Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 1

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022

Revision 2021

1.0 Overall Objectives

To promote the dignity and well-being of conflict-displaced communities through shelters that offer

privacy, safety, protection from the elements, ensure tenure assessment and HLP case management.

To support the refugee’s health, dignity and safety, Sector partners will provide Non-Food Item (NFI)

assistance through vouchers and in-kind distributions.

To provide Bangladeshi host communities, living adjacent to camps with shelter/NFI support to

ensure privacy, safety, dignity and protection from the elements and ensure peaceful coexistence

between Rohingya refugees and host community until repatriation of refugees is possible.

2.0 Scope of the Sector Response

For Rohingya refugees:

Shelter activities:

- Emergency shelter assistance

- Regular reinforcement, upgrade of the existing shelters

o Transitional Shelter Assistance (TSA)

o Repair and Maintenance (R&M)

- Mid Term Shelters

- Double storey shelters

- Household level site improvement

- Proposal on Alternative materials and processes

NFI activities:

- Emergency NFI distribution

- NFI through vouchers

- NFI in kind distribution

Energy activities:

- Emergency LPG distribution

- LPG refills and stoves distribution

- Pressure cooker pilot

- Household level solar lamps distribution and repair and maintenance

Gender and Inclusion activities

For Bangladeshi host community:

Shelter activities:

- New shelters construction

- Upgrade, repair of existing shelters

NFI distribution:

- Cash for NFI

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 2

- Emergency NFI distribution

Role of the Sector:

Cross-sector coordination with relevant authorities and partners, on shelter/NFI support for Rohingya

refugees and vulnerable host community households living in proximity to the camps. Providing

technical support and strategic guidance to the partners and across sectors, coordination to avoid

gaps and duplication in the assistance, developing technical standards to ensure unified assistance

and quality response.

3.0 Key Principles

Progressivity: The Shelter/NFI Sector will take appropriate action to promote and protect the

progressive fulfilment of rights to adequate housing.

Incrementalism: incremental shelter is a step-by-step process wherein shelter components are

added or improved by occupants as resources become available1.

Participatory: as per Core Humanitarian Standards, decision-making and implementation processes

are inclusive and centred on affected populations.

4.0 Strategic Objectives

The strategic objectives of the Shelter/NFI Sector for 2020 – 2022 are:

• Strengthened coordination

• Diversification of the shelter/NFI response

• Capacity building and community engagement

Updated objectives for 2021-2022 are:

• Provide lifesaving emergency Shelter/NFI support to households affected by disasters and

other shocks

• Provide safe and dignified living conditions to reduce suffering of displaced populations and

increase their resilience

• Improve social cohesion between displaced and host communities

Updated objectives for 2022: In response to the Rohingya response’s shift from an emergency to a protracted crisis, the sector’s hierarchy of objectives has changed.

• Provide safe and dignified living conditions and contribute to environmental sustainability. This new objective includes efforts to provide cleaner energy and reduce the response’s impact on Bangladesh bamboo reserves by increasing the lifespan of materials through bamboo treatment and use of steel-framed structures.

• Provide life-saving emergency Shelter/NFI support to households affected by disasters and other sudden onset events.

• Ensure that Shelter/NFI activities are inclusive and responsive to community feedback, promote peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities, and enhance resilience. This new objective includes participatory activity planning in addition to social cohesion interventions and activities that promote community resilience to environmental and socio-economic shocks.

1 Refer to https://bredenoordhousingresearch.com/incremental-housing/ for information on this concept.

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 3

2022 Objectives: Provide life-saving emergency Shelter/NFI support to households affected by disasters and other sudden onset events.

Provide safe and

dignified living

conditions and

contribute to

environmental

sustainability.

Ensure that Shelter/NFI activities are inclusive and responsive to community feedback, promote peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities, and enhance resilience.

Details: Emergency events are expected to continue in 2022, requiring the Sector to respond with timely provision of Shelter and NFI support. The Sector will strive to improve coverage of areas where affected populations live, improved tenure assessment, coordination with other sectors and the government, and advocate for new shelter designs and tenure.

Protect and stabilize shelter plots, assess shelter/land tenure, increase access to quality materials and knowledge of improved construction techniques to prolong the lifespan of shelter materials and increase their resistance to harsh elements. The Sector will promote more sustainable materials that have lower environmental impact, as well as ensure that gender and protection is mainstreamed into shelter/NFI activities for both displaced and host communities living adjacent to camps.

Encourage self-reliance, peaceful coexistence between displaced and host communities and increase beneficiary involvement in Shelter/NFI decision-making. Until repatriation is possible, the Sector will promote HLP assistance that considers gender, age, disability and diversity (GADD).

Next steps for Sector coordination:

The Shelter/NFI Sector will develop SOPs and systems for improved inter-sector coordination and support stronger coordination at camp level. This Working Paper will be widely circulated among partners to increase awareness of sector objectives and encourage engagement from other sectors, agencies and relevant authorities.

The Shelter/NFI Sector will continue developing technical guidance, monitor/evaluate partners’ performance against developed technical minimum/desirable performance standards and maintain updated data about the broad range of shelter response activities implemented by partners

The Shelter/NFI Sector will support the development of mechanisms for training, skill-building, and increasing community involvement to increase inclusion of vulnerable groups (elderly, people with disabilities, women) in project planning and implementation.

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 4

Strategic objectives were drafted in close collaboration with Shelter partners at the following

meetings and workshops:

05.09.19 Opening Working Paper and Joint Response Plan (JRP) discussion in the Sector meeting.

23.09.19 Consultation with shelter Focal Points to discuss issues related to the JRP. 19.09.19 Dedicated Shelter/NFI Sector JRP discussion in the Sector meeting. 23.09.19 Half-day JRP workshop to develop strategic objectives, tactics and indicators. 30.09.19 Strategic Advisory Group (SAG) meeting to review/discuss the Working Paper

Draft v0. 03.10.19 SAG meeting to review and discuss the Working Paper Draft v1. 14.10.19 TWiG meeting to review distribution practice and the Shelter/NFI Sector

objectives. 13-18.10.20 Lessons learnt workshops to provide recommendations to 2021 activities. 19.10.20 SAG meeting to review and approve Sector Objectives for JRP 2021. 29.10-3.11.20 SAG revision and approval of the Working Paper v2. 18.10 - 03.11.21

Four lessons learnt workshops: Shelter FPs, S/NFI, solar lamps and LPG, and Host Community

1.11.21 SAG meeting to revise Sector objectives and indicators, and to revise Sector’s strategic objectives

Meetings and workshops were fora for partners to provide insight and feedback at each stage of this

document’s development. In addition, Working Paper drafts were shared at regular intervals for

comments from partners that were incorporated into the document.

