The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have formally assumed joint leadership of the newly established Global Shelter, Land and Site Coordination (SLSC) Cluster, introducing a more integrated structure for humanitarian shelter response worldwide.
The new cluster consolidates shelter assistance, site coordination, and housing, land and property (HLP) support under a single global coordination framework. The reform is part of broader humanitarian system efforts to simplify structures, reduce duplication, and strengthen accountability, while improving responsiveness to the needs of people affected by crises and displacement.
Under the arrangement, IOM and IFRC will jointly coordinate global shelter and site-related responses in both conflict and disaster settings. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) will continue leading coordination on housing, land and property issues, maintaining technical oversight and continuity in that area.
The new platform adopts a place-based approach, organising assistance around where people live during crises — including camps, informal settlements, host communities, urban neighbourhoods and rural areas. It recognises shelter not only as immediate protection but also as a foundation for broader humanitarian outcomes such as health services, education access, protection, and early recovery.
The structure also reflects growing recognition of the role of climate change and environmental pressures in shaping displacement patterns. It places strong emphasis on community engagement and strengthening national and local leadership, with international partners supporting rather than replacing local capacity.
Early collaboration under the new framework was demonstrated during recent floods in Sri Lanka, where IOM and IFRC coordinated emergency shelter delivery, site management and recovery planning.
IOM and IFRC acknowledged continued collaboration with UNHCR and UN-Habitat, alongside NRC, as the new coordination model is implemented globally.
