Depending on the emergency context, UNHCR may be involved in the movement of persons of concern from border areas to a registration site further away. Movement support should be provided when the population does not have the means to access the registration location that has been set up for them, and/or where protection risks associated with traveling in insecure or militarized areas (e.g. passing check points) can be mitigated in this way. Whenever possible, UNHCR should work with partners on transportation, typically with the local authorities and/or IOM. Generally, persons of concern should be transported in buses. The destination location may be a transit centre, registration site or an existing refugee camp. Less often, transportation may be facilitated in urban and informal settlement contexts to help new arrivals reach a registration location. In parallel with organizing transportation, an information campaign should be conducted to share critical information on this activity, including:
The Identity Management and Registration Officer may have a complex coordination role with regards to the movement of people towards a registration site. He or she must ensure all the parties – refugees, government authorities, colleagues and partners, are kept informed at each step so that the movement goes as smoothly as possible. Coordination tasks may include:
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Ensuring transportation arrangements are in place: The Identity Management and Registration Officer should liaise and ensure good communication between UNHCR and the relevant government authorities and partners (IOM if present) on arranging transportation. Where UNHCR is leading movement activities, the Identity Management and Registration Officer should coordinate with Supply and Logistics focal points to ensure arrangements are in place, including the hiring of enough buses and trucks.
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Ensuring all stakeholders are informed: All relevant host country authorities, military and/or security personnel (as appropriate), as well as those managing the destination points should be well informed of the movement activities.
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Ensuring persons of concern understand the movement schedule and destination points: The assistance of community leaders (as well as partners) should be sought to help communicate important information about the movement, and to help organize passenger boarding on the day, including identifying groups or individuals in need of urgent medical assistance or other specific needs justifying prioritized boarding.
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Coordinating the movement schedule with the registration schedule at the destination location: The rate of movement of those arriving at the transit centre must be aligned with and adjusted according to the rate of movement of those departing the transit centre and accessing registration. Regular status updates between staff at the various points of departure and arrival are necessary to avoid problems related to over-crowding.
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Planning a clear process to facilitate boarding procedures and help reduce crowd pressures. Individuals identified with urgent specific needs should be physically able to pass ahead of others to board first. They should be accompanied by a responsible attendant (usually a relative). Meeting points should be established to prevent separation of family members not traveling with persons with specific needs.
