Refugee Housing Units
An innovative solution offering dignified and safe shelter for refugees
Refugee Housing Units installed in Kigoma Refugee Camp in Tanzania, April 2019.
Conflict, violence and persecution forces families all over the world to leave everything behind and start over in a new country. Traumatized and exhausted after the ordeals they endure, refugees need a safe haven in a world of uncertainty. That is why UNHCR, Better Shelter and the IKEA Foundation partnered up to design the Refugee Housing Unit (RHU), an innovative housing solution which is now being deployed to refugee settlements around the world.
Throughout its development, special attention was given to the important feedback provided by people forced to flee. RHUs feature a sturdy steel frame, strong walls, a lockable door, electricity and other everyday functionalities that can return some normalcy for refugees.
Since the start of this year, more than 1,800 RHUs have been installed in Brazil, Chad and Tanzania. Distribution is carefully planned, prioritizing the most vulnerable, including children, women and older persons, people with serious medical conditions and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
Struggling to survive away from home, refugee families require secure shelters that give them the peace of mind they need knowing they are safe. Features as simple as being able to turn on a light at night and locking the door before going to sleep can go a long way in making people feel safe. This is especially crucial for women and girls who are at increased risk of sexual and gender-based violence.
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Benefits of RHUs
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Improved fire safety and ventilation
Solid & durable structure to survive harsh weather
conditions
Integrated solar energy system for light and power
Ability to be repaired and improved over time
Flexibility of being
disassembled,
transported and reassembled
©UNHCR/Clemence Eliah
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