WHO IS THIS DOCUMENT FOR?
This document provides guidance for humanitarian actors on how to address protection and vulnerability in their work, and highlights aspects to consider in operations to ensure a protection focused humanitarian response in Ukraine (both Government (GCA) and Non-Government (NGCA) controlled areas.
ALL CONFLICT AFFECTED PEOPLE ARE IN NEED – WHY A PROTECTION AND VULNERABILITY FOCUS?
THOSE MOST IN NEED. Millions of people in Ukraine, both in government and non-government controlled areas have been affected by the recent conflict. Within populations, certain individuals and groups may be more vulnerable than others. It is necessary, and a priority, to identify such individuals or groups, and to take measures which address their specific vulnerability. When providing humanitarian assistance, there is a global agreement that all humanitarian actors should focus on those most in need.
NEED FOR PRIORITISATION. It will take time and resources to reach everyone and prioritization is necessary to decide who to support; where (geographically) to support; when to support (start with whom) and what type of assistance. Prioritization should be done bearing in mind protection and vulnerability concerns i.e. although the plan is to reach all some have more urgent need for support.
AVOID UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES AND FUTURE PROTECTION ISSUES. Ex: how assistance is provided and to whom can create tension among IDPs and host communities. It is essential that the community understands how prioritization was done, and it is very important to discuss and communicate with the people we work with.
ENSURING THAT YOU HAVE THE FULL PICTURE. If you include disaggregated data [details of gender, age, marital status, disability, economic situation etc.] in assessments and when deciding on who-where-what- to support, the project will be based on a fuller picture related to needs.