UNHCR Diagnostic Tool for Alternatives to Camps 2016 Global Results

UNHCR developed the Diagnostic Tool for Alternatives to Camps to assist colleagues in determining the key priority actions needed at the country level to take forward implementation of UNHCR’s Policy on Alternatives to Camps. As of March 2015, 92 operations had completed the tool exercise to inform their operational planning for 2016-2017. The consolidated results of the self-assessment exercise also provide a global view of the state of play, the possible opportunities and the constraints UNHCR is facing in translating the Policy into reality at the operational level.

The High Commissioner has made the pursuit of alternatives to camps a key priority for UNHCR and believes this policy direction will benefit both refugees and host countries. The effective implementation of the UNHCR Policy on Alternatives to Camps requires important institutional changes within UNHCR, as well as adaptation of operational approaches, systems and tools, new skills and partnership models. UNHCR may nevertheless draw upon five years of experience in implementing the Policy on Refugee Protection and Solutions in Urban Area in a context with approximately sixty percent of all refugees living outside of camps in urban or rural settings.