in informal settlements (IS)

In informal tented settlements (ITS), refugees face challenging living conditions in their shelters. 
Issues such as the lack of a toilets inside the tent, insufficient space between the bathroom and 
living areas, and severe damage to walls or ceilings pose threats to the residents.

Our aim is to ensure they are resistant to harsh environmental factors, protected against electrical 
fires, and provide maximum privacy. To address these challenges, HAND focuses on rehabilitating 
and reinforcing the dwellings in accordance with locally approved specifications. This involves 
repairing or rebuilding shelters to make them suitable for living, and adjusting the height of the 
tent for the ease of use and movement.

In partnership with (UNHCR), we have successfully developed two shelter models; the standard 
tent and the prefabricated tent. These models facilitate intervention operations and enhance the 
structural rigidity of the shelters to withstand challenging environmental conditions.

Community Engagement and Capacity Building

Some informal settlements (IS) of refugee camps face the risk of flooding due to poor sanitation and 
weak infrastructure. These camps are in areas prone to rainwater runoff. The worsening of these 
problems during winterleads to significant damage to refugees' shelters and belongings. 

At HAND, our goal regarding site improvement and infrastructure activities is to create a safe and 
healthy environment for children and their families within the camps. We achieve this by implementing 
appropriate and sustainable solutions that effectively prevent floods and provide safe spaces. 
Additionally, we facilitate access to emergency aid, including ambulances, firefighting services, and 
technical equipment for drainage  

HAND provides shelter interventions in cases of emergencies where shelters are affected, such as 
fires and storms. Upon receiving reports from refugees, we work in coordination with stakeholders 
to assess the situation. Our specialized team of engineers and technicians then develops an 
appropriate intervention plan tailored to the specific case.In the event of fires, we reinstall the 
shelters and all the necessary sanitation and water facilities. We also provide essential support, 
including basic needs and food, to the affected families until the shelter is properly set up.

During environmental disasters, we repair damages of the shelters or distribute necessary kits 
to families, such as plastic sheets and wood, to ensure they have a safe place to stay.

Furthermore, within the local community, our emergency response team equips heavy machinery 
to clear snow-blocked roads in cities, facilitating the movement of residents to service centers. 
We also remove heavy snowfall within camps and informal settlements to prevent water damage 
caused by melting snow and subsequent flooding of the shelters.

To find sustainable emergency solutions, we collaborate with state institutions and community 
initiatives involved in rapid emergency response, including civil defense. HAND provide necessary 
support for them including machines maintenance, training, and the provision of supplies and tools. 
also, we give the refugees and local community a capacity building and awareness sessions on response 
methods in emergency and fire situations  

HAND is promoting good hygiene practices and raising health awareness among individuals and 
communities. We achieve this through the distribution of personal and household hygiene kits, as 
well as educational/Awareness sessions focused on waterborne, and water washed diseases.

One of our primary objectives is to improve hygiene behaviour, particularly among children. 
We recognize that addressing diseases is essential for ensuring a dignified life for all individuals, 
regardless of whether they are in emergency or post-emergency situations.

HAND aim to empower children with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain proper hygiene 
practices. Through these initiatives, we hope to instill long-lasting habits that will contribute to 
healthier futures for children and have a positive impact on the communities they belong to.