Guidance on mainstreaming HIV in emergency shelter programmes

Every year millions of people around the world are affected by humanitarian crises and a significant proportion of these people are living with HIV. The impact of HIV on women, girls, boys and men in times of conflict is greatly dependent on the context and complexity of the situation. Nevertheless it is widely acknowledged that human rights abuses and gender inequalities may be further exacerbated in times of humanitarian crises. For example, mass displacement may lead to the separation of family members and the breakdown of community cohesion and of the social and sexual norms that regulate behaviour. As a consequence, women, girls, boys and men may find themselves alone, in a more vulnerable situation and further exposed to the risk of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV).

Well selected and planned sites with adequate shelter and infrastructure are essential in the early stages of a humanitarian crisis – they can save lives and reduce suffering and stigmatization. Initial decisions on the location and layout of sites can therefore have long-term effects on the protection of settlers and on the delivery of humanitarian assistance.