Protection Field Coordination Toolkit - Chapter 5: Centrality of Protection

Chapter 5: Centrality of Protection

This chapter is part of the GPC Protection Field Coordination Toolkit. The Toolkit can be used by all Protection Clusters and cluster-like mechanisms – such as Protection Sectors and Protection Working Groups – working within the cluster system framework. This guidance is also available to partners and other organisations who want to understand the principles and practices of protection coordination.

Overview Chapter 5

In October 2016, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) adopted its Policy on Protection in Humanitarian Action. The policy defines the centrality of protection in humanitarian action, as well as the process for its implementation at country level. In doing so, it seeks to reinforce complementary roles, mandates and expertise of all relevant actors. Specifically, the policy emphasizes an IASC commitment to prioritize protection and contribute to collective protection outcomes.

This Chapter contains:

• An explanation of the Centrality of Protection, and the Protection Cluster’s responsibilities in supporting its implementation.
• An explanation of the difference between protection mainstreaming, protection integration and the centrality of protection.
• IASC processes in terms of engagement and support to implement the Centrality of Protection.
• HCT Benchmarks for the implementation of the IASC Policy on Protection.

Toolkit Chapters:

• Ch.1: Humanitarian Coordination Overview 
• Ch.2: Humanitarian Programme Cycle  
• Ch.3: Internal Displacement 
• Ch.4: Protection in Armed Conflict 
• Ch.5: Centrality of Protection 
• Ch.6: Climate, Disaster, and Sudden Onset Emergencies 
• Ch.7: Durable Solutions 
• Ch.8: Cluster Transition, Deactivation and Reform 
• Ch.9: Advocacy and Communication 
• Ch.10: Data Responsibility and Safe Information Management 
• Ch.11: Cross-Cutting Issues (AGD, MPHSS, AAP, PSEA, Protection Mainstreaming) 
• Ch.12: Understanding Programmatic Approaches and Interventions