Supporting data was sourced from:

- Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) - Needs and Population Monitoring (NPM) analysis - Shelter/NFI Sector 4Ws analysis - Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM) - Focus group discussions (FGDs) with the Rohingya refugee population

2020 revisions to the Working Paper were based on data from:

- Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) 2020

- Recommendations from the Lessons Learnt Workshops

- Shelter/NFI Sector 4Ws analysis

2021 revisions to the Working Paper were based on data from:

- J-MSNA 2021

- Shelter Performance Standards Assessment

- Recommendations from the Lessons Learnt Workshops

- Secondary data analyzed (and included in the Lessons Learnt Report)

- Shelter/NFI Sector 4Ws analysis

The following sections outline proposed techniques, methods or tools to implement the Sector’s

strategic objectives.

5.0 Provide lifesaving emergency Shelter/NFI support to households affected by disasters, and

other sudden onset events

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 5

The Shelter/NFI Sector will ensure a well-coordinated response through regular intersectoral

communications at Cox’s Bazar and camp levels, maintaining relationships with local authorities, and

with other agencies and focus on the emergency response and coordination. Collaborative working

will address existing gaps in the shelter response and, in doing so, increase the likelihood that

shelter/NFI strategies optimise the well-being of displaced populations living in camps and adjacent

host communities.

5.1 Coordination in the Refugee Camps

The Shelter/NFI Sector and partners have identified the need to strengthen field-level coordination,

so that communication, organisation of daily activities, and response in times of emergency are

improved. The following steps will be taken to address this need: a) provide additional orientation and

training to the existing Focal Points (FPs); and b) pilot a Catchment Focal Point (CFP) system (2020).

Out of necessity, the existing FPs carry out many duties on top of their standard workload. This

situation hinders coordination because the FPs do not have the time to do everything required of

them. With the 2020 transition to camps being managed independently by Camp-in-Charge (CiC)

offices, the Sector anticipates an increased need for coordination support in the next 12 months,

potentially adding additional duties to the existing FP’s workload. For these reasons, a pilot is

proposed to assess whether changes to the system might improve coordination in the camps.

The pilot programme will implement a revised structure consisting of one Focal Point (FP) per

catchment area2 rather than one Focal Point per camp. Catchment Focal Points (CFPs) will provide a

link between the revised/new CiC structure – especially with the Care and Maintenance officer –

Shelter/NFI agencies, Info Hubs, and the Shelter/NFI Sector. They will focus on coordinating

shelter/NFI assessments and emergency shelter assistance.

As CFPs will support capacity sharing with Care and Maintenance officers and provide continuity

between current coordination mechanisms and the revised/new CiC structure, the creation of this role

is in line with Objective 2 of the Joint Capacity Sharing Initiative3.

The pilot programme will be monitored to learn lessons and provide data for a comparative analysis

with the existing FP system, to determine how to proceed with improvements to camp level

coordination for as long as some form of FP system is required.

Camp Focal Points and Catchment Focal Points will be trained in:

- Their roles and responsibilities - What coordination is and how to do it well - VHF radio operation - Information management - The Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 - Shelter repair and improvement - General protection principles - The needs of Persons with Disabilities - Protection against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA)

2 Catchment areas are defined in the 72 Hour Cyclone Plan. 3 Joint Capacity Sharing Initiative – Objective 2: Further operational learning, support and continuity of skill

transfer, ensure the use of application of knowledge and encourage strategic and comprehensive planning.

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 6

- Emergency preparedness and response4

In 2020, SMSD teams are still involved in camp coordination and coordination through the

Catchment/Camps focal points will continue in 2021.

In 2021, SMSD teams are still involved in camp coordination and coordination through the

Catchment/Camps focal points will continue in 2022.

Action Points Early 2020 Establish a Catchment Focal Point pilot programme Mid-2020 Complete training of existing Camp Focal Points Early 2021 Refresher training for Focal Points

Early 2022 Refresher training for Focal Points Refresher training for SMSD on emergency shelter response and reporting

Indicators

Data Source

Targets

2020 2021 2022

Number of camps with effective Focal Points in place (either camp Focal Points or Catchment Focal Points)

Shelter/NFI Sector

34 34 34

Number of FPs/volunteers who received training on GBV/Protection mainstreaming once a year

Shelter/NFI Sector

29

Percentage of protection related cases referred and addressed through an effective camp Focal Points or Catchment Focal Points.

Shelter/NFI Sector

100%

Results in 2020: All camps have a focal point. In some cases, the same focal point is responsible for

few camps which are organized as a catchment area based on the availability and location of the

emergency prepositioned stocks.

1FP: C24+C25

1FP: C2E+C2W

1FP: C13+C19

1FP: C10+C8W+C18

1FP: C5+C6

1FP: C20+C20Ext

1FP: C14+C15_C16

1FP: C2E+2W

1FP: C5+C6

Results in 2021: All camps have a focal point. Similarly, as in 2020 in some cases, the same focal point

is responsible for few camps which are organized as a catchment area based on the availability and

location of the emergency prepositioned stocks.

1FP: C24+C25

1FP: C2E+C2W

1FP: C13+C19

4 In accordance with the Sector Level Response and Preparedness Plan for Moderate and Major Events and the

72 Hours Cyclone Plan.

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 7

1FP: C10+C8W+C18

1FP: C5+C6

1FP: C20+C20Ext

1FP: C14+C15_C16

1FP: C2E+2W

1FP: C5+C6

5.2 Coordination Between Sectors

The need remains for improved coordination and joint advocacy with different sectors to identify

overlapping concerns and ensure as much alignment as possible where there are shared sector

objectives. The following coordination mechanisms will be developed and implemented to address

this need.

Coordination Mechanism The Shelter/NFI Sector will work with:

HLP Technical Forum Protection Site Management and Site Development (SMSD) Due diligence for Health Facilities

Advocacy to donors and agencies on the importance of adhering to minimum standards for household-level solar5 lights

Protection

Development of guidance and advocacy to donors on distribution of solar fans to households with persons with specific needs

Health Protection

Advocacy to donors for construction of two-storey multi-purpose education/evacuation centres. Approval received in 2020.

