United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

Subject: International Relations

Section: International Organisation

Some details about United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs(OCHA):

• The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) was established in December 1991 by the UN General Assembly to enhance the global response to complex emergencies and natural disasters.
• It is the successor to the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator (UNDRO).
• Initially, the Department of Humanitarian Affairs (DHA) was formed shortly thereafter by the UN Secretary-General, but in 1998, it was merged into OCHA. This merger solidified OCHA’s role as the UN’s primary focal point for major disasters.
• OCHA’s mandate expanded to encompass humanitarian response coordination, policy development, and advocacy. 
• Its diverse activities include the organization and monitoring of humanitarian funding, policy advocacy, policy-making, and the exchange of information to facilitate swift-response teams for emergency relief efforts.
• OCHA is led by the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (USG/ERC), who serves a five-year term.
• OCHA played a pivotal role in organizing the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey, and it serves as an observer within the United Nations Development Group.
• The headquarters of OCHA is based in two locations i.e New York and Geneva.

What is OCHA’s Strategic Plan 2023-2026:

• The OCHA Strategic Plan 2023-2026 outlines six transformational priorities to address the challenges of this rapidly changing landscape:
  • A coherent humanitarian response that is people centered, context specific, contributes to community resilience and promotes concrete protection outcomes
  • Systematic and predictable leadership on access
  • Durable solutions to protracted internal displacement
  • Humanitarian response that is inclusive and leaves no one behind
  • Catalytic humanitarian financing that delivers impact in people’s lives
  • Strategic analysis of risks and trends to adapt to an evolving landscape