Crosscutting issues focus on particular areas of concern in humanitarian response and address individual, group or general vulnerability issues. Mainstreaming crosscutting issues ensure that such considerations inform all aspects of humanitarian action and helps maximize the quality and impact of the work that all humanitarian do. Some of these issues are Age, Gender and Diversity, Child Protection, Gender-Based Violence, Mine Action, Housing, Land and Property, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Disability, HIV/AIDS. Protection Mainstreaming comprises the four key principles of prioritizing safety and dignity and avoid causing harm, ensuring meaningful access, accountability, and participation and empowerment HIRDO considers the following four elements in all humanitarian activities:-

Prioritize Safety and Dignity, and Avoid Causing Harm: Prevent and minimize as much as possible any unintended negative effects of your intervention, which can increase people’s vulnerability to both physical and psychosocial risks.

Meaningful Access: Arrange for people’s access to assistance and services in proportion to need and without barriers. Pay special attention to individuals and groups who may be particularly vulnerable or have difficulty accessing assistance and services.

Accountability: Set-up appropriate mechanisms, through which affected populations can measure the adequacy of interventions, and address concerns and complaints

Participation and Empowerment: Support the development of communities’ and individual capacities and assist people to claim their rights, including – not exclusively – the rights to shelter, food, water and sanitation, health, and education.