Education SMSD

Advocacy to donors on minimum shelter and site planning standards, the importance of diverse shelter designs and use of materials with a longer life-span

SMSD, WASH

Advocacy for cement, brick, sand for improved flooring, kitchen corner in the existing shelters

Protection

Advocacy for the bathing space/improved technology for the bathing/toilet space in the shelters

WASH, SMSD, Protection

Advocacy for joint operation procedures on approvals and beneficiary data requirements

Access WG, Protection, ISCG

Advocacy on mud shelters- to ensure appropriate solutions for repair and maintenance

CraTerre, TBD

Advocacy on adequate shelters and shelter size adopted to the family size. 10’x15’ to be provided to family with maximum 4 members

SMSD, Protection, ISCG

Advocacy for common procedures on hiring CfW volunteers - as a first step: developing an Inter-sectoral Porter’s SOP

SMSD, FSL, ISCG

5 Household-level solar lights include portable (i.e. personal) lights as well as household-level solar systems.

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 8

Indicators

Data Source

Targets

2020 2021 2022

Number of cross-cutting Shelter/NFI Sector guidance and advocacy documents developed that advance the Shelter/NFI Sector’s strategic objectives

Shelter/NFI Sector

HLP Working Paper (w/ Protection/SMSD)

HLP Working Paper (w/ Protection/SMSD)

Joint Operating Procedures Intersectoral SOP for Porters

Solar light guidance and procurement process (w/ EEWG)

Bathing space in the shelter (w/WASH) Solar light advocacy

(w/ Protection)

Solar fan guidance and advocacy (w/ Health and Protection)

Multi-purpose evacuation centre advocacy (w/ Education)

Advocacy on minimum shelter and site planning standards, the importance of diverse shelter designs and use of materials with longer life span (w/ SMSD)

6.0 Provide safe and dignified living conditions and contribute to environmental sustainability

6.1 Shelter

To contribute to the health and well-being of occupants, shelters should be structurally safe,

constructed from materials resistant to rapid deterioration and located on sites that are protected

from disasters and other shocks. The Multi-Sector Needs Assessment 2019 (MSNA 2019) identified

rotten bamboo, leaking roofs and low-quality materials as main issues of concern to displaced

households6.

Shelter partners are encouraged to pilot interventions such as alternative construction materials and

participatory approaches to assess their suitability for affected populations and contribute to Sector

knowledge. The Sector supports diverse shelter interventions to avoid depletion of local bamboo

6 71% of households (HHs) are concerned about leaking roofs. 46% of HHs reported rotten/damaged bamboo

as a primary concern. 36% noted poor quality/insufficient shelter materials as a key deficiency in the response.

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 9

reserves and tailor the response to varied needs arising from differences in topography, population

density and situations of individual households in the camps. Shelter partners should also include

household-level site improvement works in shelter assistance or collaborate with agencies who have

resources for such works.

The Sector will continue to support shelter/NFI activities that provide a dignified living environment,

including interventions that contribute to privacy and activities which increase the inclusion of

women, older people and people with disabilities.

In keeping with the aim of diverse response activities, rather than prescribing specific types of

shelter interventions, the Sector has agreed on minimum and desired performance standards that all

interventions should meet (see table below).

Minimum Performance Standards

1 Min. height of plinth 0.5 ft 15 cm

2 Min. depth of footing/posts 2 ft 60 cm

3 Bamboo column (max. spacing) 5 ft 152 cm

4 Rafters with big bamboo (max. spacing) 5 ft 152 cm

or rafters with small bamboo (max. spacing) 1 ft 30 cm

5 Muli purlins (max. spacing) 1 ft 30 cm

6 Footings are concrete or metal with bamboo structure out of the ground

7 The shelter has bracing in all corner bays

8 At least one internal partition

9 The shelter is lockable from inside and outside

10 There is no sign of insect infestation in structural bamboo

11 The floor is finished with a top layer of cement

12 The shelter does not flood

13 The roof does not leak

14

The shelter is tied down in accordance with Shelter/NFI Sector guidance

15 Walls in the cooking area are protected with non-flammable material

16 No gutters between adjacent shelters

17 The shelter has functioning drainage

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 10

18 The shelter does not get waterlogged

19 Slope protection is provided if required to make the site safe

Desired Performance Standards

Note: these are considered minimum standards for new shelters constructed in planned or re-planned plots

1 Minimum internal floor area per shelter 188 sq. ft. 17.5 m2

2 All internal bamboo is treated

3 Meeting other site planning standards

Both Minimum Performance and Desired Performance standards must be met for new shelters

constructed in planned or re-planned areas, as opposed to shelters in existing self-settled areas

where there is limited space. Designs for two-storey, mezzanine and stilt shelters should have a

peer-reviewed wind analysis conducted by an external engineering consultant before starting

construction to ensure that the structures can adequately withstand high winds. Peer reviews of

wind analyses promote sector-wide learning and constructive, critical engagement with the work of

partner agencies.

Partners are encouraged to integrate training and supervision/oversight in shelter programming to

control the quality of works and to maintain agreed standards.

Identification of areas for a specific types of shelter interventions will be made with representatives

of the community, the Site Management Support (SMS) agency, the CiC, site development partners

and Shelter FPs/CFPs. The Sector recommends the following shelter interventions for different camp

situations:

Recommended Shelter Interventions for Each Type of Camp Area as of 2019 and 2020

If site development works or shelter interventions ARE PLANNED within 12 months

If site development works ARE NOT PLANNED within the next 12 months but there are already households on the land

Planned or re-planned areas

Mid-Term Shelters (MTS) (which includes) Two storey MTS Single storey MTS Mezzanine MTS Shelter on stilts MTS7 Other (not MTS) shelter interventions that meet the Minimum and Desired standards

Stop-gap shelter assistance (2019, 2020) TSA I (2020, 2021) TSA II (2021) Other shelter interventions that meet the Minimum standards (and Desired standards if possible)

7 5 approved MTS designs are not valid anymore in 2021. Please see the below explanation of the 150 sq feet shelter.

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 11

If site development/DRR works ARE NOT PLANNED within the next 12 months

If no shelter assistance is planned within a 12-month period (beginning from the previous date shelter assistance was provided)

Self-settled areas TSA I TSA II Other shelter interventions that meet the Minimum standards (and Desired standards if possible)

Stop-gap shelter assistance

Recommended Shelter Interventions for Each Type of Camp Area as of 2021, 2022

Planned or re-planned areas:

The shelter design of 150 sq.feet approved in 2021 (only currently approved MTS design) can be used

if the location is safe and the shelter is adequate for the household (for up to 4 persons).

