Refugee-Only: The coordination system is different in a refugee-only context (where the affected population are primarily refugees and host communities). Here, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated to support the host government with coordination of the crisis. This is guided by the UNHCR-led Refugee Coordination Model (RCM). A HC will not be appointed, IASC coordination mechanisms do not apply, and IASC clusters will not be established but may function as sectors chaired by Cluster Lead Agencies.
Mixed situation: In a mixed situation with internally displaced persons, refugees and other groups, a HC is usually appointed, and IASC-mandated clusters are established to address the needs of the internally displaced persons, while UNHCR will lead the refugee response. Close collaboration is necessary to ensure an effective and efficient response. The UNHCR and OCHA Joint Note on Mixed Situations: Coordination in Practice (2014) clarifies leadership and coordination arrangements in complex emergencies to ensure that coordination is streamlined, complementary and mutually reinforcing, and to avoid duplications. In a humanitarian crisis involving both refugee and non-refugee populations, UNHCR participates in cluster meetings, and refugees’ needs are reflected in consolidated appeals under multi-sectoral response to refugees.
Example: In Sudan, the overall cluster coordination is done by OCHA whereas the coordination of assistance for the refugee population coordination is undertaken by UNHCR. Additionally, in Colombia, there are both clusters under OCHA and sectors under UNHCR/IOM for the Refugee & Migrants Plan.
TIP: If an FSC includes refugees in their sector inputs for the HNO/HRP, the Coordinator should ensure this is coordinated with UNHCR to avoid double counting (such as is done in, for example, the Afghanistan HRP where the FSAC response plan includes needs for Pakistani refugees).