UNHCR WASH Resources

The Sphere Standards and the Coronavirus Response


SPHERE guidance related to how humanitarian actors can best respond to the COVID-19 outbreak including fundamental principles, and relevant standards.


Institutional Survey on Menstrual Hygiene Management


As part of the operationalization of the Age, Gender and Diversity policy, UNHCR is working to better understand how it is addressing the MHM needs of its persons of concern globally and to support country operations in planning for and responding to those needs. To facilitate this, on MHM Day 2018 the Assistant High Commissioner for Operations announced a global survey of MHM programs. This survey was circulated at the end of 2018 and the results are summarized in this document.


WASH in the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (UNHCR, 2019)


This document describes the objectives and underlying principles of WASH programming in the UNHCR Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework, including steps to be taken, and the role of UNHCR. Guidance is provided for all phases of the relief cycle from preparedness to long-term inclusion.


WASH KAP Survey All Modules

WASH KAP Survey – All Modules


Publisher: UNHCR Year: 2020


F-308/2019a Water Tanker Inspection Checklist and Certificate (UNHCR, 2019)


This water tanker checklist has been produced to help WASH actors inspect water hauling vehicles used in refugee operations. Please note that it is not a strict compliance document, but is intended to help select water tankers that are sanitary, safe, and legal. Ideally, every vehicle should be inspected before entering service. WASH programs may decide to issue vehicles that pass with a certificate of acceptability for the duration of the operation.


    F-307/2019a Refugee Water Monitor Logbook Template (UNHCR, 2019)


    This logbook form should be used as part of the monitoring and payment justification process for water trucking in emergencies. The logbook should be kept by the refugee water monitor responsible for tracking water deliveries to the site and copies should be sent to UNHCR on a weekly basis for monitoring purposes.


    F-306/2019a Water Tanker Logbook Template (UNHCR, 2019)


    This logbook form should be used as part of the payment justification process for water trucking in emergencies. The logbook should be kept with the vehicle at all times for spot checks and copies should be sent to UNHCR on a weekly basis for monitoring purposes.


    The Cost of Water Project


    The Cost of Water Project supports the effective planning and sustainable management of water supply systems in refugee camps and settlements. Launched in 2014 by the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Unit in DPSM’s Public Health Section in partnership with the International Water and Sanitation Centre, the project measures the overall costs of providing effective water systems in a variety of refugee hosting contexts to create a flexible decision-making tool specific to refugee situations.


    UNHCR WASH Flyer 2019


    Brief WASH Flyer illustrating the global challenges delivering WASH services for refugees. The flyer touches on UNHCR’s WASH response to the 2030 agenda and the human right to safe water and sanitation.