Evaluation of UNHCR's Leadership of the Global Protection Cluster and Field Protection Clusters: 2014-2016

This evaluation focuses on the performance of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as Cluster Lead Agency (CLA) for the Global Protection Cluster (GPC) and Field Protection Clusters (FPCs) between 2014 and 2017. The evaluation has the dual objectives of learning and accountability and seeks to generate evidence regarding the extent to which UNHCR has effectively performed its CLA role, both at the country and global level. The focus is on learning how the 26 protection clusters, for which UNHCR is the CLA at country level, are supported by the GPC, and what lessons have been learned by UNHCR in field CLA situations. The evaluation examines the achievements and challenges of the cluster at global and field level with regard to coordination, capacity building, and support to the field and mainstreaming protection.

The cluster approach was established in 2005 as part of the humanitarian reform process with the aim of strengthening system-wide preparedness and technical capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies. The GPC is a network of United Nations (UN) agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and international organisations working on protection for internally displaced persons and other populations affected by conflict and natural disaster. The GPC coordinates the development of policy, standards and operational tools relating to protection in humanitarian action, including practical guidance on how to establish and manage protection coordination mechanisms.