OCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Published purpose

March 2015 - Security and displacement throughout the region of West Africa have continued in 2015. Across the Sahel, insecurity and conflict have displaced 2.8 million people, a dramatic increase from 1.6 million in January 2014, and food security is expected to deteriorate due to the exhaustion of stocks, pasture scarcity, food price variations and erosion of livelihoods caused by the recurring crisis. Spiraling violence in north-eastern Nigeria and the Central African Republic continues to force people from their homes and undermines livelihoods, compounding the needs of the displaced people and their host communities in Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon. The situation in northern Mali remains highly unstable, preventing the return of internally displaced people and refugees, and the restoration of essential services. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is responsible for bringing together humanitarian organizations and governments to ensure a rapid and coherent response to humanitarian emergencies. With the support of DFATD and other donors, OCHA is coordinating the international humanitarian response to humanitarian crises in West Africa. 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 the assessment and prioritization of humanitarian needs and strategic planning; (6) promoting emergency preparedness; and (7) mobilizing funding for humanitarian assistance.