Self-settled areas:

- TSA1, TSA2, TSA next stage of the assistance, repair and maintenance

- Other shelter interventions that meet the Minimum standards (and Desired standards if possible)

Indicators

Data Source

Targets

2020 2021 2022

% of refugee households with shelters meeting all (19) Shelter/NFI Sector minimum performance standards

PDM/NPM-REACH Sector Survey

40% 60% 80%

% of refugee households with shelters meeting 10-18 of Shelter/NFI Sector minimum performance standards

PDM/NPM-REACH Sector Survey

50% 28% 5%

% of refugee households with shelters meeting Shelter/NFI Sector desired performance standards

4Ws (MTS) Shelter survey

10% 12% 15%

% of refugee households that received shelter assistance other than emergency assistance

4Ws 100% 78% 80%

% of refugee households living on risky plots that received household-level site improvement support as part of shelter assistance

4Ws 10% 12% 30%

Government measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have had a significant effect on non-

emergency shelter assistance in the camps and in the host community. For many months in 2020

and 2021, Shelter/NFI activities have been restricted to emergency response, delivery of LPG refills,

targeted assistance to shelters in poor condition within specific areas, and NFI distributions to

quarantine centres and the elderly.

Non-emergency shelter assistance serves as monsoon preparedness and longstanding government

restrictions against durable shelter materials in the camps mean that untreated borak bamboo,

tarpaulin, ropes and bamboo mats need to be frequently replaced. Consequently, COVID-19

restrictions against non-emergency shelter assistance coupled with heavy monsoon rains that began

a month earlier than anticipated resulted in rapid shelter deterioration. Techniques to extend the

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 12

lifespan of non-durable shelter materials are needed, particularly since non-emergency assistance

may continue to be limited in the near future due COVID-19 mitigation measures.

In the MSNA 2020, 63% of refugees considered shelter materials a priority need, overtaking the

number of refugees that named food as a priority need.

Although non-emergency shelter activities were permitted to resume in August 2020, COVID-19

mitigation measures in 2021 left approvals for various SMSD and shelter activities up to the

discretion of individual Camps in Charge (CiCs) (directive of RRRC 05/04/2021). Complaints, feedback

and response mechanisms were hampered, resulting in delayed response to requests for shelter

assistance. A circular on 19 May 2021 suspended all shelter and site development activities.

There was little time between 2020 and 2021 periods of suspended shelter activities for shelter

partners to provide shelter repair and maintenance assistance to households. Moreover, most of

non-emergency resources had to be used as contingency to respond to the large fire on 22 March

2021. From May 2020 to June 2021, only 70,668 HHs received non-emergency shelter assistance

(Transitional Shelter Assistance phase 1 and 2, repair and maintenance) compared to 147,974 HHs in

May 2019 to June 2020.

In both 2020 and 2021, there has been reduced shelter programming preceding the monsoon season, resulting w increased emergency response. The table below shows the quantity of emergency needs by year.

Time period Number of households that received emergency assistance

May to July 2021 25,157

May to July 2020 20,533

May to July 2019 9,701

The MSNA 2021 showed that 74% of Rohingya refugees mentioned shelter materials as their priority

need, followed by food at 72%.

In 2021, the previous GoB approvals for five Mid Term Shelter designs have been unofficially

retracted and are no longer acknowledged by government officials. In response to shelter

reconstruction after the March 22nd fire, MoDMR shared an “Approval of design for construction of

shelters in Rohingya camps” on April 4th (including single storey shelters and specification of the

materials to be used) that stated that a “[s]ingle storey shelter of 10 feet x 15 feet size can be

constructed for one household if construction of double storey shelter is not possible because of

positional reason”.

The RRRC issued a document entitled “Approval of basic principles for construction of shelter in FDMN camps” (15 April 2021) that stated that “[a]t the moment only one storied shelter will be constructed in the FDMN camps considering quick re-construction of shelters due to massive fire incident and imminent monsoon”. The RRRC then requested the Shelter/NFI Sector and IOM to provide a design based on the following guidance: ● The design of a shelter of 10 feet x 15 feet for households with up to four members was

approved on April 25th ● In the design drawings it is mentioned that this shelter is maximum for four family members and

that this design is for camps affected by fire.

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 13

● In the site planning document, it was proposed that this shelter size (150 sq. feet) is for up to four family members (standard family size) and 1.5 shelters (225 sq. feet) can be provided for up to six family members and two shelters (300 sq. feet) for seven or more family members.

The RRRC subsequently communicated that the approved design of 150 sq.ft. is for the HHs with up to six family members and that the same design should be followed across all the camps, not only in for shelters affected by the March fire. This design is the only approved one for single-storey shelters, and the RRRC no longer recognizes its previous design approvals. In addition to advocacy with the government on the appropriate shelter size, the Shelter/NFI Sector encourages partners to only provide the 150 sq. feet (10’x15’) shelters to households whose shelters are fully damaged or to replace shelters that have been dismantled by households who have been relocated to Bhasan Char. With regards to increased household relocations from Camp 23 in 2021, and the possibility of other camps being closed by the government in the near future, the Shelter/NFI Sector’s stance is that shelter assistance should be provided to displaced households while acknowledging that their displacement is not voluntary. The Sector supports construction of shelters for relocated households with two conditions: that partners be provided household sizes beforehand so that shelters can be constructed at an appropriate size, and that completed shelters be handed over directly from partners to beneficiaries. Direct handover of completed shelters to beneficiaries without the CiC as an intermediary is necessary for partners to fulfil their accountability to donors. It is a means of ensuring that shelters are not damaged or vandalized before beneficiaries receive them. It also reduces risk of third parties seeking to profit from humanitarian shelter projects. Double-storey shelters

In 2020, UNHCR’s two-storey shelter design with a steel frame was approved by MoDMR and the

RRRC. Because of the design’s durability and smaller footprint, the Shelter/NFI Sector encouraged

partners to use it over one-storey designs when new shelters needed to be constructed, but

recognized that one-storey shelters would still be needed for emergencies, relocations, etc. In

addition, repair and maintenance packages would be distributed to reinforce existing shelters. Two-

storey shelter construction would occur in phases based on camp site planning.

The Shelter/NFI Sector worked with the Macro Settlement Planning Working Group, WASH and

Protection sectors to develop shelter and site planning standards with graphic guidelines on

considerations needed prior to constructing two-storey shelters. Construction was subject to

consultation with the Macro Settlement Planning Working Group.

