Port Moresby – A transformative Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) training, held from 15-19 July 2024 in Wabag town, Enga Province, has significantly boosted local disaster response capabilities. The successful training was specifically designed to enhance the response capacity of local authorities in managing disaster displacement and addressing protection risks in humanitarian settings.  

A total of 31 participants (24 men and 7 women) from provincial, district, and local level government officials and representatives from faith-based organizations attended the training. The CCCM, co-facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and Provincial Disaster Coordinators from Madang and Oro provinces, is part of ongoing efforts by IOM and UNICEF to strengthen disaster preparedness and response in Papua New Guinea.  

In response to a formal request from the Enga Provincial Administration, and in close coordination with the NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions), IOM and UNICEF partnered to conduct this CCCM training for government officials in Enga province. Funded by the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, the joint initiative underscores the commitment of both organizations to strengthen emergency response capacities and ensure comprehensive support for affected communities in Enga Province.  

Recognizing the integral role of Child Protection (CP), Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), and Gender-based Violence prevention and response in humanitarian settings, UNICEF facilitated specialized sessions during the training. These sessions help to ensure safe programming and protection measures are integrated into emergency response efforts. Emphasizing CP, PSEA and Sexual and Gender-based Violence prevention and response in care centres or camp-like settings ensures that vulnerable populations, especially women and children, receive adequate support and protection during emergencies. This comprehensive approach strengthens disaster response strategies and promotes safer, inclusive programming that addresses the unique needs of the affected population.   

Chief of Mission at IOM Papua New Guinea Serhan Aktoprak said he was pleased to partner with UNICEF to deliver this essential training. “By combining our expertise, we aim to equip disaster responders with the necessary skills to effectively coordinate, and manage disasters, ensuring the safety and well-being of displaced populations,” said Serhan.   

UNICEF’s Chief of Child Protection Paula Vargas said UNICEF was strongly committed to supporting this collaborative effort with IOM to enhance protection measures and safeguard vulnerable populations. “Our joint efforts will contribute to building resilient communities and ensuring that emergency responses in Enga province uphold the highest standards of child protection and gender equality,” said Paula.  

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For more inquiries, please contact: 

IOM contact information:  

Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int 

Anne Mandal, Tel: +675 72026763, Email: amandal@iom.int 

UNICEF contact information:  

Niels Kraaier, Tel: +675 5719 04584, Email: nkraaier@unicef.org 

Noreen Chambers, Tel: +675 7115 5295, Email: nchambers@unicef.org