Accountability to Affected Populations

This Handbook aims to help UNICEF staff, partner agencies, governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) increase their understanding of Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) and to gain practical knowledge and skills in applying AAP principles in their daily work. It is intended as guidance, to be read in full or consulted on specific topics. The document is divided in four sections: Section 1 introduces the key principles of AAP in the context of the global humanitarian community and presents the frameworks that support the adoption of AAP approaches and influence institutional values and those of the sector as a whole. Section 2 presents the specific roles and responsibilities that come into play in the implementation of the AAP agenda and explains how it can be integrated into the programme and humanitarian cycles. Section 3 describes the key elements in establishing a comprehensive AAP approach. It explains the role of the three core pillars of AAP – communication and information provision, participation, and complaints and feedback mechanisms. It also examines how Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) is implemented, and the use of technology. Section 4 Coordination and partnership shares insights on working with partners, from local actors to UN agencies and cluster systems, to improve the engagement.