Upgrading of substandard shelters and provision of protective materials to vulnerable Bedouin and herding households located in Area C in the Northern governorates of the West Bank The project will contribute to the HRP strategic objectives 2, and 3, the HF 1st allocation strategy priority two, and the Shelter cluster Priority Objective 2.2. It will do so by improving the living conditions and increase the protection of acutely vulnerable Bedouin and herding households located in Area C in the North of the West Bank through providing tailored upgrade to substandard shelters in addition to protective materials/tools.

The project is based on the recent shelter needs assessment conducted collectively by the shelter cluster partners during April and May 2022 and a quick rapid needs assessment carried by PUI end of June 2022. Both assessments identified the most pressing shelter needs of vulnerable households living in substandard shelters in the targeted communities (see needs assessment section). The communities identified are herding and Bedouin communities mostly living in shacks and tents. The types of shelter and their specific setting increase households exposure to potential consequences of adverse weather conditions such as flooding, winter storms, extreme heat in the summer as well as access to basic services and geographical isolation. Furthermore, isolated vulnerable households are more likely to be attacked by settlers and most often in times where only a few people are around, in many cases only lonely women, elderly people and children. At the same time, demolition procedures is a common practice by ICA for herding and Bedouin communities, which adds another burden of an ongoing vulnerability. In order to respond to the identified needs and to contribute to the HRP, HF and cluster objectives of this first allocation, PUI will provide the below support. 

The project will upgrade 33 substandard shelters in order to reduce the exposure of vulnerable households to man-made and natural disasters, harsh weather conditions, risk of water borne diseases and health complications, by enabling them to live with adequate standards which respect their dignity and wellbeing. The scope of the upgrading will have an average value of 5,700 USD per household. The interventions will be carried out using a mixed approach of cash and material supplies, as appropriate and feasible. The activity will be tailored to address different group’s needs. For example, upgrading WASH facilities may be introduced to address the concerns of women interviewed during the needs assessment. Disabled and elderly persons will benefit from accessibility assets and equipment to adapt the shelters according to their specific needs. The project will have another layer of protection through providing protective materials and tools to the households following the technical assessment exercise at the beginning of the project. This will address the vulnerability of communities who are most at risk of settler violence and/or demolition. The selection of protection material and tools will be tailored to the needs of each family. This may include fencing, first aid kit, fire extinguishers, solar lights, flashlights, etc. 

The project will be implemented in 6 communities living in Area C: Arab Al Jahalin close to Far'ata village in Qalqiliya Governorate, Humsa – Basaliya and Abu Kbash in Nablus Governorate, Umm al Hamam and Abu Sultan, in Salfit Governorate, and finally Khallet Anjas in Jenin Governorate. 

This project complements the work done by PUI under the West Bank Protection Consortium (WBPC), which includes providing emergency response to victims and survivors of settler violence as well as tailored protective measures at community level.