On 4 April 2021, MoDMR shared a document entitled “Approval of design for construction of

shelters in Rohingya camps”, including double-storey shelters and specification of the materials to

be used. The document stated that the “[d]esign for double storey shelter can be as below in places

other than registered camp”.

The RRRC then issued two documents on April 15th entitled “Approval of basic principles for construction of shelter in FDMN camps” and “Approval of basic principles for construction of shelter in registered camps”. Both documents include double-storey shelters.

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 14

In September 2021, the RRRC requested that IOM and UNHCR reduce the size of concrete footings for double-storey shelters to 65 cm x 65 cm. The UNHCR design includes six concrete footings measuring 120 cm x 120 cm each. The IOM design includes eight concrete footings of 90 cm x 90 cm each. Footing dimensions are calculated based on loads, vertical compression and lateral wind pressure, which is particularly significant for taller structures. Wind pressure on walls and roofing needs to be analyzed since the most critical areas are behind the windward leading edge and the windward edge of lateral walls. These forces must be reflected in the design of the footing dimensions to ensure structural stability. The Shelter/NFI Sector will advocate with the RRRC for double-storey shelter designs that adhere to

structural calculations so that they are safe.

6.2 Environment

Bamboo

Using bamboo as the primary structural material of the shelter response has acutely impacted bamboo

forests in Bangladesh8. Significant steps were taken to address this issue with the implementation of

bamboo treatment plants in 2018 and 2019. Treatment increases the longevity of the material and

therefore reduces the need for regular replacement. However, it is costly and complicated to establish

a treatment plant, both factors that limit the ability of small- and mid-size shelter partners to set up

facilities of this kind. To enable as many actors as possible to access treated bamboo, the Sector will

encourage partners running treatment facilities to establish a pipeline to provide bamboo to other

agencies.

The Sector will also seek to implement well-planned and managed bamboo storage spaces of enough

size to reduce the need to cut bamboo during the monsoon season9. These stores will stockpile

material for emergency response and shelter programming.

As a third measure, the Sector will support progressive improvement in the quality of bamboo used in

shelter interventions by producing guidance on material selection and specification and establishing

minimum standards for bamboo quality and storage.

In cooperation with BFRI, Sector developed quality bamboo selection guidance10. Five Bamboo

Treatment Plants were established in Ukiya, Teknaf and Bandarban. Total capacity of those

treatments’ facilities can be more than 80 000 culms treated per month. Facilities are supporting UN,

INGOs and local NGOs with the treated bamboo. Since 2019, 70,872 HHs were assisted with treated

bamboo. This assistance will continue in 2021 to ensure reinforcement of the bamboo structures.

8 For more information on the environmental impact of the Rohingya refugee camps refer to:

https://www.bd.undp.org/content/bangladesh/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2018/09/18/Environmental_impacts_of_Rohingya_influx.html 9 The cutting of bamboo during monsoon season is not permitted in government forests. Bamboo cut during

that time has poorer structural properties and is more suspectable to insect infestation. 10For the Guidance refer to:

https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/bangladesh/document/technical-guidance-bamboo-selection-storage-and-handling

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 15

Bamboo Treatment Facilities will be available in 2022 to ensure treated bamboo supply. SNFI Sector

will conduct a study on the treatment methods for borak bamboo and analyze its longevity.

Alternative materials

By working with partners to pilot alternative materials, the Sector aims to move the response away

from reliance on a few materials used in large quantities, which is causing significant environmental

impact. Alternatives to bamboo are especially needed, as treatment alone is unlikely to resolve the

problem of resource depletion. An additional point of concern is the widespread use of tarpaulin as a

roof and wall covering. Tarpaulin typically remains intact for no more than twelve to eighteen months.

Longer-lasting alternatives would remove the need to replace damaged tarpaulin repeatedly and

hence minimise the quantity of waste within the camps. The Sector will support partners to gather

information and implement pilot programmes to test the feasibility of alternative shelter materials.

In 2021, cooperation was established with the ICDDRB on piloting Jutin sheets as the alternative

materials for roofing and/or walling of the shelters. Pilot in the host community has been planned to

be implemented before the end of 2021. If not possible, the pilot will be carried over to early 2022.

Repurpose and recycling

The main waste materials in shelter programming are tarpaulin and plastic sheeting. In

acknowledgement of this fact, TSA orientations already incorporate training on how to repurpose

these materials. The Sector aims to supplement this practice by encouraging partners to implement

awareness-raising discussion and training on the subject with youth groups and women’s groups.

Indicators

Data Source

Targets

2020 2021 2022

% of active partners providing treated bamboo

4Ws 79% 90% 100%

% of refugee households benefiting from treated bamboo

4Ws 80% 90% 100%

Number of alternative materials being used/piloted

4Ws 5 0 3

The SNFI Sector is working with the Shelter TWiG on developing guidance on waste management in

Shelter and NFI activities. It would include solutions not only for the construction materials to be

reused, repurposed but also to manage NFI distribution with less waste starting from procurement.

The Sector is coordinating with other sectors to repurpose waste bamboo pieces in livelihood

activities. An intersectoral Solid Waste Management Working Group was created in 2021, and the

Sector’s efforts to reduce and manage shelter and NFI related waste is being coordinated with the

working group.

6.3 Non-Food Items (NFI) and Distributions

NFI

To support the Rohingya refugee’s health, dignity and safety, NFI assistance will be provided through

a fair, coordinated and organised voucher system. Such assistance is designed to strengthen the

coping mechanisms of the refugees, considering their specific needs, cultural values, the environment,

and the physical context.

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 16

The MSNA 2019 and Light Multi-Sector Needs Assessment 201911 (Light MSNA 2019 – based on a smaller sample than the MSNA 2019) indicate an ongoing need for kitchen items, clothing, bedding and lighting. Both data sets show that not all households have the same needs. To respond to this finding NFIs will be provided through a voucher system, which allows the refugee population to choose the items they need most from a predetermined range. The guidance for the NFI vouchers assistance was developed and endorsed by RRRC: Technical Guidance-Providing Non-food Items Using the Restricted Voucher Method12.

