The Camp Management Agency works with the Cluster/ Sector Lead Agency in establishing a Site Development Committee (SDC).
Representatives on the Site Development Committee include, in addition to the Camp Management Agency, the national authorities, the Cluster/Sector Lead Agency, the camp population, service providers, surveyors, GIS experts, hydrologists, public health engineers, land tenure experts (lawyer or an expert in customary land tenure rights) and other relevant technical experts.
Information related to safety, protection, security, social and cultural considerations, location and conditions of the land (including size, access, distance from borders and available resources) is analysed.
Housing, land and property rights related to the site selection and camp improvement, particularly around issues of water, pastoral and agricultural access, are identified.
Future changes and uncertainties, such as new arrivals and camp expansion, are planned for.
The camp is planned and set up, eventually improved, in line with international standards and indicators and in accordance with the cultural and social needs of camp residents.
Ways forward are decided upon to best use positive aspects and mitigate the effects of unfavourable ones of the site.
Pros and cons of selected sites, plans to improve the site, together with reasoning behind final decisions, are documented.
The environmental impact of the camp is considered and plans are made to limit environmental damage.
Site planning pays special attention to members of groups at risk and those with specific needs.
Protection concerns are assessed.
Guidelines, standards and the expertise of individuals and agencies are used to make for an efficient and safe camp in line with international laws and standards.
In situations of self-settled/spontaneous camps, decisions are made about the need to reorganise or resettle the community or parts of the community as appropriate.
The SDC continues to function after camp set-up to address issues in the care and maintenance phase of the camp, as appropriate.
As part of a larger monitoring and evaluation system, key actors are brought together to get feedback on how residents, staff and the host community regard the camp location and layout.
If evidence emerges of a growing disparity exists between the living conditions of the camp residents and the host population, the Cluster/Sector Lead Agency, the national authorities, the Camp Management Agency, UN agencies and NGOs consult on the possibility of implementing projects or sharing goods or services.
An address system for the camp is planned, taking into account the needs of non-literate camp residents.
Plans for phase-out, exit and camp closure are considered from the start, including land agreements, service contracts, documentation storage and confidentiality, asset management and identification of possible durable solutions.
Closure
Phase-out, exit and camp closure are considered and planned for from the beginning.
Assessments to ascertain whether return is voluntary are made.
Participation and coordination among all stakeholders is ensured.
Information campaigns are developed and implemented to ensure residents have accurate, objective and up-todate information on closure procedures.
Groups most at risk and vulnerable individuals are supported and protected throughout the process. Special information or awareness-raising programmes and links with longer-term development projects are developed, which will help camp residents re-integrate on return.
Administrative procedures ensure that all documents are either with their owners before they leave or, by their consent, with lead agencies (Cluster/Sector/Protection), held by NGOs or have been destroyed.
The deregistration process is facilitated.
The monitoring of the return process ensures safety, security and dignity.
All camp residents staying behind have been provided with adequate assistance and protection.
The camp assets and infrastructure are distributed fairly and transparently with due regard for the host community.
The future maintenance/care of infrastructure is handed over to the national authorities or other appropriate people.
Latrines, rubbish pits, and washing facilities are safely decommissioned.
Service contracts and agreements are modified or terminated appropriately, including any lease agreement for housing, land and property.
A list of environmental concerns is made and plans developed on how they are to be addressed.
Information and support is provided to help camp residents deal with uncertainty. Their questions are answered and they are given advice about the future.
Site returned to previous condition unless alternative plans have been developed and agreed to by national authorities and surrounding communities.
