EMERGENCY SHELTER and NFI Cluster AFGHANISTAN 2015 CLUSTER CONTINGENCY PLAN 2015 I. Index and Acronyms.....1 II. Background of the Cluster Contingency Plan...2 III. Summary Risk Analysis 3 IV. Contingency Scenarios..4 to 6 V. Rapid Response matrix (3W) 7 VI. Cluster Objectives in Emergencies..8 VII. Proposed Inter-Cluster Activities.....8 VIII. Cluster Humanitarian Presence...9 IX. Cluster Coordination Structure and Contact Details.......10 X. Monitor & Evaluation, Plan Revision and Drills........14 ANNEX 1: NFIs and Shelter items stock 15 I- ACRONYMS: 3W AOO CBO CERF ERF FHH FTS GIRoA HC HCT HRP IASC IDP IGO LNGO NFI NGO Who, What, Where Area of Operations Community Based Organization Central Emergency Response Fund Emergency Response Fund Female Heads of Household Financial Tracking System Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Humanitarian Coordinator Humanitarian Country Team Humanitarian Response Plan Inter-Agency Standing Committee Internally Displaced People Inter-Governmental Organization Local Non-Governmental Organizations Non-Food Items Non-Governmental Organizations - Page 1 of 10
EMERGENCY SHELTER and NFI Cluster AFGHANISTAN 2015 II- BACKGROUND OF THE CONTINGENCY PLAN As the political environment did not improved at the speed that was largely expected, there are lot of concern on the direct effect it would have in the overall security situation. At the end of 2014, the resumption of hostilities between the state and non-state armed actors increased fuelled by intricate tribal rivalries and social tensions. To present, there are no signs of resolution of much of the causes of the internal economic and power disputes, thus, it s expected throughout 2015, a volatile environment with major access restrictions to people of concern of the humanitarian organizations. The record number of civilian casualties in 2014 along with the widespread displacement in rural areas in Western and central Afghanistan would be replicated as the absence of military and security forces in most disputed areas impede the Government control and the instauration of law and order. This, in turn, translates in the absence of the basic public services, loss of property, livelihoods and further induces population displacement. Last year was observed a sharp increase of conflict Kunar and Nangarhar, in the north-west corridor from Hirat up to Faryab, and in Hilmand (Sangin and Musa Qala districts), Ghor, Logar, and Nuristan provinces. Provinces close to Kabul are as well seeing the resurgence of IED attacks and armed non state checkpoints. Unfortunately, the risks for humanitarian personnel also increased with the regrettably loss of 36 NGO lives in the first nine months of the year. Nearly 105,800 new Afghans were displaced from their homes in 2014 due to the conflict. The actual number of displacements may likely be much higher, as humanitarian agencies are unable to reach - and therefore record - the full extent of internal displacement due to insecurity. Approximately 40 per cent of displaced people move to urban areas, where they join growing numbers of the urban poor. While their immediate needs are humanitarian, protracted displacement in urban areas also requires the Government to respond to their longer term development needs. The majority of people seek safety in the same or nearby districts, and overwhelmingly in the district or provincial centre; often finding temporary shelter within host communities who are themselves living under constrained circumstances. For women, among other concerns such as rising incidents of rape, conflict and displacement often exacerbate existing limitations. These include, access to services, lack of female service personnel, housing, freedom of movement, psychosocial stress due to increased levels of poverty, and access to justice to seek recourse for gender-based violence. For children, conflict and displacement often interrupt school attendance, leading to higher levels of child labour to supplement declining family resources and exposure to other protection concerns. For the elderly, chronically ill, and disabled displacement results in reduced access to services and a breakdown in family structures. Besides, Afghanistan is routinely affected by earthquakes, flooding, drought, landslides, and avalanches. Unfortunately, the absence of coordinated DRR policies and initiatives has exacerbated the vulnerability of the Afghan people to natural disasters. With depleted coping mechanisms, high levels of poverty, lack of livelihood and employment opportunities, protracted health problems and poor state of the infrastructure and governance; the Afghan population is at the mercy of recurrent natural disasters. For example, in 2011, the