OCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Published purpose

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) field offices have responsibility for inter-agency coordination in humanitarian situations as well as the coordination of humanitarian assistance. OCHA has planned field offices in 47 countries, including 22 country offices, five regional offices, three sub-regional offices, three liaison offices and 14 humanitarian support offices. Field offices are a key component of OCHA’s humanitarian response by providing crucial coordination in both the acute phase of a sudden onset crisis and in protracted humanitarian situations. Support to OCHA's field offices ensures that immediate coordination and the dissemination of information related to current humanitarian crises and humanitarian action with governments, the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and the Red Cross Movement are maintained. CIDA’s support to OCHA’s field coordination activities provides OCHA with flexibility to allocate resources where needs are greatest and ensures consistency with the principles of Good Humanitarian Donorship.