Structure OF THE GLOBAL PROTECTION CLUSTER
The Global Protection Cluster is a network that brings together local, national and international actors advancing the protection of communities affected by humanitarian crises around the world.
We are mandated by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), the longest-standing and highest-level humanitarian coordination forum. We are led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and are governed by a Strategic Advisory Group (SAG). We function through a multi-partner operational team - the GPC Global Team.
Humanitarian Reset: Consolidation of the Protection Cluster and its former Areas of Responsibility
In line with the Humanitarian Reset launched in 2025, the Protection Cluster and its former Areas of Responsibility (AoR) - Child Protection, Gender-Based Violence and Mine Action – have integrated into one consolidated Protection Cluster, where the technical expertise and capacity on Child Protection, Gender-Based Violence and Mine Action is maintained. The former Housing, Land and Property Area of Responsibility is moving to the newly established Shelter, Land and Site Coordination Cluster, while still keeping strong operational and strategic linkages with the Protection Cluster.
You can read more about the consolidation of the Protection Cluster here.
THE GLOBAL PROTECTION CLUSTER GLOBAL TEAM
The GPC Global Team provides day-to-day support and strategic advice and guidance to country-level Protection Clusters and partners. The GPC operates through a combination of country and thematic focal points to streamline support to country operations. In addition, the team supports country Protection Clusters to elevate their advocacy efforts, while also engaging in global advocacy and policy fora to advance protection outcomes.
Meet the GPC Global Team members here.
STRATEGIC ADVISORY GROUP
The GPC has a Strategic Advisory Group (SAG), which provides strategic direction and advice to GPC global team and supports monitoring the implementation of the GPC strategic frameworks and annual work plans. The SAG embodies a culture of shared and collective leadership and accountability, and ensures the inclusive, participatory, and accountable governance of the GPC.
SAG members are serving a 2-year mandate, with the current SAG elected for the period 2026-27.
The SAG fulfils two critical functions:
- Providing strategic direction and advice
- Monitoring the implementation of the GPC strategic framework and annual work plan
You can see the SAG Terms of Reference here.
Members of the GPC Strategic Advisory Group (2026-27)
5 UN Agencies
5 International NGOs
5 Local and National NGOs
2 Networks
2 Country Protection Clusters Coordination Teams
3 Observers
Working Groups, Task Teams and Communities of Practice
The GPC is also supported through Working Groups, Task Teams and Communities of Practice, which are time-bound bodies aiming to support the GPC and Protection Clusters and partners on specific areas of work. These bodies are established based on the needs, priorities and requests emanating from / identified in country operations. They provide the GPC Global Team and SAG with strategic and/or technical operational, advocacy and policy engagement support, developing policy, guidance and tools, providing capacity support to field protection clusters, and with any other tasks deemed strategic or critical. These bodies are established upon endorsement from the SAG.