country has experienced a series of large scale natural disasters. These include the June 2012 earthquakes which killed 75 people and destroyed over 700 houses in northeast Afghanistan's Baghlan province; and the floods of April 2014 that destroyed some 8,000 homes in northern Afghanistan. Displaced populations are inordinately exposed to mines and explosive remnants of war (ERWs) whether as a result of debris from battlefields or from former firing ranges. In addition, displacement often adversely impacts property ownership and deprives people of vital civil documentation which is needed to access services. Emergency shelter is one of the most critical forms of material assistance for conflict or natural disaster displaced people in Afghanistan. Shelter is a critical determinant for survival when initially displaced and is necessary to ensure security, provide protection from climate and reduce vulnerability to disease. Emergency shelter either in the form of plastic sheeting or tents, with typical Non-Food Items (NFI) such as blankets, clothes, kitchen sets and winterisation materials, is a fundamental response. NFIs assistance is critical at various stages of emergency operations. From minimum cooking and household items to clothing and essential food and water storage, NFIs packages should be adequately prepositioned to ensure immediate and effective assistance to people in need. Thus, proper Shelter and NFIs contingency assessment, planning and coordination are of critical importance to save lives, restore dignity, improve health and protection of affected populations. - Page 2 of 10
EMERGENCY SHELTER and NFI Cluster AFGHANISTAN 2015 III- SUMMARY RISK ANALYSIS EVENT Floods and Landslides Armed Conflict Earthqua kes MAGNITUDE Small to Moderate Large Small to Moderate Large Small to Moderate Large HUMANITARIAN IMPACT (Related to Shelter and NFIs) SMALL Reduced Population Displacement Damages in Houses and Infrastructure Spread of water borne diseases Small to medium number of deaths and injured Disruption of public services MEDIUM Large Population Displacement Serious damages in Residences and Infrastructure Large number of deaths and injured Disruption of public services MEDIUM Population Displacement Limited access to people in need Damages in residences and infrastructure Urgent need of relief assistance for IDPs Limited Partner s presence due insecurity Armed actors may interfere with humanitarian assistance Current IDPs may be forced to new displacement Disruption of public services LARGE Population Displacement No access to people in need Important damages in residences and infrastructure Urgent relief assistance for IDPs Cluster Partner s absence due insecurity Armed actors would block humanitarian assistance Current IDPs will not return to AOO Warehousing and transportation costs of relief assistance will substantially increase. Collapse of public services MEDIUM Population Displacement to Collective Centers or with hosting families/communities Partial access to people in need Damages in residences and infrastructure Urgent relief assistance for IDPs and hosting communities Limited Partner s presence due insecurity Tribes may interfere with humanitarian assistance Armed groups being a threat to humanitarians and relief staff Disruption of public services LARGE Large number of IDPs in Collective Centers or with hosting families/communities No access to people in need Important damages in residences and infrastructure Urgent relief assistance for IDPs Cluster Partner s absence due insecurity Tribes/warlords would block humanitarian assistance Current IDPs will not return to AOO Warehousing and transportation costs of relief assistance will substantially increase. Collapse of public services LIKELIHOOD (TO OCCUR) HIGH Seasonal/ recurrent March to May and July to September MEDIUM/HIGH Seasonal/ recurrent March to May and July to September HIGH Recurrent sporadic attacks in Southern, South East, Western and Northern Regions LOW It may not occur in the immediate future. MEDIUM Medium to low magnitude earthquakes are recurrent in rural areas MEDIUM It may not occur in the immediate future but the possibilities cannot be ruled. There are no available parameters for accurate prediction. - Page 3 of 10
EMERGENCY SHELTER and NFI Cluster AFGHANISTAN 2015 From the above summarized table of consolidated events, it s expected that the most recurrent natural disasters (floods and landslides) would have medium to small humanitarian impact depending on the readiness and experience of the humanitarian actors to respond and stock availability of relief items. In the case of small scale localized armed conflicts, it s expected it would have medium humanitarian impact and its likelihood is also at middle scale. In the Southern Region, conflict likelihood is high to occur/continue and its humanitarian impact goes from medium to large depending on its dimension, the population affected and access to provide relief assistance. On the future Country Contingency Plan, there will be more detailed information on potential hazards that we intend to summarize here to facilitate the Cluster s role on consolidating its response. - Page 4 of 10
