Secretary-General António Guterres stated in a lengthy video message on May 13, 2020 that mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) should be part of all humanitarian responses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become increasingly clear that MHPSS needs to be part of protection work. However, for MHPSS to have the desired protection outcomes it should be embedded in all actions, delivered in an intersectoral way and the quality of activities should be sufficient to generate impact. The session intends to pave the way for integration of more MHPSS and better MHPSS in protection work.
BACKGROUND READING
- Harrison, S., Hanna, F. Ventevogel, P., Polutan-Teulieres, N & Chemaly, W.S. (2020). MHPSS and protection outcomes: Why joint action to improve mental health and psychosocial wellbeing of people affected by conflict, violence and disasters should be a priority for all protection actors – Policy Discussion Paper. Geneva, Global Protection Cluster and IASC Reference Group for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings. Available here
- Harrison, S., Chemaly, W. S., Hanna, F., Polutan-Teulieres, N., & Ventevogel, P. (2021). Engagement of protection actors in MHPSS: the need for cross-sectoral cooperation. Forced Migration Review, (66), 8-11. Available here
- Podcasts, IFRC Psychosocial Centre. Available here
- Short video tour of the MHPSS Minimum Service Package Platform. Available here
- MHPSS Minimum Service Package Platform: register and explore the Platform here
- Project Brief, MHPSS Minimum Service Package. Available here
