Evaluating UNHCR's Actions in Response to the Level 3 Sudan War Refugee Crisis in Ethiopia and Uganda: The Role of the Affected Community in the United Nations Policy and Practice Context

Abstract

Purpose: This project/policy/programe paper aims to evaluate the actions taken by the United Nations High Commisioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in response to the Level 3 Sudan War Refugee Crisis in Ethiopia and Uganda, with a particular focus on the role of the affected community in shaping UNHCR's policy and practice. The objectives are to identify the extent to which the affected community was involved in UNHCR's decision-making process, to evaluate the effectiveness of UNHCR's response to the crisis, and to provide recommendations for future UNHCR interventions in similar contexts. Methodology: This project/policy/programe paper utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of secondary data from UNHCR and other relevant sources with qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including UNHCR staff, refugees, and host community members. Results: The findings suggest that while UNHCR made efforts to involve the affected community in its decision-making process, there were significant gaps in communication and consultation. Furthermore, the work-based paper highlights the importance of engaging the host community as equal partners in refugee response efforts, as their support is crucial to ensuring the success of UNHCR's interventions. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This project/policy/programe paper contributes to the literature on community engagement in humanitarian response and provides practical recommendations for improving UNHCR's policy and practice. By highlighting the importance of the host community in refugee response efforts, this project/policy/programe paper offers a new perspective on the role of community-based organizations in humanitarian interventions.