(ii) Operational activities
18. The precise mix of UNHCR's and UNICEF's operational activities will vary according to situation-specific conditions and needs. UNICEF's particular strength and contribution arises from its long-term country presence and perspective, and lies in its ability to focus on relief and development in a mutually reinforcing manner. UNHCR's challenge is to provide relief or initial reintegration assistance in such a way that it is an effective complement to or precursor of development activities.
Contingency planning
19. Both UNHCR and UNICEF contribute to coordinated U.N. emergency contingency planning, normally undertaken in full cooperation with national authorities. Within this framework, UNHCR will invite UNICEF to participate in planning for possible refugee influxes. During such planning activities, UNICEF will review with national counterparts and UNHCR ways in which its ongoing country operations may quickly be adjusted to enable UNICEF to provide emergency assistance in pre-identified sectors.
20. To enhance the effectiveness of a collaborative response to emergencies, both organizations shall keep each other informed on the development and maintenance of their emergency response capacities, such as, for example, emergency staff training and rosters, standby arrangements, material stockpiles, or development of telecommunications networks.
Assessment and monitoring
21. UNICEF and UNHCR shall jointly agree on guidelines and specific methodologies for assessing and monitoring the situation of children of joint concern and will exchange information on programmatic action to be taken.
Support to unaccompanied children
22. Typically, unaccompanied children are found both within the country of origin and in the refugee population. Within the country of origin, UNICEF will assist national authorities to develop, coordinate and apply appropriate policies, standards and strategies for the care and family reunification of unaccompanied children. UNHCR takes the lead in relation to unaccompanied children among refugee populations. The two organizations will collaborate in the further development and use of global programming guidelines and standards and will ensure the necessary operational coordination and information-sharing between operations in countries of asylum and of origin. Both agencies will coordinate with ICRC in relation to tracing and reunification activities.
23. Where special arrangements for the care of unaccompanied refugee children are warranted, UNHCR, within its responsibility for overall coordination, shall consult with UNICEF to determine how UNICEF may participate in the management and implementation of such arrangements; such assistance may be provided in the following ways:
i. undertaking assessment(s) of the situation and needs of unaccompanied children among each refugee population;
ii. assisting in the adaptation of global principles and guidelines for the care of unaccompanied children, provided in Refugee Children: Guidelines on Protection and Care (UNHCR 1994) and in Assisting in Emergencies (UNICEF 1986/1996) and, when required, developing and issuing situation-specific guidelines in consultation with other organizations directly involved in the care of such children and/or family tracing;
iii. taking responsibility for coordinating the setting up and supervision of programmes for the care of unaccompanied children and for tracing and family reunion.
24. In countries of origin, UNICEF will ensure similar consultation and cooperation with UNHCR and with national authorities to facilitate the incorporation of unaccompanied returnee children into appropriate programmes.
Promotion of psychosocial well-being
25. UNHCR and UNICEF will collaborate in the further development of guidelines and training materials for activities addressing the needs of children traumatized by exposure to armed conflict and extreme violence.
