Protection and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in Emergencies

Any form of migration implies a redefinition of individual, family, group and collective identities, roles and value systems, which can put individuals, families and communities under stress or increase their vulnerability. Protection mainstreaming is the inclusion of humanitarian protection principles into the crisis response through ensuring that any response is provided in a way that avoids any unintended negative effects (do no harm), is delivered according to needs, prioritizes safety and dignity, is grounded on participation and empowerment of local capacities and ultimately holds humanitarian actors accountable vis–à-vis affected individuals and communities. IOM adheres to and integrates the Global Protection Cluster definition of protection mainstreaming. In this context, IOM will provide protection and assistance to migrants in need, including through the prevention of trafficking in persons, gender-based violence and other forms of violence. IOM will also implement an inclusive and human rights-based approach that guarantees the inclusion of availability and accessibility of psychosocial support and mental health care for internally displaced persons and their host communities.

Objective

Contribute to the well-being of crisis-affected populations in accordance with international law and humanitarian standards.

Key Results

• Integrated MHPSS/Protection services are available to crisis-affected populations.
• The knowledge and capacities of community focal persons and government counterparts on psychological first aid, trafficking in persons and child protection is increased.
• Crisis-affected populations in hard-to-reach communities have access to mental health services through mobile brigades.
• Crisis-affected populations have access to information regarding mental health and protection services.