UNHCR WASH MANUAL FOR REFUGEE SETTINGS

The UNHCR WASH Manual (2015) is the result of an open and collaborative process with WASH actors who have active programmes supporting refugees. It has been written primarily for use by UNHCR staff, WASH actors, national governmental authorities, emergency response coordinating bodies, contingency planners, programme evaluators, and is a useful reference for any individuals or organisations involved in providing WASH services in refugee settings.

The manual outlines WASH guidelines that should be met in all refugee settings to provide an adequate level of basic WASH services for refugees. The manual does not aim to be a detailed technical WASH manual, but instead aims to present..

  1. A general description of overarching principles that should be considered in all refugee WASH programmes;
  2. A simple overview of WASH technical options that are suitable for refugee settings including a description of their advantages, disadvantages and related UNHCR policies;
  3. Where to find more detailed UNHCR approved technical design and operational information (e.g. from existing WASH technical documentation).

The manual should be used in practically all refugee situations, where UNHCR operates including low middle-income and high-income countries, emergencies, protracted situations, and eventually repatriation or any other durable solution identified. The focus of the manual is on refugees, but in some contexts, may apply or be adapted to asylum-seekers, stateless persons, internally displaced and
returnee settings.

UNHCR WASH MANUAL FOR REFUGEE SETTINGS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

INTRODUCTION

Target audience
Legal framework and the human rights to water and sanitation
Description of phases used in this document

Where this UNHCR WASH Manual should be used

PART 1: UNHCR WASH PROGRAMME GUIDANCE

1. UNHCR WASH PROTECTION PRINCIPLES

Introduction
Terminologies useful for understanding protection and accountability
Protection and accountability challenges related to WASH in refugee contexts
Principle 1: Consultation, participation and accountability
Principle 2: Equitable access to WASH
Principle 3: Protection, privacy, and safety
Principle 4: Menstrual Hygiene Management

Principle 5: Cross-sector collaboration

2. WASH STRATEGY AND OPERATIONAL PLANS

Introduction
Global WASH Strategy
Country WASH Strategy
Site WASH Operational Plan
A comprehensive approach to WASH service provision
Cash based interventions
Appropriate technology selection, quality and value for money
Integrated programming with a focus on sustainable solutions and exit strategies

Protection of the Environment

3. WASH SECTOR COORDINATION

The importance of effective WASH sector coordination in refugee settings
WASH sector coordination implementation arrangements
Establishment WASH Sector Strategy and Operational Response Plans (refer chapter 2)
Establishment of agreed common Standards, and Indicators (refer chapter X)
The importance of dedicated coordination personnel and resources
Establishment of an Advisory Group
Creation of Technical Working Groups (TWGs)
Coordinated sector preparedness and contingency planning
Capture and application of lessons learned and sector best practice

Monitoring of the quality of WASH sector coordination

4. WASH ASSESSMENTS

Priority actions
WASH Assessment Processes and Tools
Assessment team composition
Identification of assessment locations
Focus group discussions
Rapid household surveys
Observation walks
Assessment of existing WASH infrastructure conditions
Assessment of New Sites
Assessment of existing WASH management arrangements
Assessment of existing WASH legislation
Institutional capacity assessments

WASH Assessment Analysis and Reporting

5. WASH MONITORING AND REPORTING

Introduction

Priority actions

 

PART 2 UNHCR WASH TECHNICAL GUIDANCE

6. WASH AND PUBLIC HEALTH

The importance of WASH interventions in disease prevention and control
WASH interventions as part of a comprehensive public health approach
Common  water-borne diseases in refugee settings
Common water-washed diseases in refugee settings
Common water-based diseases in refugee settings
Common Vector Borne Diseases in Refugee Settings
Mosquitoes
Flies

Epidemic preparedness and response in refugee settings

7. WATER SUPPLY

Priority actions
Water sources
Water propspection and evaluation
Water abstraction
Solar power for water pumping
Water source protection
Water quality monitoring and testing
Technical options for bulk water treatment
Household water treatment and safe storage
Water storage

Water distribution

8. EXCRETA MANAGEMENT

Priority actions
Excreta technology selection
Excreta management in difficult conditions
Excreta management technical options
Guidance for hand-washing facilities

Cleaning and maintenance of toilet facilities

9. HYGIENE PROMOTION

Priority actions
Immediate mobilisation of the community to take action
Approaches to hygiene promotion in refugee settings
A phased approach to hygiene promotion
Communication methods in refugee settings
Hygiene promotion interventions at the household level
Preparing a hygiene promotion strategic plan

Hygiene promotion tools for refugee settings

10. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Priority actions
Waste types, characteristics & management options
Reduction, recycling and reuse in refugee settings
Technical options for waste storage and collection
Technical options for waste transportation
Technical options for waste disposal

Medical waste management in refugee settings

11. DISEASE VECTOR CONTROL

Priority actions
Control of disease vectors in refugee settings
Control of mosquitoes in refugee settings
Control of flies in refugee settings
Control of fleas in refugee settings
Control of lice in refugee settings
Control of mites in refugee settings

Control of rodents in refugee settings

REFERENCES

INDEX

ANNEXES

Please note that this version is a preliminary first draft and if you have any comments, additions, corrections, or suggestions for improvement they can be added to the UNHCR WASH Manual WIKI which can be accessed HERE.