United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) plays a vital role in coordinating humanitarian efforts during crises around the world. Its mission is to ensure that people affected by emergencies receive timely assistance and to promote effective humanitarian action. OCHA oversees the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) system, which provides support during sudden-onset emergencies like earthquakes and floods. OCHA deploys UNDAC teams within 24-48 hours to assist in emergency situations. These teams consist of experienced emergency managers who focus on coordination, needs assessments, and information management. They establish On-Site Operations Coordination Centres (OSOCC) and Reception and Departure Centres (RDC) to enhance collaboration among international agencies and national responders. OCHA also utilizes virtual platforms for real-time information exchange and maintains a Knowledge Base to support the humanitarian community with reliable information on various topics.

Partnerships