First Effort Shelter

The right to adequate shelter was formally acknowledged in 1981 when UNHCR's Executive Committee established internationally recognized basic standards of treatment applicable in refugee emergencies. This fundamental human right remains critically unmet for millions worldwide.

Shelter is a critical survival factor in the initial stages of any disaster. Beyond basic survival, proper shelter provides essential security, personal safety, and protection from climate extremes while promoting resistance to illness and disease. These factors are especially crucial for vulnerable populations including children, elderly, and disabled individuals.

A shelter is formally defined as a habitable covered living space that provides a secure and healthy living environment with privacy and dignity. Refugees and others of concern to UNHCR have an internationally recognized right to adequate shelter that meets these fundamental criteria.

The scale of global displacement continues to grow alarmingly. Currently, there are 25.4 million refugees, 40 million internally displaced people, and 3.1 million asylum seekers worldwide. These numbers are forecasted to increase substantially due to climate change, conflicts, and economic instability.

Our First Effort Shelters are specifically designed to meet UNHCR standards while providing rapid deployment capabilities. Each unit can be assembled quickly by untrained personnel, providing immediate protection and dignity for displaced families while more permanent solutions are developed.