Emergency Shelter and NFI Cluster AFGHANISTAN 2015 IV - SCENARIOS OF THE CONTINGENCY PLAN This Contingency Plan is based on three scenario levels to coordinate the actions of all active Partners to support the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on its response to sudden natural disasters and/or to the humanitarian consequences of armed conflicts. The following assumptions are based in the recent experiences responding to the devastation caused by recurrent natural hazards 1 as well as the population displacement and infrastructure damages caused by the resumption of armed conflicts 2. Scenario 1: Limited Displacement HAZARD ARMED CONFLICT NATURAL DISASTERS LOCATION TBC TBC CONSEQUENCES/ Tribal and anti-government tensions remains IMPACT Few clashes outside Capital, roadblocks Reduced number of IDPs PEOPLE IDPs up to 1,000 Families (up to 7,000 People) AFFECTED Up to 30,000 People in affected areas (including IDPs hosting communities) RESPONSE GIRoA, HCT, OCHA, UN Agencies, IGOs, NGOs, CBOs, Private Sector? PRIORITY NEEDS CLUSTER CAPACITY 3 CONSTRAINTS 4 Cash for Emergency Shelter (IDPs hosted/ renting housing spaces) UNHCR Lead Agency (Shelter & NFIs) IOM (NFIs) Active Cluster Partners in the affected areas Reduced threat to humanitarian and relief activities (i.e. personnel, offices, warehouses, convoys) Partial access to conflict affected areas due to insecurity Limited capacity of GIRoA to deliver relief assistance For planning proposes, the scenarios below described are traduced into figures of estimated affected populations. Minor damages in infrastructure and housing Some areas covered by floods, access roads affected/damaged Reduced number of IDPs Cash for Emergency Shelter (IDPs hosted/ renting housing spaces) Repair/rehabilitation of dams, flooding walls, ditches, etc Partial access to conflict affected due to infrastructure damages Limited capacity of GIRoA to deliver relief assistance 1 See the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery report 2 See the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center at http://www.internal-displacement.org/south-and-south-east-asia/afghanistan/2014/peak-displacement-numbers-in-afghanistan-reportedfrom-june-2013-april-2014 ; Children and Armed Conflict at http://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/countries/afghanistan/ ; International Crisis Group at http://www.crisisgroup.org 3 See Annex 2 Cluster NFIs and Shelter Stocks per location 4 The Constraints could be combined and further increased if natural disasters occur in armed conflict areas. - Page 5 of 10
Emergency Shelter and NFI Cluster AFGHANISTAN 2015 Scenario 2: Moderate Displacement HAZARD ARMED CONFLICT NATURAL DISASTERS LOCATION TBC TBC CONSEQUENCES/ IMPACT PEOPLE AFFECTED RESPONSE PRIORITY NEEDS CLUSTER CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS Non state actors and anti-government tensions escalate Frequent clashes in some Districts, roadblocks, check points, increased restrictions to movements Increased number of IDPs Closing of Schools, Health Centers, Government Offices and markets Reduced communication lines and public services Moderate damages in infrastructure and housing Increased areas covered by floods, access roads affected/damaged Increased number of IDPs Closing of Schools, Health Centers, Government Offices and markets Reduced communication lines and public services Less Collective Centers available to receive IDPs From 1,000 to 3,000 IDPs Families (7,000 to 20,000 People) From 30,000 to 100,000 People in affected areas (including IDPs hosting communities) GIRoA, HCT, OCHA, UN Agencies, IGOs, NGOs, CBOs, Private Sector Cash for Emergency Shelter (IDPs hosted/ renting housing spaces) Cash for Emergency Shelter (IDPs hosted/ renting housing spaces) Repair/rehabilitation of dams, flooding walls, ditches, etc UNHCR Lead Agency Active Cluster Partners in the affected areas Moderate threat to humanitarian and relief activities (i.e. personnel, offices, warehouses, convoys) Reduced access to conflict affected areas granted by fighting parties Limited capacity of GIRoA to deliver relief assistance Assessments and relief activities affected by insecure environment Partial access to conflict affected due to infrastructure damages Limited capacity of GIRoA to deliver relief assistance Reduced local availability of relief items - Page 6 of 10
