OCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Published purpose

March, 2013 - The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in partnership with national and international actors, oversees the coordination of humanitarian action in order to promote more effective and principled humanitarian response. OCHA establishes and oversees coordination systems (including supporting humanitarian leadership and the cluster system), monitors and reports on humanitarian situations, engages with national authorities, advocates for humanitarian access to affected populations, supports the assessment and prioritization of needs and contingency planning, and ensures an effective transition with development partners. With Canada's support, OCHA's 2013 field operations will coordinate assistance to people affected by complex humanitarian crises across 50 countries (through 23 country offices, eight regional offices, three liaison offices, and a range of humanitarian advisor teams).