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 restriction, NFI assistance was focused on the assistance to the older people, to ensure they can isolate themselves and therefore reduce exposure to the virus. As COVID-19 precautions need to be taking into consideration in the NFI distribution as well as in any other shelter activities. SNFI sector developed guidance and IECs for the assistance in light of COVID-19 which should be respected by all the partners. Guidance:

● Recommendation for distributions in light of COVID-1913

● Delivery of assistance to families in light of COVID-1914

● Construction site safety recommendations in light of COVID-1915

● Pre-triage/Screening Facilities Guidance Note- COVID 1916

IECs:

● How to practice physical distancing (COVID-19)17

● Keep your shelter clean (COVID-19)18

● NFI care and maintenance (COVID-19)19

In 2021, COVID-19 restrictions continue to have an impact on the NFI distribution which was limited to emergency NFI support after RDV and NFI support for HHs affected by fire in camps 9, 8E and 8W. In addition, financial gap in LPG support for Rohingya refugees and host community led to repurposing funding from NFI support to LPG support.

11 https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/bangladesh/document/coxs-bazar-light-mid-term-

joint-multi-sector-needs-assessment-msna 12 https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/bangladesh/document/technical-guidance-

providing-non-food-items-using-restricted-voucher 13 https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/bangladesh/document/recommendation-

distributions-covid-19-0 14 https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/bangladesh/document/delivery-assistance-families-

light-covid-19 15 https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/bangladesh/document/construction-site-safety-

recommendations-light-covid-19draft-v40 16 https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/bangladesh/document/pre-triagescreening-

facilities-guidance-note-covid-19 17 https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/bangladesh/document/how-practice-physical-

distancing 18 https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/bangladesh/document/keep-your-shelter-clean-

covid-19 19 https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/bangladesh/document/nfi-care-and-maintenance-

covid-19

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 17

MSNA 2021 shows that 26% of households reported households/kitchen items as one of their 3 priority needs. From those who reported not having sufficient NFIs: fans, shoes and solar lamps were mentioned as the most needed items.

The SNFI Sector is encouraging partners to provide NFIs through the voucher assistance as per the guidance developed in 2020.

Household-Level Solar lights

The MSNA data, collected mid-August to mid-September 2019, shows that the quantity of functioning

solar lights has significantly decreased since the Light MSNA data was collected in June 2019. This

finding may be because either the lights provided are not, in some cases, high enough quality to be

long-lasting or the items are being sold. Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM) over an extended period

is required to develop a clearer understanding. Those partners that distribute solar lights will be

encouraged to gather data via PDM and focus group discussions to support Sector-level advocacy for

higher quality products. The Sector will also advocate on this issue to donors, to ensure that

household-level solar lights meet minimum standards20. Agencies will be encouraged to consider

whether blanket distribution of household-level solar lighting is more effective than providing lighting

as part of an NFI voucher fair, given that households may choose items other than solar lights (which

are relatively ‘expensive’ in terms of voucher credit) when provided with an option.

COVID-19 restriction limited NFI distribution in 2020 and the results of MSNA 2020 showed that 58%

of Refugees reported not having enough light. Therefore, improving solar lamps quality and

establishing repair and maintenance possibilities in the camps is still important. Lack of light is

especially concerning regarding the Protection issues.

MSNA 2021 shows that 66% of HHs reported not having sufficient light in the shelters. Similarly, to

2020, COVID-19 restrictions limited access to the camps and distribution of the solar lamps was

limited. Similarly, due to lack of funding related to LPG, funding from solar lamps had to be

repurposed.

In 2022, HH level solar lamps distribution will remain a priority NFI item.

Distributions

The Shelter/NFI Sector will work closely with the SMSD Sector to, where possible, rationalise

distribution by developing centralised multi-partner distribution sites for NFIs, LPG and shelter

materials. These proposed new sites will be integrated with carrying systems and Protection Focal

Points (PFPs). For all existing and new distribution sites, the focus will be on safe, efficient circulation

of people and goods, minimising protection concerns, improving accessibility, increased provision of

WASH facilities, and shortening waiting lines. The Sector will explore cooperation with the Child

Protection Working Group to develop child-friendly spaces adjacent to distribution sites, to improve

access and amenity, particularly for women, during distributions. The Sector will work with partners

to develop standard guidelines for distributions.

Indicators

Data Source

Targets

2020 2021 2022

% of refugee households reached with an NFI voucher system

4W 30% 8% 70%

20 Minimum requirements for household-level lighting are available at:

https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/bangladesh/document/minimum-requirements-household-lighting

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 18

% of refugee households with access to at least one functioning household-level solar light

MSNA 42% 50% 100%

6.4 Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)

The programme to distribute LPG has been successful since it began in late 2018. 88% of households

state they exclusively use LPG for cooking (MSNA 2019). By early 2020, all Rohingya households should

have received a LPG starter pack, which is followed up with continuous refills. The refugees are

provided with regular refills to meet cooking needs, prevent tree-cutting and encourage forest

recovery. Minimising the need to collect firewood also helps to reduce the possibility of this activity

causing tension between communities.

To improve health and reduce fire risk in the camps, it is essential to continue providing LPG refills and

to increase knowledge on safe cooking practice. This latter objective will be achieved by increasing

consultation with women’s groups and youth groups, principally through training, workshops and

learning events. The Shelter/NFI Sector will explore opportunities for cooperation with the Nutrition

and Food Security Sectors on linkages between safe cooking and nutrition.

Indicators

Data Source

Targets

2020 2021 2022

% of refugee households receiving LPG refills 4Ws

100% 100% 100%

LPG stoves have a lifespan of 2 years. According to this timeframe, some stove replacement was

needed in 2020.

To reduce the rate of LPG consumption, pressure cookers were piloted in two camps in 2020 and

2021 with LPG savings of approximately 30%. The Sector will continue to support pilots that

increase energy efficiency or use renewable energy such as solar power and sustainable biofuels.

As the humanitarian response is becoming protracted, it is no longer feasible to rely on short-term

emergency funding for fuel distribution to refugees. Current fuel distribution rates are increasingly

falling short of refugee needs. Preliminary findings of the Joint Multi-Sector Needs Assessment 2021

(J-MSNA 2021) show that 53% of households report running out of LPG before their next refill. Of

these households, over 60% bought firewood to cope, and another 20% collected firewood. Another

20% of households indicate that they purchased LPG refills to meet their needs.

Although blanket LPG distributions remain necessary due to government restrictions against ,

relevant UN agencies and the Shelter/NFI Sector are also seeking to enhance the LPG programme’s

funding predictability, cost efficiency, and financial sustainability, in due consideration of the current

restrictive policy environment that limits refugees’ access to stable income to afford the cost of LPG

themselves.

UNHCR, IOM and Nabolok have jointly met LPG needs across all 34 camps, but a critical funding shortfall in 18 IOM-managed camps from September to December 2021 affected 97,000 households and led to repurposing of funding, creating gaps in other assistance.

