Integrated MIS (Management Information System)

Emergency Response Programme (ERP)

Caritas Bangladesh

This Web Application is an effective and integrated data management and visualization system for tracking the progress of regular field-level activities (based on DIP) where the project team can be able to store the quantitative progress of any activities of any project under any sectors.

Shelter & Settlement Standards Quick Reference

FDMN / Rohingya Refugee Response – Cox's Bazar

SCCCM Sector Performance Standards • Approved TSS Designs • Site Development Guidance • Sphere Reference

Reference Priority: For FDMN/Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar, use current Government of Bangladesh / RRRC-approved Shelter-CCCM Sector standards, technical designs, site planning guidance and SOPs as the primary operational reference. Sphere should be used as the international humanitarian minimum and quality reference.
1. Key Shelter Standards – Quick Reference

Cox's Bazar Shelter Floor Area

≥150 ft²
approximately 13.9 m²

Shelter Performance Standard criterion and current TSS model size: 10 ft × 15 ft.

Sphere Living Space

≥3.5 m²
per person

Excludes cooking, bathing and sanitation areas.

Shelter Pathway

≥4 ft
approximately 1.22 m

Pathway on main entrance side.

Minimum Plinth

6 inches
15 cm / 0.5 ft

Where a raised plinth is applicable.

Footing / Post Depth

2 ft
approximately 60 cm

Bamboo Column Spacing

≤5 ft
approximately 1.52 m
2. Shelter Size and Covered Living Space
Standard Cox's Bazar / FDMN Reference Sphere Reference Assessment Interpretation Data Source
Minimum internal shelter floor area ≥150 ft²
≈13.94 m² 		Sphere uses a person-based measure rather than a fixed family shelter size. Measure usable internal floor area and household size. Do not assess adequacy only from total shelter area. SCCCM Shelter Performance Standard Assessment 2024; Approved TSS model designs 2025
Covered living space/person Context constrained; analyse against HH size and available shelter area. ≥3.5 m²/person excluding cooking, bathing and sanitation. Use Sphere as the international reference, while clearly documenting Cox's Bazar density constraints. Sphere Handbook, Shelter & Settlement Standard 3
Cold climate / internal services benchmark Not normally applicable to Cox's Bazar climatic context. 4.5–5.5 m²/person where cooking, bathing or sanitation are inside. Reference only. Sphere Handbook, Shelter & Settlement Standard 3
Important: 150 ft² is a Cox's Bazar shelter performance/design criterion, whereas Sphere's 3.5 m² is a per-person living-space benchmark. They are therefore not directly interchangeable. For example, a 150 ft² shelter used by six persons provides only about 2.32 m²/person before considering other household uses. Therefore assessment should report both:

Total shelter floor area + household size + m²/person.
3. Shelter Site Condition and Settlement Safety
Dimension FDMN Performance Requirement Assessment / Monitoring Focus Source
Safe site Shelter site protected from soil erosion, landslide and unstable slope risks. Observe slope, erosion, retaining structures, terracing, vegetation and drainage. SCCCM Shelter Performance Standards; Site Planning and Site Development Guidelines 2025
Drainage Adequate and functioning drainage around shelter. Check tertiary drainage and connection to functioning secondary/primary drains. Shelter Performance Standard Assessment 2024
Waterlogging No standing water around shelter creating waterlogging. Check after rainfall where possible and ask about seasonal/monsoon conditions. Shelter Performance Standard Assessment 2024
Flood exposure Shelter should not be exposed to damaging floodwater. Ask about previous flooding and observe flood pathways/elevation. Shelter Performance Standard Assessment 2024; Sphere Settlement Standard
Pathway width ≥4 ft on main entrance side Measure clear usable pathway width. Also assess slope and disability accessibility. SCCCM Shelter Performance Standard Assessment 2024
4. Plinth, Foundation and Footings

Minimum Plinth Height

6 in
15 cm

Where plinth construction is applicable.

