UNHCR launches Basic Needs Program in Guatemala

Deadline: 17-Jul-25

The Basic Needs Program initiatives is implemented by UNHCR aim to seek sustainable and lasting solutions to facilitate the exercise of rights by the populations it serves, complementing and strengthening the capacities of institutions and other relevant actors.

Temporary shelter, physical, and mental health services are essential to promote the coverage of basic needs, prevent negative coping mechanisms, and promote the integration/reintegration of the populations UNHCR serves.

Sectors and Areas of Specialization

• Health
  • Health – general
• Protection
  • Access to asylum
  • Legal assistance and access to justice
  • Protection – general
• Shelter
  • Shelter in emergencies

Geographic Focus

• Guatemala
  • Department of Santa Rosa
  • Department of Chiquimula
  • Department of Jutiapa
  • Department of Escuintla
  • Department of Suchitepequez
  • Department of Sacatepequez
  • Department of Peten
  • Department of Quetzaltenango
  • Department of Alta Verapaz
  • Department of Izabal
  • Department of San Marcos
  • Department of Huehuetenango
  • Department of Chimaltenango
  • Department of Alta Verapaz
  • Department of Quiche

Expected Results

• Result 1: Hostel
  • General Objective:
    • The objective of the basic needs project is to ensure the temporary and safe protection of the mobile population with specific protection needs, through the management and administration of shelters or safe spaces that address their immediate basic needs from a rights-based perspective.
  • Main actions:
    • Provide a physical reception space that meets minimum standards and regulations international operating conditions.
    • Provide sheltered individuals with food, hygiene items, and shelter, taking into account their specific needs, managed and distributed in accordance with international norms and standards, ensuring the prevention and mitigation of any risks related to distribution.
    • Provide psychological first aid to sheltered persons
    • Provide internal services for the care of sheltered individuals and coordinate access to external services in cases where they cannot be provided from the shelter or safe space.
• Outcome 2: Physical Health
  • General Objective:
    • Provide primary health services and refer to secondary and tertiary care services to the people under UNHCR’s mandate, ensuring timely, safe and quality access that meets their needs.
  • Main actions
    • Provide pre-hospital services and basic medical consultations (primary care) for common illnesses and referrals for follow-up of chronic conditions.
    • Establish and maintain referral mechanisms to secondary and tertiary health services and ensure follow-up of referred cases.
    • Record all consultations and admissions in systems with disaggregated data.
    • Collaborate with local health authorities and other humanitarian partners to ensure the necessary services of the population served.
• Outcome 3: Mental Health
  • General Objective:
    • Provide structured and culturally appropriate mental health and support services psychosocial support to people under UNHCR’s mandate, in order to promote their emotional wellbeing, prevent the deterioration of their mental health and facilitate their recovery through individual, family and community interventions.
  • Main actions:
    • Provide psychological support through psychotherapy, counseling, or brief interventions.
    • Perform early detection of signs of emotional distress or mental disorders to provide the necessary support.
    • Coordinate with specialized services for ongoing care: psychiatric care with prescription and follow-up treatment when necessary
    • Provide psychological first aid.

Selection Criteria

• Local experience and presence
• Project management
• Cost effectiveness
• Accountability to communities and community relationsÿ
• Access/security considerations

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.