WHO WE ARE
The Global Protection Cluster (GPC) is a network of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations and United Nations (UN) agencies, engaged in protection work in humanitarian crises including armed conflict, climate change related and natural disaster. The GPC is mandated by the IASC, led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), governed by a Strategic Advisory Group, co-chaired by the GPC Coordinator and an operational NGO, and serviced by a multi-partner Operations Cell.
The GPC unites members, partners and communities working on the full gamut of protection activities, including in four specialized Areas of Responsibility (AoRs): Child Protection (CP), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Housing, Land and Property (HLP) and Mine Action (MA). The GPC contributes to and benefits from the broader IASC system, the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), various human rights treaty bodies and key development and peace building and peacekeeping actors, and through building partnerships with international financial institutions and the private sector.
Our Vision
People are protected in humanitarian crises and their rights respected and solutions found in accordance with international law.
Our Mission
Ensuring well-coordinated, effective and principled protection preparedness and responses, and that protection is at the core of all humanitarian action and recognized as essential in any nexus with development and peace.
Leadership
UNHCR is the Global Cluster Lead Agency for Protection. In this capacity UNHCR has the responsibility to lead and coordinate other United Nations agencies, inter-governmental organisations and Non-governmental organisations participating in the GPC.
In light of their thematic expertise, other agencies have been designated as focal point agencies for specific Areas of Responsibilities (AORs) within the GPC:
- Child Protection (UNICEF)
- Gender-Based Violence (UNFPA)
- Land, Housing and Property (NRC)
- Mine Action (UNMAS)
GPC Coordination Team
| CLUSTER | LEAD AGENCY | COORDINATION TEAM |
|---|---|---|
| Global Protection Cluster | UNHCR | William Chemaly, Coordinator |
| Child Protection AoR | UNICEF |
Ron Pouwels, Coordinator Joyce Mutiso, Deputy Coordinator |
| Gender-Based Violence AoR | UNFPA |
Jennifer Chase, Coordinator Astrid Haaland, Deputy Coordinator |
| Mine Action AoR | UNMAS |
Bruno Donat, Coordinator Christelle Loupforest, Deputy Coordinator |
| Housing Land & Property AoR | NRC | Jim Robinson, Coordinator |
Strategic Advisory Group
The Global Protection Cluster Strategic Advisory Group guides field support in over 30 operations in conflicts and disasters. The group embraces the diversity of protection responders enabling the Global Protection Cluster and field operations to address stubborn old challenges and adapt to tackle new ones through greater inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability. Read their Terms of Reference here.
Task Teams
The GPC’s Task Team’s are established to guide activities of the GPC Work-Plan and effectively implement them. They are led by participants of the GPC and are time-bound.
| TASK TEAM | CO-CHAIRS | TOR |
|---|---|---|
| Advocacy |
Alix Masson (NEAR) Rachel Hastie (OXFAM) |
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| Law and Policy | Martina Caterina (UNHCR) | Download |
| Human Rights Engagement |
Elisa Gazzotti (Soka Gakkai International) Isaiah Toroitich (LWF) Valerie Svobodova (UNHCR) |
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| Anti-Trafficking in Humanitarian Action |
Zahra Atbi (IOM) Andria Kenney (IOM) Kristina von Petersdorff (GPC) |
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| Cash for Protection |
Stefan Schmoldt (IRC) Tenzin Manell (WRC) |
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| Donor and Member States Liaison Group | Annika Sandlund (UNHCR) | Download |
| Information Analysis Working Group | Jude Sweeney (DRC) Boris Aristin (UNHCR) |
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GPC Operations Cell
The GPC has established an Operations Cell with staff from UNHCR, the Swiss Development Cooperation, ProCap and CashCap to deliver on the objectives of the 2016-2019 Strategic Framework. The Operations Cell was formerly known as the Support Cell and the change in its name reflects the emphasis on its engagement with the field. The Operations Cell supports field clusters in their responsibility to craft an appropriate response and provides critical support to the Global Cluster Coordinator by monitoring the GPC’s Work-Plan, influencing planning and resource mobilization.
William Chemaly
Global Protection Cluster Coordinator
Chemaly@unhcr.org
Caroline Blay
Senior Protection Advisor
blay@unhcr.org
Celine Maret
Head of Leadership and Coordination
maret@unhcr.org
Nancy Polutan-Teulieres
Head of Policy and Standard Setting
polutan@unhcr.org
Tatiana Iskindirova
Leadership and Coordination Project Manager
iskindir@unhcr.org
Julien Marneffe
Head of Field Operations and Support
marneffe@unhcr.org
David Winiger
Senior Roving Field Support Officer
winiger@unhcr.org
Marie-Emilie Dozin
Head of Advocacy, Communication and Partner Engagement
dozin@unhcr.org
Boris Aristin Gonzalez
Senior Needs Analysis Officer
aristing@unhcr.org
Kashif Rehman
Information Management Officer
rehmanka@unhcr.org
Mohammad Erekat
Information Management Officer
erekat@unhcr.org
Sam McCormack
Associate Legal Officer (Anti-Trafficking)
mccormac@unhcr.org
Kristina Von Petersdorff
Associate Legal Officer (Anti-Trafficking)
vonpeter@unhcr.org
Emma Wynne
Coordination and Leadership Intern
wynne@unhcr.org
Maria Manoj
Communications and Advocacy Intern
manoj@unhcr.org