Needs Assessment for Refugee Emergencies

As the lead coordinator in refugee emergencies, UNHCR is responsible for assembling a multi-sectoral needs-based response to sudden large forced displacements across borders. The needs assessment for refugee emergencies (NARE) is designed to assist UNHCR operations with the guidance and tools required to undertake an initial multi-sectoral needs assessment when there has been a significant sudden, forced displacement of populations across borders. It can also be used when new groups of refugees move into an existing operational area or to strengthen refugee operations in which adequate needs assessments have not been made.

The key objectives of an emergency needs assessment are:

• To ensure that humanitarian aid is based on need.
• To ensure that humanitarian aid promotes and does not undermine safe local coping mechanisms.
• To identify and understand the unique and respective needs of different populations.
• To make sure that decisions on humanitarian aid are based on facts.

Under its mandate, UNHCR coordinates and leads all aspects of humanitarian responses to refugee emergencies, including coordinated needs assessments.