Footing Depth

2 ft
60 cm

Footing Material

Concrete / Metal
keeps structural bamboo out of the ground
Component Standard Reason Source
Plinth Minimum height 0.5 ft / 6 in / 15 cm where applicable. Reduce rainwater entry and waterlogging risk. Shelter Performance Standard Assessment 2024
Footings Concrete or metal footings should keep bamboo structural members out of direct ground contact. Reduces deterioration, moisture and insect damage. Shelter Performance Standards 2024 assessment
Footing / post embedment 60 cm / 2 ft into ground. Structural stability and anchoring. Shelter Performance Standard Assessment 2024
5. Shelter Superstructure
Structural Element Performance Standard Assessment Focus Source
Bamboo columns Maximum spacing 5 ft / 1.52 m Measure spacing between structural columns. Shelter Performance Standards 2024
Bracing Adequate bracing in all corner bays, or at least three corners. Inspect presence, fixing and structural condition. Shelter Performance Standards 2024
Internal partition At least one internal partition. Assess privacy and household preference, particularly for women and adolescent girls. Shelter Performance Standard Assessment 2024
Structural bamboo Treated and without visible insect infestation. Look for powder, holes, rotting and insect damage. Shelter Performance Standards 2024
Tie-down Shelter tied down according to SCCCM Sector technical guidance. Inspect anchoring, connections and tie-down components. SCCCM Shelter Performance Standards
6. Roofing and Weather Protection
Element Standard / Requirement Assessment Focus Source
Roof condition Roof should prevent rainwater leakage. Observe holes, deterioration, loose roofing, joints and leakage points. Shelter Performance Standards 2024
Big bamboo rafters Maximum spacing 5 ft. Measure rafter spacing. Shelter Performance Standard Assessment 2024
Small bamboo rafters Maximum spacing 1 ft. Measure spacing. Shelter Performance Standard Assessment 2024
Muli bamboo purlins Maximum spacing 1 ft. Inspect roof-support spacing and fixing. Shelter Performance Standard Assessment 2024
Gutters / adjacent roofs Avoid problematic roof valleys/gutters between adjacent shelters that increase leakage risk. Observe drainage of roof runoff between shelters. Shelter Performance Standards 2024
7. Temporary Safer Shelter – TSS
Current development: The Shelter-CCCM Sector now lists Government-approved Temporary Safer Shelter (TSS) model designs as current technical guidance. The models are intended to improve durability, weather resistance, structural safety and overall shelter performance.
Example TSS Feature Current Approved Design Reference
Basic shelter size 10 ft × 15 ft = 150 ft²
Floor Sand/cement finished flooring, depending on approved model.
Structure Varies by approved TSS model: precast concrete posts, metal structural members, bamboo or other approved systems.
Roof Approved models include CGI roofing and improved protective/insulation layers.
Wall Varies by model and includes approved bamboo-mat/geotextile or other resilient systems.

Reference: SCCCM Sector – Government-approved Temporary Safer Shelter models, 2025.

8. Fire Safety and Cooking Space
Dimension Expected Standard Assessment Focus Source
Cooking space Cooking area protected from fire risk. Observe fire-resistant separation/material, stove location and combustible materials. Shelter Performance Standards; Shelter Lessons Learned & Best Practice 2024
Ventilation Adequate ventilation, particularly around cooking areas. Observe windows/openings, airflow and smoke accumulation. SCCCM Shelter Best Practice 2024; Sphere
Settlement-level fire risk Fire preparedness, safe access and risk mitigation arrangements. Check fire access, pathways, emergency arrangements and camp-specific risk. SCCCM Fire Response Advocacy Note, December 2025; Fire Risk Mitigation Strategy 2025–2026
9. Privacy, Protection and Security

Lockable Shelter

Required
inside and outside

Internal Partition

≥1
privacy partition

Safe Access

Required
including women, children, older persons and PwD
Shelter adequacy should include:

✓ privacy
✓ lockability
✓ dignity
✓ protection from intrusion
✓ gender-sensitive internal space
✓ child safety
✓ accessibility for persons with disabilities
✓ safe access to essential services
10. Disability and EVI Inclusion
Shelter Assistance ≠ Accessible Shelter
Dimension Assessment Requirement
Pathway Can the person safely reach the shelter?
Entrance Can the person enter/exit without assistance, or is tailored assistance required?
Floor level Does the plinth/step create an accessibility barrier?
Internal movement Is there sufficient usable space for the individual's needs?
Tailored support Assess the need for ramps, handrails, widened access, modified layout or assisted construction.
EVI support Provide tailored technical/construction assistance based on vulnerability rather than standard materials alone.

Reference: Sphere inclusion principles; SCCCM Sector protection-focused shelter programming; current EVI/shelter assistance practice.

11. Settlement Planning – Sphere Reference

Camp-type Settlement

45 m²/person
minimum usable settlement area

Services Outside Site

30 m²/person
where major communal services are outside

Covered Living Space

3.5 m²/person
minimum Sphere benchmark
Sphere's 45 m²/person camp-planning benchmark includes more than the household plot. It includes space for:

• roads and pathways
• firebreaks
• water facilities
• sanitation
• drainage
• schools
• healthcare
• markets
• distribution areas
• recreation
• administration
• other communal infrastructure
The existing Rohingya camps in Cox's Bazar are highly congested. Therefore the Sphere 30–45 m²/person settlement benchmarks cannot simply be interpreted as existing FDMN operational coverage standards. They should be used to: identify density-related risks and guide improvement, not to automatically classify existing camps as compliant/non-compliant.

Source: Sphere Handbook – Shelter and Settlement Standards 2 and 3.

12. Site Development / Physical Site Improvements
Hazard / Problem Potential Site Improvement Monitoring Requirement
Waterlogging Household/tertiary drainage, drain rehabilitation or connection. Verify functionality before and after intervention.
Erosion Soil protection, vegetation, sandbags or engineered erosion-control measures. Check stability after rainfall.
Slope instability Terracing, retaining structures, slope stabilization, drainage or relocation where required. Technical verification required.
Unsafe plinth Plinth raising, repair or stabilization. Check elevation, stability and drainage relationship.
Unsafe access Pathway, stairs, handrail, culvert or access rehabilitation. Assess usability by women, children, older persons and PwD.
Drain crossing Safe bridge/culvert/drain cover where technically appropriate. Verify structural safety and accessibility.

