A Community-based Approach in UNHCR Operations

This manual is intended to support staff in implementing a community-based approach in UNHCR operations to ensure that people of concern are placed at the centre of all decisions affecting their lives.  It was developed as a follow-up to the recommendations of a 2002 evaluation and to support the implementation of UNHCR’s policy on community development,the Agenda for Protection, and the Age,Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming Strategy. It should be used in tandem with UNHCR’s “Tool for Participatory Assessment in Operations,” which is an important element of the community-based approach.

The manual is organized into sections that cover:

• Context, concepts and guiding principles ;
• Implementing a community-based approach (including practical “how-to” tips);
• Knowledge, skills, attitudes and multifunctional teams; and 
• Considerations for specific contexts.