OCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Published purpose

The deepening humanitarian and protection crisis in West and Central Africa is putting millions at risk. In Burkina Faso, northern Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Niger, and northeast Nigeria alone, a new record high of 29 million Sahelians require humanitarian assistance and protection. This includes 3.8 million people in Niger, an increase of over 3.1 million in 2020. In addition to persistent food insecurity, malnutrition and other humanitarian needs, Niger is also affected by security and protection concerns. This is particularly the case in the region of Diffa, which is impacted by the Lake Chad Basin Crisis, and in the western regions of the country bordering Mali and Burkina Faso. As of February 2021, these regions were hosting more than 229,734 refugees from Mali and Nigeria and 298,458 people who have been internally displaced in Niger. Specific challenges faced by women and girls include a lack of access to sexual and reproductive health services and increasing risks of sexual and gender-based violence. To respond to these humanitarian needs, this grant represents Canada’s support to the Regionally-Hosted Pooled Fund in West Africa, managed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Project activities include: (1) strengthening humanitarian leadership; (2) establishing and overseeing coordination systems; (3) monitoring and reporting on humanitarian situations; (4) advocating on behalf of affected people; (5) supporting strategic planning, humanitarian needs assessment and humanitarian needs prioritization; (6) promoting emergency preparedness; and (7) mobilizing funding for humanitarian assistance.