Training on Protection in Humanitarian Action

Module 1: Foundations of Protection in Humanitarian Action

• Defining protection: prevention, mitigation, and response to violence, coercion, and discrimination.

• The protection of civilians in armed conflict (IHL).

• The humanitarian protection ecosystem: UNHCR, UNICEF, ICRC, and protection cluster.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Analyze a protection incident in a humanitarian setting, identify the protection risks, and map the relevant actors with mandates to respond.

Module 2: Legal Frameworks for Protection

• International Humanitarian Law (IHL): Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols.

• International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and refugee law (1951 Convention).

• Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Apply legal frameworks to a scenario involving displaced civilians, distinguishing between IHL, IHRL, and refugee law applicable to different groups.

Module 3: Protection Risk Analysis and Assessment

• Protection risk analysis tools and methodologies.

• Identifying vulnerable groups and intersectional risks.

• Community-based protection assessments.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Conduct a protection risk analysis for a displacement setting, identifying key threats, vulnerable groups, and existing coping mechanisms.

Module 4: Protection Mainstreaming Across Sectors

• The four pillars of protection mainstreaming: prioritize safety, access, participation, and accountability.

• Integrating protection into WASH, shelter, health, food security, and education programs.

• Do-no-harm and conflict-sensitive approaches.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Review a sample shelter program and identify protection risks (e.g., safety, privacy, access). Propose protection mainstreaming measures for each risk.

Module 5: Child Protection in Humanitarian Settings

• Child protection risks: separation, recruitment, violence, exploitation, and distress.

• Family tracing and reunification (FTR) programs.

• Child-friendly spaces and psychosocial support.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Design a child protection response for a displacement camp, including prevention activities, case management, and family tracing mechanisms.

Module 6: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Response

• GBV in humanitarian settings: risks, prevalence, and under-reporting.

• GBV guiding principles: safety, confidentiality, respect, and non-discrimination.

• GBV response services: case management, psychosocial support, and safe spaces.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Develop a GBV referral pathway for a humanitarian response, mapping available services and establishing coordination mechanisms.

Module 7: Mine Action and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education

• Landmines, cluster munitions, and explosive remnants of war (ERW).

• Mine risk education (MRE) methodologies for civilian populations.

• Victim assistance and clearance coordination.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Design a mine risk education campaign for a community returning to a former conflict zone, including messaging, channels, and target audiences.

Module 8: Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) Rights

• HLP issues in displacement: eviction, documentation loss, and land disputes.

• Legal frameworks for HLP rights in humanitarian settings.

• Interventions: legal assistance, mediation, and advocacy.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Analyze a scenario where displaced families face eviction from temporary shelters. Develop an HLP response strategy including legal support and advocacy.

Module 9: Psychosocial Support (PSS) and Mental Health

• The impact of crisis on mental health and psychosocial well-being.

• The MHPSS pyramid (IASC guidelines) for humanitarian settings.

• Community-based PSS activities and referral to specialized mental health services.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Design a psychosocial support activity matrix for a refugee camp, including community-level activities, family support, and individual interventions.

Module 10: Protection Coordination, Advocacy, and Information Management

• Protection cluster coordination mechanisms and information management tools.

• Protection advocacy strategies and messaging.

• Protection monitoring and reporting systems.

• Case Study/Hands-on Exercise: Simulate a protection coordination meeting where partners share protection concerns, analyze trends, and develop a joint advocacy message.