2.2 UNHCR and WFP are committed to ensuring that food aid is targeted at the household level and reaches the most vulnerable, and that its delivery respects the guiding principles of humanitarian action. They will also work together to implement strategies to involve the beneficiary community, and particularly women, in all aspects of the management of food aid.
2.3 The MOU is a management tool contributing to the achievement of these objectives by defining clearly the responsibilities and arrangements for cooperation between UNHCR and WFP. It does so in a way that maximizes the strengths and comparative advantages of each organization for the benefit of all concerned, and that ensures the necessary coordination.
2.4 The MOU covers cooperation in the provision of food aid to refugees, returnees and, in specific situations as defined in paragraph 1.3, IDPs, provided that the beneficiaries number at least 5,000. Where the beneficiaries are located in developed countries (namely countries other than those listed in the OECD/DAC Annual Report as aid recipient countries that fall below the threshold for World Bank loan eligibility), the provisions of the MOU will still apply provided that the availability of the necessary donor resources would not be at the expense of WFP's relief operations in developing countries. This will be determined by WFP on a case-by-case basis.
2.5 UNHCR will meet the food needs of persons of its concern but outside the scope of the MOU as defined above, and those of any persons who, while falling within the MOU's scope, have been excluded by a situation-specific agreement with WFP.
3. PLANNING AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT
3.1 UNHCR and WFP will undertake contingency planning and maintain contingency plans for countries where this is deemed appropriate. Each will seek to ensure joint participation - with others concerned - in the process, and share relevant contingency plans where these could not be developed jointly.
3.2 The indicative energy, protein and micronutrient requirements established by FAO and WHO, adjusted as necessary to take into account the demographic composition and other relevant factors specific to the beneficiary population, will provide the basis for the calculation of food needs. A common set of agreed nutritional guidelines will be used for assessing the food needs for both the general and any selective feeding programmes that may be necessary.
3.3 The Government of the country of asylum and UNHCR are responsible for determining the number of refugees, while WFP and UNHCR will jointly assess the number eligible for food assistance. An accurate identification of beneficiaries and a sound assessment of their needs are essential for the mobilization and efficient use of the resources made available to both organizations.
3.4 UNHCR has developed and will maintain appropriate refugee-registration mechanisms. UNHCR has a joint responsibility with the host Government for ensuring that refugee numbers are established as accurately and as soon as possible after a new refugee emergency, and updated regularly thereafter. The size and the nature of the influx will determine the type of registration mechanism to be used. Pending registration, the most appropriate techniques will be used in order to estimate numbers and identify beneficiaries. In normal circumstances registration/verification will take place within three months of the start of a major influx. Arrangements must be made to register any new arrivals thereafter. Registration data should be verified and updated continuously, particularly during, but not limited to, food distribution. Verification of data on all beneficiaries should be repeated periodically, as required by the situation.
3.5 UNHCR will ensure that WFP is fully involved in the planning and execution of refugee enumeration/registration arrangements for actual or potential beneficiaries of food aid. Where a satisfactory registration has not been possible within three months, UNHCR and WFP will jointly determine the number of beneficiaries in need of food assistance. Operational partners and local representatives of donor Governments should be closely associated with this and other aspects of enumeration and registration. Should there be disagreement between the respective country offices on the number of beneficiaries to use in the absence of a satisfactory initial registration, the problem shall be referred to the headquarters level for resolution. Pending such resolution, WFP will provide food to the number of beneficiaries it estimates to be in need of assistance.
