The Global Protection Cluster coordinates and provides global level inter-agency policy advice and guidance on the implementation of the cluster approach to Protection Clusters in the field, supports protection responses in non-refugee situation humanitarian action as well as leads standard and policy setting relating to protection in complex and natural disaster humanitarian emergencies, in particular with regard to the protection of internally displaced persons.
The cluster was established in 2005 as part of the humanitarian reform process with the aim of strengthening system-wide preparedness and technical capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies. The Global Protection Cluster (GPC) is a network of UN agencies, NGOs and international organisations working on protection for internally displaced persons and other populations affected by conflict and natural disaster. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the Lead Agency in the Protection Cluster.
The GPC coordinates the development of policy, standards and operational tools relating to protection in humanitarian action, including practical guidance on how to establish and manage protection coordination mechanisms.
The GPC’s work is guided by its 2016-2019 Strategic Framework which is structured around two key objectives:
1. Protection is central to humanitarian action; and
2. Protection response is timely, of high quality and relevant.
The GPC Coordinator, Simon Russell, regularly provides video messages to inform about the clusters’ work and to explain what protection means in operational terms.
Vision
All people affected or threatened by a humanitarian crisis have their rights fully respected in accordance with international law and their protection assured by relevant and timely actions through all phases of the crisis and beyond.
Mission
Within the overall humanitarian response architecture, the GPC works to improve the predictability, leadership, effectiveness and accountability of response to ensure that protection is central to humanitarian action. The protection of the rights of people in conflict and disaster settings requires a broad range of action by a wide variety of duty-bearers, so the GPC also acts as a bridge between humanitarians and others, including development, political, peace-keeping and other relevant actors.
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:
