Site Planning

Based on the only chapter within the only document that describes master planning for refugee camps, there are some considerations:

The needs of the refugees should determine the location, size and layout of the site. Good site selection, planning and shelter will

• Save lives and reduce cost;
• Make the provision of utilities, services and infrastructure easier and more cost effective;
• Ensure most efficient use of land, resources and time.

Camp is a type of settlement. This type of settlement is where refugees find accommodation in purpose built sites where a full range of services, for example water, sanitation, are provided, usually exclusively for the population of the site.

Advantages:

i. Services can be provided to a large population in a centralized and efficient way;
ii. There may be economies of scale in the provision of some services compared with more dispersed settlements;
iii. The refugee population can be easy to identify and communicate with;
iv. Voluntary repatriation can be easier to organize.


Disadvantages:

i. High population density seriously increases health risks to the population;
ii. High risk of environmental damage in the immediate vicinity of the camp;
iii. High population concentrations, particularly close to international borders, may make the population vulnerable to protection problems;
iv. Large camps may provide a hiding place and support base for armed groups who should be excluded from refugee status. It may be difficult to distinguish these groups from the normal refugee population and thus they may continue to benefit from assistance.

Site Planning: General Considerations

• The social and cultural background of the refugees must be a primary consideration and will be an important determinant of the most appropriate type of site and shelter.

• Ideally, the recommended minimum surface area is 45 sqm per person when planning a refugee camp (including garden space).

• it is recommended that they be settled at a reasonable distance from international borders as well as other potentially sensitive areas such as military installations.

• Roads must be “allweather” providing year-round access. Short access roads to connect the main road with the site can be constructed as part of the camp development.

• The site should have a good ground cover (grass, bushes, trees). Vegetation cover provides shade, and reduces erosion and dust.

• The overall physical layout of a site should reflect a decentralized community-based approach focusing on family, village or other social groups.

Reference: Handbook for Emergencıes, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees