Under the joint UN response to the earthquake, UNHCR is the lead agency for Camp Management. Under the UN’s cluster approach the “Camp Management Cluster” (CMC) supports the Pakistan government in the running of camps, by providing material and technical assistance and coordinating the delivery of basic services like health care, water, sanitation and education.

On 28 November 2005, the Government of Pakistan adopted a Camp Management Strategy prepared and endorsed by the camp management cluster. This is now being operationalised in the field. According to the consultative camp management strategy, a ‘camp’ is a settlement of displaced persons composed of fifty tents or more. There are in addition to camps, settlements of affected groups that are scattered over a large area, many living on or in the vicinity of their homes. Although these groups do not fall under the direct responsibility of the CMC, they are eligible for aid and assistance as part of the general displaced community.