UNHCR Handbook for Emergencies - UNHCR eCentre

Government Service Packages
In a number of major emergencies, Government Service Packages (GSPs) of some form were used: Coalition
forces in the Kurdish Operation, Sarajevo airlift in Former Yugoslavia and various governments in
selected sectors for the Rwandese influx. It was during this last operation that the concept was recognised
as an exceptional response to complex emergencies and Governments requested UNHCR to take
note of the lessons learned and pursue the development of what then became known as GSPs.
The concept assumes that GSPs are:
– A last resort in exceptionally large emergencies
– Use of military or civil defence assets
– Do not replace the traditional response capacity of NGOs
– Applicable to selected sectors only, where government assets are necessary
– Normally beyond the capacity of usual funding arrangements and thus seen as extra-budgetary
donations in kind
– Self contained in terms of mobilization and operation
– Limited in duration of deployment and thus rapidly replaced by more cost effective arrangements
UNHCR developed 20 GSPs:
Air Operations Cell Borehole Drilling
Strategic Airlift Water Treatment
Theatre Airlift Water Distribution
Airport Ground Handling Water Storage
Warehousing/Storekeeping Latrine Construction
Road Transport Vector Control
Field Hospital Solid Waste Management
Hydrological Survey Waste Water Systems
Water Tanker Operation Site Development
Surface Water Road Construction
How to request
It will normally be clear at the Headquarters level that an emergency is of a magnitude that requires the
mobilization of GSPs. The Desk will contact EPRS and request that the mobilization procedure commence.
In coordination with UNOCHA, donor Governments will first be alerted and asked if they are
willing to provide packages. Subsequently, as the requirements become more clear, implementation,
sometimes commencing with a needs assessment mission, will begin. Any direct contact between
UNHCR and the Missions will be handled by Donor Relations and Resource Service Mobilization in
consultation with EPRS and in liaison with UNOCHA.
NOTE: Meanwhile UNOCHA established the Military and Civil Defence Unit (MCDU) which has expanded
the list of GSPs (which are called Government Service Modules) and these are to be
available for all agencies. They include the 20 GSPs listed above. The maintenance of GSPs will
be the responsibility of UNHCR or the most appropriate lead agency, while coordination will rest
with UNOCHA.
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