OCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Published purpose

June 2019 – Humanitarian needs stemming from the crises in Syria and Iraq remain significant throughout the Middle East. Continued violence in Syria raises little prospects for the voluntary, safe, sustainable and dignified return of over 5.6 million refugees in the region. Internally displaced persons range in the millions in Syria and Iraq, and refugees facing protracted displacement in host countries continue to face acute humanitarian needs in Jordan and Lebanon. In line with Grand Bargain commitments, GAC is providing flexible regional funding to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on a multiyear basis, for its emergency operations in Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. Regional funding provides OCHA with the flexibility to allocate funds to better coordinate the humanitarian response to evolving crises across the Middle East. With the support of Canada and other donors, OCHA fulfills its mandate by: (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 the assessment and prioritization of humanitarian needs and strategic planning; (6) promoting emergency preparedness; and (7) mobilizing funding for humanitarian assistance.