Emergency Shelter and NFI Cluster AFGHANISTAN 2015 Scenario 3: Large Displacement HAZARD ARMED CONFLICT NATURAL DISASTERS LOCATION TBC TBC CONSEQUENCES/ IMPACT PEOPLE AFFECTED RESPONSE PRIORITY NEEDS CLUSTER CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS Anti-Government tensions evolved to major conflict Continue clashes and escalation of conflict, including fight in the District centers Rocket attacks, bombing, large number of casualties including civilians. Large number of IDPs Closing of Schools, Health Centers, Government Offices and markets Collapse of communication lines and public services Major damages in infrastructure and housing Large areas covered by floods, access roads affected/damaged Large number of IDPs Collapse of major infrastructure in affected area Closing of Schools, Health Centers, Government Offices and markets Limited communication lines and public services Most available Collective Centers overwhelmed More than 3,000 IDPs Families (more than 20,000 People) More than 100,000 People in affected areas (including IDPs hosting communities) GIRoA, HCT, OCHA, UN Agencies, IGOs, NGOs, CBOs, Private Sector Humanitarian Corridor/ access to affected population Cash for Emergency Shelter (IDPs hosted/ renting housing spaces) Cash for Emergency Shelter (IDPs hosted/ renting housing spaces) Repair/rehabilitation of dams, flooding walls, ditches, etc UNHCR Lead Agency Active Cluster Partners in the affected areas Serious threat to humanitarian and relief activities (i.e. personnel, offices, warehouses, convoys) Limited access to conflict affected areas granted by fighting parties Limited number of relief partners operating in affected areas Incapacity of GIRoA to deliver relief assistance Recurrent Displacement Limited access to conflict affected due to infrastructure damages Limited capacity of GIRoA to deliver relief assistance Limited availability of relief items - Page 7 of 10
SHELTER / CCCM / NFI Cluster AFGHANISTAN 2015 V - CLUSTER RAPID RESPONSE MATRIX: Who does what by when? Within 24 hrs of the Emergency Declared 1 Inform Cluster Partners on the emergency declared by HC, convene meeting with Cluster Partners (information and mobilization) 2 Convene an immediate meeting with active Cluster Partners in the affected areas, create a Response Group and assign responsibilities Cluster Coordinator Cluster Coordinator 3 Activate the Cluster Contingency Plan Cluster Coordinator in coordination with OCHA 4 Activate a Joint Assessment Mission to affected areas Active Cluster Partners 5 Start emergency relief assistance based on needs identified in the initial Rapid Assessments Active Cluster Partners 6 Submit Situation Reports to Cluster Active Cluster Partners 7 Submit Situation Report to OCHA Cluster Coordinator Within 48 Hrs of the Emergency Declared 8 Partners to mobilize emergency funds, NFIs and Shelter stocks available 9 Cluster Information Management to disseminate NFIs and Shelter Stock Information to ALL Cluster Partners 10 Start preparing Proposals for resource mobilization options decided by the HCT. Active Cluster Partners Cluster Information Management Active Cluster Partners supported by Cluster Coordinator 11 Present rapid needs assessment results to Response Group Active Cluster Partners 12 Revise the intervention plan and the division of roles and responsibilities Cluster Coordinator and Active Cluster Partners 13 Convene cluster meetings Cluster Coordinator 14 Deploy required additional staff and equipment Active Cluster Partners 15 Submit Situation Reports to Cluster Active Cluster Partners 16 Submit Situation Report to OCHA Cluster Coordinator First two Weeks 17 Consolidate information (3Ws), analyse gaps and material assistance flow 18 Continue Emergency Relief assistance based on results of new assessments and coordinated with Cluster Partners 19 Conduct response evaluation and coordinate future intervention plan (3 to 6 months) Cluster Information Management Active Cluster Partners supported by Cluster Coordinator Active Cluster Partners supported by Cluster Coordinator 20 Submit Situation Reports to Cluster Active Cluster Partners 21 Submit Situation Report to OCHA Cluster Coordinator 22 Support OCHA on the consolidation of need assessment information Cluster Coordinator - Page 8 of 10