In addition, worn-out stoves (across all 34 camps) need to be replaced and training provided to

maintain the highest safety standards, which requires additional funding of approximately US$ 10

million in 2022.

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 19

7.0 Age, Gender and Diversity-Informed Engagement

7.1 Capacity building and community engagement

The Upgrade Shelter Kit (2018) and Transitional Shelter Assistance (ongoing) have included basic

training in shelter repair, maintenance and upgrading for displaced households. The Sector has

identified community engagement and capacity building as ways to motivate self-sustaining

initiatives among displaced households and foster a sense of self-determination. Shelter projects

should include affected populations in decision-making from planning and design to implementation

and monitoring. Projects using community-led approaches are encouraged, such as participatory

budgeting wherein affected populations determine how funds should be spent. Participatory

processes must ensure that voices from groups of all ages, genders and abilities are equally

represented to arrive at decisions that are fair and accepted by the community. Special effort must

be made to reach out to marginalized groups with tailored communications and sessions that are

accessible to them.

Capacity building sessions should be age, gender and ability segregated and likewise tailored to the

needs and barriers faced by each of the groups. Sessions can include shelter strengthening,

maintenance and improvement, fire safety, and household-level site improvement (see table below).

Aim Target group Training Provided

Build confidence and knowledge of technical shelter construction, repair, and upgrading.

• Semi-skilled and skilled volunteers directing unskilled, cash-for-work casual labourers in shelter construction, repairs, upgrades and maintenance.

• Representatives of households who are receiving TSA I and TSA II materials.

• Construction techniques (strong connections, ways to attach tarpaulin)

• Household-level site improvement designs

• Shelter maintenance and strengthening (bracing, proper installation of metal footings)

• PSEA (reporting mechanisms, camp PSEA focals)

• DRR (proper installation of tie-down kits, plinth protection)

Promote awareness of safe practices

Women and youth (via youth and women committees and groups)

• PSEA (reporting mechanisms, camp PSEA focals)

• Maintenance of household-level drainage

• Safe cooking spaces and practices

Encourage mutual aid and community construction, particularly for vulnerable households

Community and religious leaders • Importance of collective efforts to provide shelter support to vulnerable individuals within the community

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 20

• Principles of systems design for household-level site improvements

• Safe cooking practices

• Monsoon preparedness (proper installation of tie-down kits, cleaning gutters and household-level drainage)

Indicators

Data Source

Targets

2020 2021 2022

Number of people trained 4Ws

100,000 100,000 100,000

Number of people (women, older people, people with specific needs) involved in shelter activities.

4Ws NA 1,211 4601

% of targeted population that reports that shelter activities were designed in response to their feedback

CFM NA 69% 80%

8.0 Issues Cross- Cutting Across Strategic Objectives

8.1 Housing, Land and Property (HLP) – coordinated with Protection and SMSD sectors

Over the next year(s), competition over land in and around the refugee camps is likely to intensify

for the following reasons:

- Camps are currently sited on forest and wildlife sanctuary land - Precarious tenure arrangements

According to the MSNA 2019, approximately 57% of refugees in Teknaf and 3% of refugees in Ukhia are paying rent to landlords or people sub-letting land, some of whom are from the host community. Rental rates per month vary throughout the camps, ranging from zero in the older northern Kutupalong-Balukhali sites to BDT 5000 in the Teknaf camps. Almost all tenure agreements are undocumented and verbal. Displaced households living in camps have been exposed to arbitrary rent increases and, due to financial vulnerability, are likely to adopt negative coping mechanisms. Cash for work, payment in kind (through food and NFIs) and provision of manual labour (working on boats and farms owned by the host community) have been reported by Protection partners, who also note instances of exploitation. Tenants who cannot afford to pay rent face eviction, threat of shelter demolition and homelessness.21 Over the years, host communities renting land, shelter/house and shops to refugees has come out as a prominent engagement the two communities have with each other. In the Joint Multi Sector Needs Assessment (J-MSNA) of 2020, 10% of refugee respondents reported having had to make rent payments to live in their shelter in the 6 months prior to data collection. According to MSNA 2021, 12% of refugees reported having had to make rent

21 This information has been provided to the Shelter/NFI Sector via meetings between the HLP Coordinator

and site management and protection partners. For more information contact the HLP coordinator.

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 21

payments in the 6 months prior to data collection. High proportions of households having reported rent payments remained an issue across the southern Teknaf camps. Based on the Shelter assessment22 in January 2021, 15 % of households had to pay rent: 13% payment of cash 2% payment through goods (food ration, shelter materials, NFIs, etc.) Teknaf upazila (356 HH) had a higher number of households that paid rent in cash compared to Ukhiya upazila (89 HH). However, Ukhiya upazila (66 HH) had a higher number of households that paid through goods compared to Teknaf upazila (2 HH).

To address the issues identified above, the Shelter/NFI Sector will work with the SMSD and

Protection Sectors to establish a Housing, Land and Property Technical Forum (HLP-TF). The HLP-TF

will be hosted by the Shelter/NFI Sector and work closely with the government including the

Forestry Department, the Assistant Commissioner of Land and the RRRC to finalise and implement

the HLP Strategy 2020 – 2022, focussing on:

1. Capacity sharing: developing and delivering training modules on land-/forest-related legal frameworks and HLP dispute resolution mechanisms to partners, community members and relevant government authorities.

2. Evidence-based legal and policy advocacy: the main HLP advocacy priorities will be identified, and an advocacy plan developed, following stakeholder/land mapping and analysis of relevant legal frameworks. Partners have identified assessment of rental arrangements throughout the camps and exploration of rental regulation as a priority23. The HLP-TF/Protection partners will also engage in cross-sector HLP monitoring (specifically HLP- related protection, site management and shelter issues) and development of an HLP case management and referral mechanism.

3. HLP disputes between displaced and host communities will be addressed through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

4. HLP-related information, counselling and legal assistance to verify tenure documents will be provided to host communities to strengthen the exercise of land and ownership rights.

5. Other HLP concerns identified by the forum.

Indicators

Data Source

Targets

2020 2021 2022

Number of individuals trained on HLP issues (legal frameworks for land and forest)

Training reports 40 0 60

Number of evidence-based legal and policy advocacy products/interventions developed on HLP

Legal/policy products

5 2 2

Number of HLP cases addressed through conflict mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (for refugees and host communities)

4Ws 5 30 30

Number of host community households provided with information, counselling and legal assistance on tenure security

4Ws 25 50 50

22 https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/sites/www.humanitarianresponse.info/files/documents/files/shelter_standard_assessment_final.pdf 23 For information on the source of this data contact the HLP Coordinator.

