A Community-based Approach in UNHCR Operations

In recent years, UNHCR has gradually shifted its focus from individual assistance in the area of community services to building on the knowledge, skills and capacities of people of concern and their communities. This approach, as outlined in UNHCR’s Community Development Policy of 2001, is based on the understanding that by placing people of concern at the centre of operational decision-making, and building protection strategies in partnership with them, they will be better protected, their capacities to identify, develop and sustain solutions will be strengthened, and the resources available will be used more effectively. In a rights- and community- based approach, people of concern not only have the right to participate inmaking decisions that affect their lives, but they also have a right to information and transparency from UNHCR and partner staff.

This manual is intended to support staff in implementing a communitybased approach in UNHCR operations to ensure that people of concern are placed at the centre of all decisions affecting their lives.