management. As part of the Annual Risk Review, all
country operations shall conduct risk analysis for newly created or escalated emergencies at least
once a year in accordance with UNHCR's Policy for Enterprise Risk Management (accessible only
to UNHCR officials). Based on likelihood and probable impact, operations then assign a risk level
of high, medium, or low for each detected emergency situation. The operational risk register should
contain a record of the identified emergency hazards, which should be regularly checked.
2. Natural Hazards and Climate Change
- Particularly in light of climate change, the causes and effects of relocation are growing more
intricate and entwined. The Policy enhances UNHCR's ability to respond to catastrophes brought
on by natural disasters and climate change with greater predictability and efficacy. It highlights the
significance of strategic thinking and decision-making during the preparedness phase, especially in
such circumstances. The UNHCR's operational capability, presence, and expertise in relation to
other humanitarian actors should be taken into consideration when determining the extent of
involvement in crises caused by natural hazards.

3. Declaring an Emergency
- Depending on the scope, complexity, and effects of the humanitarian crisis relative to the current
capabilities of the operation(s) and bureau(x) in question, UNHCR may declare one of three
emergency levels. After six months, all emergency declarations automatically expire. An extension
is not possible in a Level 1 emergency. Level 2 and Level 3 emergencies, however, may be
prolonged for an additional three months under special conditions, for a total of nine months.

4. Coordination
- In accordance with the Global Compact on Refugees and Refugee coordination Model, the Policy
on UNHCR's Engagement in Situations of Internal Displacement, and the cluster system, the Policy
specifies national coordinating structures for refugee and IDP emergencies. It also makes
procedures for coordination at the national level for mixed scenarios clear.

5. Simplified Procedures
- Simplified processes are introduced by the Policy in relation to partnerships, supply, and access to
human and financial resources, including staffing and deployments. For as long as an emergency
declaration is in effect, all emergency levels must follow certain protocols in order to speed the
provision of assistance and protection that can save lives.

6. Additional Support Instruments

- The regional bureaux and Headquarters offer further help for Level 2 and Level 3 situations. A
Senior Level Working Group (SLWG) is constituted within two weeks of the declaration of a Level 2
or Level 3 emergency in order to guarantee that the organizational resources required to facilitate a
prompt and efficient response are available. A Joint Senior Level Mission (JSLM) occurs in four
weeks. Three months following the emergency declaration, a Real-Time Review is carried out for
Level 3 situations.

7. Roles and Responsibilities

- The Policy lays forth national, regional, and international tasks and responsibilities in an
emergency. With the assistance of regional bureaux and headquarters divisions and organizations,
the Policy mandates and empowers country operations to assume the lead in emergency
readiness and response.

8. Post Emergency
- An emergency declaration's expiration does not always mean that the crisis is over. Rather, it
indicates that specific processes and additional resources are no longer needed because
preparedness measures are in place or the operational response has been scaled up and
reasonably stabilized. After the emergency declaration expires, it's critical to make sure there is a
seamless transition into a regular operational response. As a result, nation operations should start
preparing for the aftermath as soon as an emergency arises.
- In cooperation with important HQ divisions, country operation(s), regional bureau(x), and DESS
evaluate, among other things, pertinent protection and operational strategies, frameworks, and
leadership arrangements; operational footprint, structure, and security; and so on, in order to
guarantee continuity of coordination and/or response following the emergency declaration. A
thorough examination of the offices and staffing arrangements in accordance with the allotted funds
and anticipated funding levels is part of this.