1- Introduction:
a- Global Shelter Cluster:
Following a 2005 review of international responses to humanitarian emergencies, known as the Humanitarian Response Review, the cluster approach was proposed as a way of addressing gaps and strengthening effectiveness. A total of 11 clusters were created at the global level including the Global Shelter Cluster to enhance global level preparedness. In light of the growing recognition of weaknesses in the multilateral humanitarian response system and building on lessons learned, the IASC Principals decided to make adjustments to improve the system further. The resulting IASC Transformative Agenda process, initiated in 2011, called on all clusters to improve coordination, leadership and accountability. In response to these recommendations, the Global Shelter Cluster has strengthened its capacity to provide and support humanitarian shelter coordination at global, regional and country level.
The Shelter Cluster is co-chaired on the global level by IFRC and UNHCR. IFRC is convener of the Emergency Shelter Cluster in disaster situations while UNHCR leads the Emergency Shelter Cluster in the area of conflict generated IDPs.
In addition to IFRC and UNHCR, partners of the Global Shelter Cluster include: ACTED,
Archi-Urgent, Article 25, Care UK, Cart ONG, Christian Aid, CHF, CRS, Danish Refugee Council, DFID, ECHO, Habitat for Humanity International, IMPACT, InterAction, International Rescue Committee, IOM, Medair, NRC, OFDA, Oxfam GB, ProAct, RedR, Relief International, RICS, Save The Children UK, SDC, Shelter Centre, SKAT, UN Habitat, UN OCHA, UNRWA and World Vision International.
Currently there is twenty four active shelter clusters, eleven are led by UNHCR, six by IFRC, four by IOM and others by Habitat for Humanity, NRC and UNICEF Eight of the current cluster related to the natural disasters, thirteen for conflicts and three for complex emergency*
b- Shelter Cluster Pakistan:
The Shelter Cluster in Pakistan is activated under the leadership of UNHCR and Co-Chair by FDMA for the complex emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Cluster representatives participate in the Humanitarian Regional Team (HRT) as the inter-cluster coordination forum at provincial level. At national level in Pakistan, inter-sector coordination is facilitated through the National Humanitarian Coordination Mechanism (NHCM), where the national shelter sector is represented by IOM.