Key considerations for on-site assessment of refugee transit points and accommodation centres in the EU/EEA in the context of the refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine
In the context of the refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine, ECDC, UNHCR, UNICEF and WHO published a document which highlights key considerations for on-site assessment of refugee transit points and accommodation centres in the EU/EEA countries.
Executive summary
This document was developed in a close collaboration between experts from ECDC, WHO, UNHCR and UNICEF.
The guidance aims to provide practical orientation to national and local authorities, United Nations (UN) and civil society organizations on public health, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) measures at border entry points, reception and accommodation centres in surrounding countries affected by the Ukraine crisis.
Section I of the document provides an overview of tailored approaches to different situations i.e. minimum service levels at:
- arrival/ exit sites, way points, assembly points (bus/train stations), border crossings and reception centres (0–12-hour stays);
- Reception sites, transit sites (with residual overnight caseload) (1–10-day stays);
- Collective accommodation centres, longer- term sites as defined by respective governments (stays longer than 10 days).
Section II provides context and short technical guidance on specific public health and WASH considerations: health services, accommodation standards, water supply, toilets, laundry, showers, infection prevention and control measures, and solid waste management.
The Annex includes checklists that have been developed as a companion, on-site tool to assist with the assessment of refugee accommodations or centres. The tool is divided into three sections, reflecting the three situations in which refugees may find themselves, as per section I of the document.
The checklist is meant for use as a living document, which can be translated and adapted to the national context of the receiving countries.