SHELTER / CCCM / NFI Cluster AFGHANISTAN 2015 VI - SHELTER/CCCM/NFIs CLUSTER OBJECTIVES IN EMERGENCIES: Cluster Objectives Most vulnerable displaced population affected by natural disasters or armed conflicts receive NFIs and emergency shelter support in a timely and coordinated way Management and coordination of activities and assistance to displaced populations in Collective Centres, spontaneous settlements and hosting communities in collaboration with local authorities and other relief partners. Assist the most vulnerable displaced population with emergency and transitional shelter solution and (if possible) to repair/reconstruct their houses. Capacity Building of Cluster partners and affected Communities (Shelter and emergency response) Pursue gradual solutions for IDPs and hosting communities aimed to alleviate tensions and to facilitate integration/return as the situation improves. Activities Provide emergency shelter and relief assistance to IDPs (tents, plastic sheeting for shelter, shelter kits, Provide emergency cash assistance to address urgent shelter and NFIs needs Distribute NFI packages Assess urgent needs and register IDPs (& locations) in participatory way including disaggregate data on particular needs of women, girls, boys and men. Coordinate emergency Shelter & NFIs assistance prioritizing most vulnerable cases Provide camp management and coordination support. Ensure suitability of sites and adequate accessibility to relief assistance Include IDPs with particular attention to presence of women in the management activities and distribution of assistance Provide return kits (shelter kits and NFI kits) to IDPs when return to their places of origin/habitual residence would be feasible Provide Emergency Shelter prioritizing most vulnerable cases (FHH, homeless, elders, etc) of IDPs Provide transitional shelters/cash for work for IDPs and host communities Provide rental subsidies to most vulnerable population in urban/semi-urban areas Provide emergency housing repair/reconstruction prioritizing the most vulnerable IDPs Provide Cluster related knowledge transfer by trainings and on the job learning activities Establishment of community based response and early warning mechanisms Participatory assessment of IDPs intentions to return Provide transitional shelters/cash for work Provide emergency housing repair/reconstruction prioritizing the most vulnerable IDPs NB: Those Objectives and Activities should be in line with the 2015 s Cluster Strategy and the Global Cluster Strategies. VII PROPOSED INTER-CLUSTER ACTIVITIES - Joint Need Assessments and determination of duplications and gaps - Continue information sharing - Inter Cluster Coordination Meetings - Coordination of Response Activities - Ensure efficient field coordination - Support the GIRoA assessment, registration and relief assistance - Develop Partners and Communities response capacities and resilience - Transfer of Technical knowledge to GIRoA, Partners and Communities - Page 9 of 10
SHELTER / CCCM / NFI Cluster AFGHANISTAN 2015 IX CLUSTER COORDINATION STRUCTURE CLUSTER CONTACT DETAILS X MONITOR & EVALUATION SECTOR OBJECTIVES INDICATORS SHELTER & NFIs SHELTER/ NFIs Most vulnerable displaced population affected by natural disasters or armed conflicts receive NFIs and emergency shelter support in a timely and coordinated fashion Assist the most vulnerable displaced population with emergency and transitional shelter solution and (if possible) to repair/reconstruct their houses. Pursue gradual solutions for IDPs and hosting communities aimed to alleviate tensions and to facilitate integration/return as the situation improves. # of IDP FHoH assisted with Emergency Shelter and Shelter Kits # of IDP Families assisted with Emergency Shelter # of IDP FH0H assisted with Emergency Cash for Shelter # of IDP Families assisted with Emergency Cash for Shelter # of IDP FHoH assisted with Emergency NFIs # of IDP Families assisted with Emergency NFIs # of IDP FHoH assisted with Transitional Shelter and House repair/ reconstruction # of IDP Families assisted with Transitional Shelter and House repair/ reconstruction # of IDP FHoH assisted with Cash for Work # of IDP Families assisted with Cash for Work # of Hosting Families assisted with Cash for Work # Of Participatory Assessments with disaggregate data # of IDP FHoH assisted with Transitional Shelters/ Cash for Work # of IDP Families assisted with Transitional Shelters/ Cash for Work # of Coordination Meetings and Guiding References # of Collective Centers and Camps Coordinated/Managed # of IDPs disaggregated by gender participating in CCCM activities and distribution of assistance # of IDPs disaggregated by gender and age receiving Return Kits Plan Revision and Drills: The Contingency Plan is to be reviewed every 6 months or earlier if the circumstances require. The Cluster should undergo at least one Drill exercise within the following month of the adoption of the CP to verify the coordination arrangements and response capacities. Annex 1 NFIs and Shelter items current stock - Page 10 of 10