Primary reference: SCCCM Site Planning and Site Development Guidelines 2025; Site Development Catalogue 2.1.

13. Recommended Shelter & Settlement Assessment Indicators
Domain Suggested Measure Reference Basis
Living space m² of usable internal shelter space/person Sphere ≥3.5 m²/person; Cox's Bazar 150 ft² shelter criterion
Shelter condition % shelters meeting agreed minimum Shelter Performance Standards SCCCM Shelter Performance Standards
Weather protection % HH reporting no rainwater intrusion/leaking SCCCM Performance Standards
Site hazard % HH reporting reduced exposure to flooding, erosion, landslide, slope or drainage hazards SCCCM Site Development Guidance
Technical completion % treated sites meeting agreed technical and safety criteria Site Development Catalogue / project technical checklist
Privacy % HH reporting adequate shelter privacy Sphere + SCCCM Shelter Performance Standard
Security % shelters with functional lockability SCCCM Shelter Performance Standards
Accessibility % HH with members with disabilities reporting accessible shelter and approach Sphere inclusion + SCCCM protection mainstreaming
Safety & habitability % assisted HH reporting improved safety, habitability and dignity Outcome-level programme monitoring
Post-repair quality % assisted shelters meeting minimum safety/habitability criteria after repair SCCCM Shelter Performance Standards / technical verification
14. Practical Shelter Performance Checklist
A shelter should ideally be assessed across all these dimensions:

✓ Adequate internal floor area
✓ Safe shelter location
✓ Functional drainage
✓ No significant waterlogging
✓ Protection from flooding
✓ Minimum plinth/elevation where appropriate
✓ Sound foundation and footings
✓ Appropriate structural column spacing
✓ Adequate structural bracing
✓ Sound roof structure
✓ No significant roof leakage
✓ Adequate ventilation
✓ Treated/serviceable construction materials
✓ Safe cooking arrangement
✓ Internal privacy partition
✓ Functional door/lock
✓ Safe pathway/access
✓ Disability-inclusive access
✓ Protection against strong wind/rain
✓ Household considers shelter safe and dignified
15. Current Data Sources for Shelter & Settlement Analysis
  1. SCCCM Sector 2026 webpage / current sector information
    Use for current objectives, sector structure, partners and latest technical documents.
  2. Shelter-CCCM Sector Annual Report 2025
    Use for recent sector performance, achievements and strategic trends.
  3. Shelter-CCCM Sector Bi-annual Report 2025
    Use for operational progress, coordination and settlement-planning developments.
  4. Site Planning and Site Development Guidelines – 2025
    Primary current reference for site planning and physical site improvement interventions.
  5. Site Development Catalogue 2.1
    Use for technical site-development intervention options.
  6. Shelter-NFI Harmonized PDM Guidelines and Questionnaire – 2025
    Use for post-distribution monitoring and household-level shelter assistance assessment.
  7. Approved Temporary Safer Shelter Models – 2025
    Use for current approved shelter construction/design options.
  8. Shelter Performance Standard Assessment – October 2024
    Use for shelter quality, construction-performance standards and camp-level evidence.
  9. SCCCM Shelter Daily Incidents Yearly Report – 2025
    Use for disaster, fire, landslide, flood and other incident patterns.
  10. Inter-Sector Needs Assessment – SCCCM 2025
    Use for current shelter/settlement needs evidence.
  11. Sphere Handbook – Shelter & Settlement
    Use as international humanitarian minimum and quality reference.
16. Recommended Reference Hierarchy
Government / RRRC-approved SCCCM Decision → Approved TSS / Technical Design → Site Planning & Development Guideline → Shelter Performance Standards → Current Sector Assessment / Dataset → Sphere International Standards
Do not replace contextualized FDMN standards mechanically with Sphere numbers. For example:

Cox's Bazar shelter criterion: 150 ft² internal floor area
Sphere minimum living space: 3.5 m²/person

Both should be considered, but they answer different questions. The best assessment approach is to calculate both total shelter size and living space per person.
17. Core Reference Documents
  1. SCCCM Shelter Performance Standards / Shelter Performance Standard Assessment , October 2024.
  2. Site Planning and Site Development Guidelines , SCCCM Sector, 2025.
  3. Site Development Catalogue 2.1 , SCCCM Sector.
  4. Shelter-NFI Harmonized PDM Guideline and Questionnaire , 2025.
  5. Government-approved Temporary Safer Shelter (TSS) Model Designs and Standards , 2025.
  6. Shelter Lessons Learned and Best Practice: Safe Cooking Areas and Improved Ventilation , 2024.
  7. Fire Response Advocacy Note , December 2025.
  8. Fire Risk Mitigation EPR Strategy and Plan , 2025–2026.
  9. SCCCM Sector Annual and Bi-annual Reports , 2025.
  10. Sphere Handbook – Shelter and Settlement Standards .
Shelter & Settlement Standards Quick Reference
FDMN / Rohingya Refugee Response – Cox's Bazar
For Shelter, Site Development, Programme and MEAL Teams