Mali Activates Enhanced Protection Cluster

The Protection Cluster in Mali has been activated since April 2012 to address the protection needs of individuals affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters. The cluster coordinates the prevention and response to protection risks and human rights violations, in support of Malian authorities. Following a humanitarian restructuring, the Protection Cluster has been strengthened by integrating the Area of Responsibility (AoR) for Child Protection, Gender-Based Violence, and Anti-Humanitarian Violence. The AoR for Housing, Land, and Property has been integrated into the Shelter Cluster. The Protection Cluster in Mali adopts the definition of protection by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (CPIA): 'The concept of protection encompasses all activities aimed at obtaining full respect for the rights of the individual, in accordance with the letter and spirit of relevant human rights instruments. '