A key element of the operational protection strategy will consist of linking services for refugees with those for IDPs in community centres. This should allow for better access and monitoring by UNHCR staff and should promote community-based responses among both population groups.
Basic needs and essential services: UNHCR’s cash assistance program will remain the main assistance and protection mechanism for refugees, in order to cover food, rent and other domestic needs, access to education and additional winterization expenses.
Health: Primary health care will be extended to all refugees thanks to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) polyclinics. In parallel, access to secondary and tertiary healthcare will be provided to some 2,500 refugees.
Education: The operation will aim to increase access to education for refugees through a variety of programs such as counselling, educational grants to 8,000 students, and remedial education activities. UNHCR will continue providing financial support to 85 refugees enrolled in university programs and will open new space for 30 people. The program has proven an effective tool for refugee empowerment and local integration.
Services for persons with specific needs: Persons with specific needs, around 3,500 families (11,000 individuals) will be targeted by different support programs, including psycho-social support, community based support and monthly financial allowances. A network of 50 outreach volunteers will ensure that UNHCR remains abreast of the protection situation and community needs.
Livelihoods and self-reliance: 2,000 refugees will benefit from livelihood and self-reliance activities, with a priority given to women at risk.
Refugee status determination (RSD) and Solutions: RSD, registration, resettlement and voluntary repatriation programs will continue to be fully prioritized as core activities of UNHCR.
Legal assistance: Legal assistance in the form of counselling and interventions with authorities will continue to be provided; focusing particularly on issues related to residency, documentation, SGBV, and civil registration. In addition, the operation will continue to follow up directly with refugees and asylum seekers in detention and advocate/ intervene to prevent and stop refoulement. Finally, UNHCR will continue advocacy for laws and policies which are favourable for refugees and other persons of concern through technical support and training.
Child Protection: Unaccompanied and separated refugee children will be supported with counselling services. In addition, best interest determinations (BIDs) will be prioritized as a core tool for child protection.
SGBV prevention and response: Direct assistance and multi-sector response will be provided to survivors of SGBV through a coordinated referral system. Safe houses will ensure the physical security of survivors. Community members will be trained in order to strengthen community prevention and response mechanisms related to SGBV.