OCHA Mission Statement

OCHA's mission is to mobilise and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to:

     •  alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies
     •  advocate for the rights of people in need
     •  promote preparedness and prevention
     •  facilitate sustainable solutions.

In December 1991, the General Assembly adopted Resolution 46/182 (click here for English version - click here for all official languages), designed to strengthen the United Nations' response to both complex emergencies and natural disasters.  In addition it aimed at improving the overall effectiveness of the UN's humanitarian operations in the field. Read more on What is OCHA, OCHA's information leaflet [pdf].

Quick Facts About OCHA

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Where does OCHA work?

OCHA is based at United Nations Headquarters in New York and has another main office in Geneva and 30 regional and field offices.

Every person affected by a disaster or conflict has the right to assistance. When a national government is unable to provide sufficient help, it may request international support. This support can come in the form of food and material aid, protection of rights, access to clean water, health services, information and other life-sustaining forms of assistance. OCHA tries to ensure assistance is effective and efficient and to reduce duplication and gaps.

[More information: OCHA Around the World, OCHA Organigramme]

How is OCHA funded?

Although a part of the UN Secretariat, OCHA receives only a small percentage of its funding from the regular budget of the United Nations.  OCHA relies largely on contributions from Member States, either directly for Headquarters functions or through the Consolidated Appeals for country offices and activities.  Such contributions cover the operational expenses (staff and non-staff costs) of core activities, Headquarters projects, the Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN), and field offices.

How does OCHA coordinate humanitarian relief?

OCHA supports and facilitates the work of UN agencies, non-governmental organisations and the Red Cross/Crescent Movement that deliver humanitarian services and assistance to people in need. It also works closely with governments, supporting them in their lead role for organising humanitarian response in emergency situations.

How does coordination work?

OCHA provides emergency response tools at the start of a crisis. These include:
 The UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team (UNDAC)
 Search and rescue coordination in accordance with the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) Guidelines,
 Civil-Military Coordination personnel,
 Logistics coordination support;
 Access to military assets as a last resort in disaster response,
 Information management tools for use by humanitarian response agencies to assist in planning, response and coordination.

1. At the country level:   In a country affected by a disaster or conflict, the ERC may appoint a Humanitarian Coordinator (HC). The HC has the overall responsibility for ensuring that response efforts are well organized and coherent. The HC works with government, international organizations, NGOs and affected communities. An OCHA office will be established to support Humanitarian Coordinator.

2. On Policy issues related to humanitarian action: OCHA supports the development of common policy positions among humanitarian agencies and at the international level through the United Nations and other influential for a. Policy advice is also provided to affected countries.

3. Through advocacy on humanitarian issues: OCHA’s advocacy aims to speak out on behalf of people affected by humanitarian crises. Specific areas of concern include the protection of civilians, prevention of displacement, disaster preparedness and the efficiency of humanitarian response.  Current advocacy priorities in 2009 at the global level are focused on:
 Internal displacement
 Climate change
 Gender-based violence 

4. Through information outlets:
• The Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) which provides news and information through text and radio services. IRIN also enhances advocacy efforts through the provision of materials – photos, films and reports – to highlight current crises.  
• ReliefWeb is the global hub for time-critical humanitarian information on Complex Emergencies and Natural Disasters
• OCHA Online – OCHA’s Website provides an overview of key issues and challenges facing the humanitarian community as well as hosting OCHA’s advocacy materials.
• OCHA’s Public Information Unit provides press releases, op-eds, briefing notes, talking points and key messages on a variety of issues, events and situations of major concern.

5. Through funding for humanitarian action:
OCHA is a strong advocate of the global effort to move towards a predictable and needs-based humanitarian financing system and is active in improving the way in which the international humanitarian system seeks and manages funding. Through its participation in the Good Humanitarian Donorship initiative OCHA aims to contribute to improving the quality and quantity of humanitarian funding.
 The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF): The CERF aims to promote early action and response to reduce loss of life, enhance response to time-critical requirements, and strengthen core elements of humanitarian response in under-funded crises.
 The Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP), established in 1992, is a cycle of strategic planning, from the development of a Common Humanitarian Action Plan to resource mobilization (leading to a Consolidated Appeal or Flash Appeal), coordinated implementation and joint monitoring and evaluation.
 Financial Tracking Service (FTS) – which is a global, real-time database that records all reported international humanitarian aid. 
 Funding and  in-kind support from the private sector.

Click here to download What is OCHA, OCHA's information leaflet [pdf]