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 22

8.2 Emergency

The piloting of a revision to the existing Focal Point system is intended to improve emergency

coordination and response. CFPs will support the CiC/SMS agency with the development of emergency

response plans for moderate and major events. They will also have a role during extreme events,

specifically a cyclone, in accordance with the 72h Cyclone Plan.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) principles remain a cornerstone of shelter interventions. To further

mainstream DRR household-level site improvements will be incorporated in all shelter interventions.

Monsoon

Monsoon, emergency shelter assistance in 2022 will continue to follow the 2020 Rapid Damage

Verification (version 7), with some modifications to the package for flooded shelters. Revision of

reporting mechanisms for Modality C is planned in early 2022 to capture lessons learnt and

recommendations from 2021.

Cyclone

Emergency shelter kits will be prepositioned for 30% of households in Ukhia camps and 100% of

households in Teknaf camps. Supplies will be prepositioned in all catchment areas. The Sector will

work with agencies to ensure that there are plans for shelter kit replenishment during and post-

emergency.

The Shelter/NFI Sector will engage with the Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG) and

relevant government authorities to determine support for host communities after impact of a

cyclone or other natural disaster. Assistance to the host community will be guided by existing

emergency response mechanisms and the Standing Order on Disaster (SOD).

The Shelter/NFI Sector will also advocate and provide technical support for the construction of

multi-purpose facilities that can be used as cyclone/relocation centres in the camps.

Indicators

Data Source

Targets

2020 2021 2022

% of Focal Points trained

Shelter/NFI Sector

100% 100% 100%

% of households with assistance provided after damage verification

Emergency reporting

100% 100% 100%

Emergency shelter kits prepositioned for % of households

4Ws 30% Ukhia; 100% Teknaf

30% Ukhia; 100% Teknaf

30% Ukhia; 100% Teknaf

% of catchment areas with emergency shelter kits prepositioned

4Ws 100% 100% 100%

8.3 Host Community

Shelter partners are encouraged to support host community shelters that are in poor condition and

within one kilometre of camp boundaries. Following a needs assessment that includes a vulnerability

assessment of the household relative to others within the same community, Shelter/NFI support

may include:

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 23

- Household-level lighting for vulnerable households that not connected to any electricity grid

- Shelter re/construction or repair (focussing on Jhupri type shelters)

- Piloting alternative materials and construction

- Training on shelter repair and maintenance

- Working papers to guide shelter assistance for host communities

Shelter interventions should be implemented in coordination with the Assistant Commissioner of

Land, Ward members, Para committees, the Union Parishad Chairman, the Upazila Chairman and the

Upazila Nilbhahi Officer (UNO). Works should align with Bangladesh Shelter Cluster guidance24 and

guidelines from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works.25 Distribution of LPG refills will continue

for households selected in 2019 but be slowly phased out in 2020, in 2022 only around 6000 HC HHs

will receive LPG support.

Indicators

Data Source

Targets

2020 2021 2022

Number of host community households benefiting from shelter support

4Ws 1,500 2,001 890

Number of host community households receiving household-level solar lights or support for connection to the grid

4Ws 2,000 300 905

Number of host community households receiving LPG refills

4Ws 45,000 31,827 750

Number of HC HHs receiving NFI (cash for NFI, in kind)

4Ws NA NA 4000

In 2021, due to COVID-19 restrictions, assistance to HC was reduced and was concentrated on the

shelter and NFI assistance to HC affected by fire on March 22nd and those affected by flooding in May

and June.

8.4 Protection, Gender and PSEA

The Sector aims to ensure gender, age, disability and diversity inclusive programming through

participatory approaches in programme design, development, implementation and monitoring.

Shelter interventions will aim to achieve safe, secure and dignified shelter, sites, access and land

tenure. All shelter designs will be developed with community involvement to encourage

independent decision making and an increased sense of ownership within the community receiving

assistance.

The proposed programme to distribute shelter and NFIs using a voucher system, developed through

FGDs and an NFI Technical Working Group, aims to improve access to culturally appropriate items

while considering the diversity of needs among the refugee population.

24 Detailed Shelter Response Profile – Bangladesh: Local Building Cultures for Sustainable and Resilient

Habitats. Available at: https://www.sheltercluster.org/promoting-safer-building-working-group/documents/bangladesh-local-building-cultures-resilience-and 25 Standard Guideline for Rural Housing in Disaster Prone Areas of Bangladesh; Ministry of Housing and Public

Works available at:

https://www.sheltercluster.org/sites/default/files/docs/standard_guideline_for_rural_housing_in_disaster_pr

one_areas_bangladesh1.compressed_0.pdf

Shelter/NFI Sector Working Paper 2020 – 2022 24

To clarify the different needs related to gender and age, the Shelter/NFI Sector will cooperate with

university researchers to develop knowledge products which will support future shelter/NFI

programming.

For all shelter/NFI interventions, Sex and Age Disaggregated Data (SADD) will be collected for the

heads of households. SADD data will also be collected at an individual level in relation to training of

specific population groups. Training will be developed that targets boys, girls and women to

supplement existing training that focuses on male heads of households and construction volunteers.

The Sector will work together with the PSEA Network to organise PSEA training for Sector Partners.

To ensure that protection is mainstreamed in shelter/NFI interventions, the Protection Sector will be

consulted when developing technical guidance.

In 2021, the SNFI Sector developed a Gender Action Plan which includes gender and inclusion

activities. The Gender Action Plan will be reviewed in 2022 to ensure that it reflects changes to the

context and remains relevant.

8.5 Measurement and Impact

To support partner implementation of strategic objectives, the Shelter/NFI Sector will develop

technical guidance, minimum standards, and a reporting system that captures a broad range of

shelter/NFI activities.

The Sector will carry out a comprehensive Shelter/NFI Survey annually to measure the impact of

interventions and organise joint field visits with partners to ensure that consistent standards are

maintained.

8.6 Accountability to the Affected Population (AAP)

The Shelter/NFI Sector will work closely with the 103 information hubs established in the camps

managed by Site Management Support and Communication with Community actors. Information

hubs collect complaint and feedback points and are linked to Shelter CFPs. Shelter CFPs will

communicate feedback, requests and complaints to the relevant agency and provide the follow-up.

END