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		Commodity Distribution, A Practical Guide for Field Staff (UNHCR, 1997, 77 p.)
			(introduction...)
			Purpose of this guide and how to use it
			Glossary
			Key Points
			I. OVERVIEW
			II. GETTING STARTED
			III. HOW TO CHOOSE AND SET UP A SYSTEM
			IV. INVOLVING THOSE CONCERNED
			V. MANAGEMENT
			VI. SPECIAL ISSUES
			Annex 1 - Reporting on Food Distribution
			Annex 2 - Reporting on Non-Food Items Distribution
			Annex 3 - Reporting on Food Distribution
			Annex 4 - Household Monitoring Report
			Annex 5 - Post Distribution Monitoring
			Annex 6 - Bibliography

Glossary

Commodity

This term covers both food and non-food items given in mass distribution to the refugees.

Distribution Cycle

The time period between regular distributions.

Family

A group of people living together, related by blood or otherwise and recognised by the society as a family.

Household

A group of people living together who pool their resources. They may or may not be members of the same family.

Head of Family

The person accepted by the family and by the society as representing that family within the society. The head of family can be female or male.

Head of household

The person accepted by the household and by the society as representing that household within the society. The head of household can be female or male.

Ration Shop

A form of distribution to individual heads of family.

Refugee

The word “Refugee” is used throughout this guide when referring to beneficiaries. However the principles outlined can be applied to returnees, internally displaced people and others of concern to the High Commissioner and therefore targeted in UNHCR assistance programmes.

Registration Card

A standard forgery-proof card to be issued to all heads of household/families. The uniquely numbered card allows for easy identification as well as for the distribution of food and non-food items and can be procured through UNHCR/STS in Geneva.

Scooping or Tipping

A method of approximating a given weight of food by the volume of a container.

Vulnerable

Individuals or groups who have particular problems with fair access to commodity distribution by virtue of their physical or social status and the norms with which the refugee community treat that status.

(...)

Commodity	This term covers both food and non-food items given in mass distribution to the refugees.
Distribution Cycle	The time period between regular distributions.
Family	A group of people living together, related by blood or otherwise and recognised by the society as a family.
Household	A group of people living together who pool their resources. They may or may not be members of the same family.
Head of Family	The person accepted by the family and by the society as representing that family within the society. The head of family can be female or male.
Head of household	The person accepted by the household and by the society as representing that household within the society. The head of household can be female or male.
Ration Shop	A form of distribution to individual heads of family.
Refugee	The word “Refugee” is used throughout this guide when referring to beneficiaries. However the principles outlined can be applied to returnees, internally displaced people and others of concern to the High Commissioner and therefore targeted in UNHCR assistance programmes.
Registration Card	A standard forgery-proof card to be issued to all heads of household/families. The uniquely numbered card allows for easy identification as well as for the distribution of food and non-food items and can be procured through UNHCR/STS in Geneva.
Scooping or Tipping	A method of approximating a given weight of food by the volume of a container.
Vulnerable	Individuals or groups who have particular problems with fair access to commodity distribution by virtue of their physical or social status and the norms with which the refugee community treat that status.