The Protection Cluster is one of the nine sectors of activity identified under the cluster approach. UNHCR is the lead of the Global Protection Cluster (GPC). The Global Protection Cluster coordinates and provides global level inter-agency policy advice and guidance on the implementation of the cluster approach to Protection Clusters in the field, supports protection responses in non-refugee situation humanitarian action as well as leads standard and policy setting relating to protection in complex and natural disaster humanitarian emergencies, in particular with regard to the protection of internally displaced persons.

In the Philippines, the Protection Cluster has been established by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Circular No 5 series of 10 May 2007 (Institutionalizing Cluster Approach in Philippine Disaster System). The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is designated as the government lead and UNHCR is the counterpart of the Protection Cluster. Two sub-clusters on children and gender-based violence are also led by the DSWD with the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) respectively as the UN counterparts.