Participatory Assessment - Refworld

in OperationsI. IntroductionRefugees, internally displaced persons and returnees mustbe at the centre of decision-making concerning theirprotection and well-being. In order to gain a deeperunderstanding of the protection problems they face, it isessential to consult them directly and to listen to them. Theirright to participate in decisions on matters that affect theirlives is enshrined in human rights instruments and UNHCRpolicy and guidelines, in particular the Agenda for Protection. 1The participation from the outset of refugee women and men,young and old and from diverse backgrounds, in the definitionof problems and the design of programmes for their benefit iscrucial to serving, assisting, and protecting them and ensuringan effective operation.What is participatoryassessment?Participatory assessment 2 is a process of building partnershipswith refugee women and men of all ages and backgrounds bypromoting meaningful participation through structureddialogue. Participatory assessment includes holding separatediscussions with women, girls, boys, and men, includingadolescents, in order to gather accurate information on the