- Contribute to an HCT protection strategy focused on priority risks.
- Design protection advocacy that reduces risk without exposing people.
- Govern the management and sharing of sensitive protection data.
1The HCT protection strategy
The 2016 IASC Policy requires each HCT to adopt a multi-year protection strategy. A good strategy selects two to four priority risks drawn from the analysis (for example: forced returns, deliberate denial of access to assistance, attacks on civilians), sets measurable collective outcomes, assigns responsibilities to each sector and to leaders, and provides for regular monitoring.
The Protection Cluster is its technical driving force, but the strategy belongs to the Humanitarian Coordinator and the HCT: it is at their level that messages are conveyed to the authorities, the parties to the conflict and peacekeeping missions.
2Protection advocacy
Advocacy seeks a change in behaviour or policy on the part of a duty bearer. Several modes of action are distinguished, described in particular by the ICRC: persuasion (bilateral and confidential dialogue), mobilisation of influential actors, public denunciation as a last resort, support to authorities who want to act and substitution when services are lacking.
Each option is chosen after a risk analysis: a public message can lead to reprisals against witnesses or loss of access. Effective advocacy is based on verified data, makes a precise and realistic request, addresses the right target and is carried at the right level, often collectively by the cluster or the Humanitarian Coordinator.
3Managing and sharing sensitive data
The protection information management (PIM) principles and the IASC Operational Guidance on Data Responsibility apply to the whole chain: collection, storage, analysis, sharing, retention and destruction. The key tools: a data protection impact assessment before any new system, data sharing agreements specifying the purpose, the level of aggregation and the security measures, and a classification of the sensitivity of datasets.
GBV incident data circulate only according to the protocols of the GBV Information Management System (GBVIMS) and the AoR's agreements. Even aggregated data can be sensitive: the location of an ethnic group or a camp can become a target. Before sharing, always ask who could use this information to cause harm.
4Measuring protection outcomes
The results-based protection approach, promoted in particular by InterAction, calls for measuring risk reduction rather than the volume of activities. An outcome is formulated in terms of change for people: fewer incidents, fewer negative coping strategies, more effective access to documents or services.
In practice: define a baseline, track a few outcome indicators combining quantitative data and community perceptions (sense of safety, trust in services), revise the strategy when the context changes, and document unintended effects, including negative ones.
Exercise: the advocacy note
Based on the "Returns under pressure" case, write a one-page note for the Humanitarian Coordinator: priority risk formulated according to the risk equation, aggregated evidence, precise requests to the government and donors, recommended mode of action (persuasion, mobilisation or denunciation) with its risk analysis, and outcome indicators for the next three months. No personal data must appear in the note.
Key points
- HCT strategy: two to four priority risks, collective outcomes, clear responsibilities.
- Modes of action: persuasion, mobilisation, denunciation, support, substitution, chosen after risk analysis.
- Advocacy: verified data, precise request, right target, right level.
- Data: purpose, impact assessment, sharing agreements; GBV data follow the GBVIMS.
- Measure risk reduction, not just activities.
Further reading: course references
- Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) (2016). IASC Policy on Protection in Humanitarian Action. interagencystandingcommittee.org
- International Committee of the Red Cross (2018). Professional Standards for Protection Work Carried Out by Humanitarian and Human Rights Actors in Armed Conflict and Other Situations of Violence (3rd edition). www.icrc.org/fr
- Global Protection Cluster (2021). Protection Analytical Framework (PAF). www.globalprotectioncluster.org
- United Nations, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (1998). Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. www.ohchr.org/fr
- Sphere Association (2018). The Sphere Handbook: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards (Protection Principles). spherestandards.org/fr/manuel-2018
- Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) (2010). IASC Framework on Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons. interagencystandingcommittee.org
- GBV AoR, UNFPA (2024). Gender-Based Violence Area of Responsibility (GBV AoR). www.gbvaor.net
- Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) (2024). Protection of internally displaced persons. www.unhcr.org/fr
Daily quiz
3 questions to check what you have learned. Answer them all to complete the day.