The Gambella Strategy shall take into account the protection needs of the population in camps in terms of safety and security as well as long-term durable solutions. Regular and joint border monitoring and continuous registration, including the protection of new arrivals against refoulement, with the implementation of the Nationality Screening and Combatants standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the documentation of the entire refugee population aged 14 years and above, will continue.
In camps, the importance is given to the improvement of the security and maintenance of the civilian character of the asylum spaces. There has been concern among the refugee community to their relationship with the host communities as well as the increased crimes taking place; three security incidents in Gambella in the first half of 2016 affected refugees, host communities and humanitarian workers. Various security measures such as installation of solar street lights were implemented but the security situation continues to be a challenge. While more emphasis is given to the community based security mechanisms in place, UNHCR will actively support the government to take more proactive actions for the enhancement of the security in the camps.
The presence of large number of children remain the striking feature of the protection operation that includes: identification of children with specific needs; response to the needs of children at risk (alternative care arrangements, legal assistance, psychosocial support, family re-unification); and strengthening of community structures (child protection committees, children clubs, youth association). Capacity building will be implemented as per the agreed plan and will focus on child protection mainstreaming; child protection minimum standards; prevention; accountability mechanisms; code of conduct; and referral mechanisms.
UNHCR and ARRA will work with partners to ensure that the interagency GBV strategy and SOPs are functioning across the operation. Attention will be put on enhancing community participation in prevention and response activities, strengthen GBV risk reduction interventions and ensure that reported SGBV survivors receive appropriate support. Focus will be put on strengthening access to justice in collaboration with faith-based leaders and existing traditional justice systems, as well as including relevant leaders in legal trainings. Strengthen accountability mechanism, and establish a community based complaint mechanism will be prioritised aimed at prevention and mitigation of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).
Ways forward for protection:
- Community owned protection interventions;
- Enhancement of government commitment for civilian character of asylum space;
- Engagement of youth as a catalyser of change;
- Enhancement of data management by more robust utilisation of proGres, CPIMS, GBVIMS, and EMIS;
- More emphasis is given to individual-focused protection solution particularly for women and children and linking them up with the exploration of durable solutions (voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement);
- Advocacy with ARRA for final endorsement of pending Protection SOPs;
- Recognition and enhancement of refugees’ right to access to justice;
- Continuous emphasis on education (especially for girls, out of school children, roll-out of secondary education in newly opened camps);
- Expanded monitoring/assistance for UASCs and other children with special needs;
- Enhancement on capacity building of partners and local NGOs for programme sustainability;
- Emphasis on self-reliance and resiliency initiatives (advocacy on right to work; strengthening agricultural projects, etc.); and
- Continuous assessment of potential protection risk areas to help provide quick solutions.