Deadline: 26-Jul-2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is seeking partners in Mauritania to strengthen access to asylum procedures, improve registration and pre-registration systems, and enhance early identification of protection needs among forcibly displaced populations. The initiative focuses on mobile registration, door-to-door census operations, vulnerability identification, and improved access to protection services across Mbera camp, Hodh Chargui, Nouakchott, and Nouadhibou. It aims to build a reliable population database and ensure faster, safer, and more equitable access to asylum and assistance.
Overview of the UNHCR Asylum Access and Registration Initiative in Mauritania
The initiative by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees strengthens asylum access and registration systems for refugees and asylum seekers in Mauritania. It responds to the challenges of long-term displacement and incomplete population documentation, especially outside formal camp settings.
The programme focuses on:
- Access to asylum procedures
- Pre-registration and population profiling
- Door-to-door data collection
- Early identification of protection needs
- Strengthening national registration systems
The goal is to ensure accurate data, faster asylum access, and improved protection targeting.
Context: Displacement and Registration Gaps in Mauritania
Mauritania hosts a large refugee and asylum seeker population, primarily from Mali, living in:
- Mbera refugee camp (Hodh Chargui region)
- Rural and dispersed settlements in Hodh Chargui
- Urban areas such as Nouakchott and Nouadhibou
Key challenges include:
- Large populations remain unregistered or partially documented
- Limited access to formal asylum procedures in remote areas
- Weak identification of vulnerable individuals
- Barriers to accessing protection services and assistance
- Difficulty in planning due to incomplete population data
These gaps reduce the effectiveness of humanitarian response and protection systems.
Key Focus Areas of the Programme
Access to Asylum Procedures
The initiative improves access to asylum systems by:
- Strengthening entry points to asylum procedures
- Providing clear guidance on rights and obligations
- Supporting equitable and safe access to territory and asylum
- Ensuring faster referral to asylum processing systems
Registration and Population Profiling
A central component is improving registration systems through:
- Door-to-door census in Hodh Chargui
- Collection of basic demographic and protection data
- Creation of an individualized and reliable database
- Support for official documentation and registration processes
- Improved data quality and coverage for displaced populations
Pre-Registration and Mobile Outreach
To reach dispersed populations, the programme uses:
- Mobile registration teams
- Community-based outreach strategies
- Proximity engagement with affected populations
- Safe and confidential registration environments
- Early identification of asylum seekers and vulnerable groups
Early Identification of Protection Needs
The initiative strengthens protection systems by:
- Identifying vulnerable individuals at first contact
- Detecting urgent protection risks early
- Prioritizing high-risk cases for asylum processing
- Linking individuals to protection and assistance services
- Supporting referral pathways for legal, health, and psychosocial care
Information, Communication, and Counseling
Improved access to information is supported through:
- Clear communication on asylum procedures
- Counseling services for displaced individuals
- Multilingual interpretation support
- Child-friendly and disability-inclusive communication methods
- Information on available services and rights
Coordination and Protection Systems Strengthening
The programme enhances system-level coordination through:
- Collaboration with national registration authorities
- Coordination with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees field operations
- Community outreach and feedback mechanisms
- Documentation and reporting of protection incidents
- Improved data-sharing for better decision-making
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative is critical because it addresses:
- Large undocumented displaced populations
- Barriers to accessing asylum procedures
- Inefficient or incomplete registration systems
- Delayed identification of vulnerable individuals
- Weak data for planning humanitarian response
It strengthens both individual protection outcomes and national registration systems.
Expected Outcomes
If successfully implemented, the programme will achieve:
- Improved access to asylum procedures for displaced populations
- Comprehensive and accurate registration data systems
- Faster identification of protection needs
- Better targeting of humanitarian assistance
- Stronger referral systems for vulnerable individuals
- Improved coordination between humanitarian and national actors
Implementation Approach
Step 1: Community Mapping and Outreach
Identify and reach displaced populations across camps and urban/rural areas.
Step 2: Door-to-Door Census and Data Collection
Conduct structured registration and profiling exercises.
Step 3: Pre-Registration and Screening
Collect basic data and identify protection risks.
Step 4: Referral and Service Linkage
Connect vulnerable individuals to asylum, legal, health, and psychosocial services.
Step 5: Capacity Building and Coordination
Strengthen collaboration with national authorities and partners.
Step 6: Data Management and Monitoring
Ensure updated, reliable, and secure population databases.
Key Challenges Addressed
- Undocumented displaced populations
- Limited access to asylum procedures in remote areas
- Weak identification of vulnerable individuals
- Fragmented registration systems
- Insufficient data for planning and targeting
- Barriers to equitable access to protection services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of this initiative?
To improve access to asylum procedures and strengthen registration and protection systems for displaced populations in Mauritania.
Who is implementing the programme?
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in coordination with national authorities and partners.
What is the door-to-door census?
A field-based data collection exercise to identify, register, and profile displaced individuals in Hodh Chargui.
Which areas are covered?
Mbera camp, rural Hodh Chargui, Nouakchott, and Nouadhibou.
How does it improve protection?
By identifying vulnerable individuals early and linking them to asylum and assistance services.
What is pre-registration?
A process of collecting basic information to initiate asylum procedures and protection assessments.
Conclusion
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees initiative in Mauritania strengthens asylum access, registration systems, and protection identification mechanisms. By combining mobile outreach, door-to-door census operations, and improved data systems, it ensures faster, safer, and more equitable access to asylum procedures while enhancing long-term protection for displaced populations.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.