Refugees often arrive with few or no possessions, no income, and limited access to services. Without food, safe shelter, clean water, basic health care and spiritual support, people face malnutrition, disease, insecurity and deep distress. Meeting basic needs is therefore about more than survival: it reduces protection risks, safeguards dignity and creates the conditions for participation in education, livelihoods and community life.

JRS is not a specialised basic needs agency, but we regularly includes basic needs activities within other programme areas and may provide more comprehensive support where no other actors are present. JRS integrates basic needs into education, MHPSS, livelihoods and other services.

The basic needs provided by JRS include:

• Food security: reliable access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to prevent malnutrition and related health impacts.
• Shelter and non-food items: safe, dignified living conditions and basic items (such as bedding, cooking utensils and clothing) that protect people and stabilise their situation.
• WASH: clean water, sanitation facilities and hygiene promotion to prevent disease and protect health and dignity.
• Health: essential primary health care, including prevention, treatment and referrals.
• Pastoral care: spiritual and emotional support that helps people cope with distress and loss, respectful of different faith traditions.