1.3 Coordination
The Global Shelter Cluster is led by the IFRC in cases of natural disaster and by UNHCR when displacement is due to conflict. Other international organisations, notably IOM and UN Habitat, can also lead the cluster.
The Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) cluster is co-led by IOM (natural disasters) and UNHCR (conflict related displacement). CARE is rarely involved in camp coordination and management.
CARE positioning within the shelter cluster system
CARE has adopted shelter as one of the core humanitarian specialisms because of the clear humanitarian need. Moreover CARE is one of the few major dual-mandated agencies that counts shelter as one of their core competencies. We play an important role advocating for considered and high quality shelter programmes within international forums including the Global Shelter Cluster. By doing shelter we not only respond to a massive need, but we also increase the take-up and quality of shelter across the humanitarian community.
Our key shelter principles
- The affected population is the first responder and the most important stakeholder. CARE’s approach to shelter prioritises the self-recovery of affected households and communities.
- Shelter responses are always context specific: each emergency is unique and off-the-shelf solutions are rare.
- Shelter should be seen as “holistic”: there are clear overlaps with other sectors, health, livelihoods, WASH, protection, DRR, and so on. Good shelter programming will draw on the development capacity of COs and will partner with local NGOs and CBOs.
- There is a multitude of options for the delivery of emergency shelter: from NFIs, through cash transfer, advocacy, kits, training, repair programmes, self-recovery support to the construction of temporary housing.
- Good shelter programming will always have a strong focus on women and girls.
