About

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) invites applications from organizations to strengthen protection and inclusion support for refugees, asylum seekers, and host communities in Mauritania. The program addresses urgent protection risks, promotes empowerment, and improves access to essential services, with a particular focus on women, children, and highly vulnerable groups.

Key areas of intervention include protection systems, child protection, prevention and response to gender-based violence, survivor-centered services, community-based protection mechanisms, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence. Activities will support the establishment and strengthening of community structures such as committees and protection networks, while promoting inclusive participation of women, youth, and vulnerable groups. Training, awareness sessions, and community dialogues will enhance protection knowledge and referral mechanisms.

The initiative targets displaced populations, primarily Malian refugees in the Hodh Chargui region (notably Mbera camp), as well as refugees and asylum seekers of diverse nationalities in urban centers such as Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. It aims to reduce risks such as forced marriage, child labor, exploitation, neglect, and limited access to specialized services.

Support will also focus on refugee children at risk through improved case management, identification and referral systems, and access to justice, health, and social services. Women and girls at risk of gender-based violence will benefit from safe spaces, reporting systems, and survivor-centered assistance. The program emphasizes resilience, dignity, and empowerment through capacity building, community engagement, and coordination with national authorities and sector actors.

Funding will cover activities that strengthen protection networks, promote social cohesion, and enhance resilience among refugees, asylum seekers, and host communities in Mauritania.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include legally registered organizations with demonstrated capacity to deliver protection and assistance activities in Mauritania. Applicants must show experience in community-based protection, child protection, gender-based violence prevention and response, or related humanitarian and development fields. Proposals should highlight organizational expertise, operational presence, and ability to coordinate with national authorities, civil society, and community-based actors.

Selection will be based on alignment with UNHCR priorities, technical capacity, relevance of proposed activities, and availability of funding. Submission of an application does not guarantee partnership, as agreements will depend on operational requirements and resource allocation.

Post Date: June 24, 2026