OCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Published purpose

March 2015 – Latin America and Caribbean countries continue to experience strong economic growth and to implement social programs that help reduce poverty and inequality. Nonetheless, the region remains highly disaster prone and exposed to epidemics. Certain parts of the region are also affected by increasing violence as a result of organized armed groups and gangs. This leads to forced displacement, confinement, limited access to basic services and shrinking humanitarian access in some areas. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is responsible for coordinating international humanitarian responses and bringing together humanitarian organizations and governments to achieve a more coherent and effective response to humanitarian emergencies around the world. With the support of DFATD and other donors, OCHA coordinates field operations across the Americas. 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.