Deadline: 26-Jul-2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is seeking partnerships in Mauritania to strengthen protection systems, community-based safety mechanisms, and inclusion services for refugees, asylum seekers, and host communities. The initiative focuses on child protection, gender-based violence prevention, community empowerment, and access to national protection systems, particularly in the Hodh Chargui region, Mbera camp, Nouakchott, and Nouadhibou. It aims to reduce protection risks while strengthening local capacity, social cohesion, and survivor-centered support systems.
Overview of the UNHCR Protection and Inclusion Initiative in Mauritania
The initiative by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees focuses on strengthening protection systems for forcibly displaced populations and host communities in Mauritania. It prioritizes community-led approaches, survivor-centered services, and stronger integration with national protection systems.
The programme aims to:
- Reduce protection risks and vulnerabilities
- Strengthen community-based protection networks
- Improve access to essential protection services
- Support gender equality and child safety
- Promote peaceful coexistence and social cohesion
It targets both refugees and host communities affected by prolonged displacement.
Context: Protection Challenges in Mauritania
Mauritania hosts a large displaced population, primarily Malian refugees in:
- Mbera refugee camp (Hodh Chargui region)
- Rural communities in eastern Mauritania
- Urban areas such as Nouakchott and Nouadhibou
Key protection challenges include:
- Gender-based violence (GBV)
- Child labor and exploitation
- Forced and early marriage
- Neglect and family separation
- Limited access to legal and social protection services
- Weak referral and case management systems
- Social tensions between displaced and host communities
These risks are intensified by long-term displacement and limited service capacity.
Key Focus Areas of the Programme
Community-Based Protection Systems
The initiative strengthens local protection structures by:
- Establishing community protection committees and networks
- Training community leaders on protection issues
- Supporting refugee-led protection mechanisms
- Promoting inclusive participation of women and youth
- Strengthening local decision-making processes
Child Protection Systems
The programme focuses on safeguarding children through:
- Identification of children at risk
- Support for unaccompanied and separated children
- Strengthening case management systems
- Referral to education, health, and legal services
- Prevention of child labor, early marriage, and abuse
- Awareness of child rights in communities
Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response
GBV-related interventions include:
- Survivor-centered support services
- Safe spaces for women and girls
- Prevention and reporting mechanisms
- Psychosocial support and referrals
- Inclusion of persons with disabilities and high-risk groups
- Community awareness campaigns
Protection Case Management and Referral Systems
The programme improves protection response systems by:
- Identifying vulnerable individuals and cases
- Strengthening case tracking and follow-up
- Improving referral pathways to services
- Coordinating protection actors and service providers
- Ensuring timely access to assistance
Social Cohesion and Peaceful Coexistence
To reduce tensions between communities, the initiative supports:
- Dialogue between refugees and host communities
- Community peacebuilding activities
- Joint protection and inclusion initiatives
- Conflict prevention mechanisms
- Inclusive community participation structures
Empowerment and Leadership Development
The programme promotes resilience through:
- Leadership training for community members
- Empowerment of women, youth, and vulnerable groups
- Support for refugee-led initiatives
- Capacity building for community organizations
- Strengthening participation in protection decision-making
Access to National Protection Systems
The initiative strengthens integration by:
- Linking refugees to national protection services
- Improving coordination with government institutions
- Supporting legal and social service access
- Aligning community systems with national frameworks
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative is critical because it addresses:
- High levels of gender-based violence and child protection risks
- Weak access to formal protection systems
- Limited community awareness of rights and services
- Social tensions between refugees and host communities
- Gaps in case management and referral systems
It builds a stronger, community-driven protection ecosystem that reduces vulnerability and improves resilience.
Expected Outcomes
If implemented successfully, the programme will achieve:
- Reduced incidents of gender-based violence and child exploitation
- Stronger community-based protection networks
- Improved identification and support for vulnerable individuals
- Better access to survivor-centered services
- Enhanced social cohesion between communities
- More effective referral and case management systems
- Greater inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities
Implementation Approach
Step 1: Community Mapping and Assessment
Identify protection risks, vulnerable groups, and service gaps.
Step 2: Establish Community Protection Structures
Create and strengthen local committees and refugee-led networks.
Step 3: Capacity Building
Train community actors on protection, GBV, and child safeguarding.
Step 4: Service Delivery and Referral Systems
Strengthen case management and access to protection services.
Step 5: Awareness and Community Engagement
Conduct campaigns on rights, protection, and social cohesion.
Step 6: Coordination and Monitoring
Work with national authorities and track protection outcomes.
Key Challenges Addressed
- Gender-based violence and exploitation
- Child protection risks (labor, marriage, abuse)
- Weak referral and case management systems
- Limited access to formal protection services
- Social tensions between communities
- Underrepresentation of vulnerable groups in decision-making
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of this programme?
To strengthen protection systems, community safety, and inclusion for refugees, asylum seekers, and host communities in Mauritania.
Who is implementing the initiative?
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in collaboration with national authorities and community partners.
Which areas are covered?
Mbera camp, Hodh Chargui region, Nouakchott, and Nouadhibou.
What types of protection issues are addressed?
Gender-based violence, child protection risks, exploitation, and social exclusion.
How are communities involved?
Through protection committees, refugee-led groups, and community dialogue mechanisms.
Does the programme support women and children specifically?
Yes, it prioritizes women, girls, and children through targeted protection and support services.
Conclusion
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees protection and inclusion initiative in Mauritania strengthens community-based safety systems, child protection, and gender-based violence response mechanisms. By empowering communities and improving access to services, it builds a more inclusive, resilient, and protective environment for refugees and host communities affected by long-term displacement.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.