Deadline: 26-Jul-2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is seeking partners to support the transition of Mberra refugee camp in Mauritania toward more sustainable, settlement-based solutions while maintaining essential emergency shelter, non-food items (NFIs), and logistics support. The initiative focuses on camp coordination, shelter improvement, emergency preparedness, supply chain management, and integration with national systems for long-term refugee inclusion. It aims to improve living conditions for long-term Malian refugees while strengthening resilience, safety, and operational efficiency.
Overview of the Mberra Camp Transformation Initiative (Mauritania)
The initiative by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees focuses on transforming humanitarian assistance in Mberra camp, located in the Hodh Chargui region of Mauritania. The camp hosts Malian refugees who have remained in displacement for over 14 years due to ongoing insecurity in Mali and limited return prospects.
The programme aims to gradually shift from emergency-based assistance toward sustainable, structured settlement solutions, while ensuring continued humanitarian support.
Context: Protracted Displacement in Hodh Chargui
Mberra camp is one of the largest refugee settlements in Mauritania and faces long-term challenges such as:
- Extended displacement of Malian refugees (14+ years)
- Continued insecurity in country of origin
- Risk of new refugee arrivals
- High dependency on humanitarian assistance
- Limited infrastructure durability
- Environmental and climatic stress in the region
These conditions require both immediate humanitarian response and long-term planning.
Key Focus Areas of the Programme
Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM)
The programme strengthens coordination and management systems in the camp by:
- Improving camp governance and service coordination
- Supporting multi-sector planning and delivery
- Enhancing collaboration between UNHCR, government, and partners
- Strengthening operational oversight and accountability
Shelter and Settlement Support
Shelter interventions aim to improve safety and durability through:
- Construction of new shelters and rehabilitation of existing ones
- Climate-adapted and resilient housing designs
- Site planning and structured settlement layout
- Integration of protection standards (dignity, gender, safety)
- Shelter preparedness for emergencies and population growth
Emergency Shelter and Non-Food Items (NFIs)
The programme ensures continued humanitarian support through:
- Distribution of essential household items
- Targeted assistance for vulnerable households
- Support for new arrivals
- Transparent beneficiary selection mechanisms
- Post-distribution monitoring and evaluation
NFIs include basic domestic items required for daily living.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
A major operational component focuses on strengthening logistics systems:
- Warehouse and inventory management
- Transport and distribution systems
- Procurement of goods and services
- Vehicle fleet and workshop maintenance
- Fuel and equipment management
- Logistics tracking and reporting systems
- Strengthening supply chain efficiency
These systems ensure timely delivery of humanitarian aid.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
The initiative improves readiness for crises through:
- Pre-positioning of emergency supplies
- Contingency planning for sudden influxes
- Rapid deployment of shelters and NFIs
- Emergency coordination mechanisms
- Strengthened response capacity with partners
Transition Toward Sustainable Solutions
A core objective is shifting from emergency aid to long-term stability by:
- Supporting camp transformation into a more structured settlement
- Integrating refugees into national systems where possible
- Promoting durable shelter and infrastructure solutions
- Strengthening resilience-building initiatives
- Aligning humanitarian work with development actors
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative is critical because it addresses:
- Long-term displacement without immediate return solutions
- High dependency on humanitarian assistance
- Vulnerability to climate and environmental risks
- Operational challenges in large refugee settlements
- Need for system-wide coordination and efficiency
It ensures that humanitarian response evolves into sustainable and dignified living conditions.
Expected Outcomes
If successfully implemented, the programme will deliver:
- Improved and safer shelter conditions for refugees
- More efficient and reliable logistics systems
- Better access to essential household items
- Stronger emergency preparedness capacity
- Reduced vulnerability to climate and protection risks
- Progress toward more sustainable settlement structures
- Better coordination between humanitarian and national systems
Implementation Approach
Step 1: Camp Assessment and Planning
Evaluate shelter conditions, logistics gaps, and population needs.
Step 2: Shelter and Infrastructure Development
Construct and upgrade shelters and settlement infrastructure.
Step 3: Supply Chain Strengthening
Improve procurement, warehousing, and distribution systems.
Step 4: Emergency Preparedness Systems
Pre-position supplies and develop rapid response mechanisms.
Step 5: Distribution and Assistance Delivery
Provide NFIs and household support through targeted systems.
Step 6: Transition Planning
Align camp services with national systems and development strategies.
Key Challenges Addressed
- Prolonged refugee displacement
- Inadequate shelter durability and safety
- Logistical constraints in aid delivery
- Risk of sudden influxes and emergencies
- Limited integration with national systems
- Pressure on camp infrastructure and services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of this initiative?
To improve shelter, logistics, and essential services in Mberra camp while transitioning toward more sustainable settlement solutions.
Who is implementing the programme?
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in partnership with the Government of Mauritania and humanitarian actors.
What is Mberra camp?
A long-term refugee camp in the Hodh Chargui region hosting Malian refugees displaced for over 14 years.
What types of support are provided?
Shelter construction, non-food item distribution, logistics management, and emergency response systems.
How does the programme improve living conditions?
By providing safer shelters, better infrastructure, and reliable access to essential household items.
What is meant by “camp transformation”?
Gradually shifting from emergency aid delivery to more sustainable, structured, and integrated settlement systems.
Conclusion
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees initiative in Mberra camp represents a strategic shift from emergency humanitarian assistance to sustainable refugee settlement development. By strengthening shelter systems, logistics, and emergency preparedness while supporting integration with national systems, it improves both immediate living conditions and long-term resilience for displaced populations in Mauritania.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
