Citation

Saunders G. Disasters 2004; 28(2): 160-175.

Affiliation

Catholic Relief Services, 209 West Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21201-3443, USA. gsaunders@crsert.org

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.0361-3666.2004.00250.x

PMID

15186362

Abstract

Key dilemmas and challenges for those involved in the shelter sector are described, based on issues that emerged from the extensive global consultative process undertaken to inform the revision of the Sphere handbook. The range of perspectives on the major themes is presented, with suggestions as to how these issues could be progressed. Themes include the poor definition of the sector and the lack of a consistent approach among the leading shelter actors; the absence of a common terminology; the conflict between "temporary" versus "durable" solutions; the disconnect between technical advisers and the field; the need for greater recognition of local coping strategies and the local context; the involvement of recipients and host governments in policy development; the need for better "how-to" guidance; and the limited incorporation of the emerging themes of livelihoods etc. to date.

Language: en