Global InformationUnited Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs information
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| Abbreviation | OCHA |
|---|---|
| Formation | 19 December 1991 |
| Type | Secretariat office |
| Legal status | Active |
| Headquarters | New York, United States Geneva, Switzerland |
Head | Martin Griffiths (Under-Secretary-General) |
| Website | www |
 Politics portal | |
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is a United Nations (UN) body established in December 1991 by the General Assembly to strengthen the international response to complex emergencies and natural disasters.[1] It is the successor to the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator (UNDRO).
The Department of Humanitarian Affairs (DHA) was established shortly thereafter by the Secretary-General, but in 1998, was merged into OCHA, which became the UN's main focal point on major disasters.[2] OCHA's mandate was subsequently broadened to include coordinating humanitarian response, policy development and humanitarian advocacy. Its activities include organizing and monitoring humanitarian funding, advocacy, policymaking, and information exchange to facilitate rapid-response teams for emergency relief.[3]
OCHA is led by the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (USG/ERC), appointed for a five-year term. Since July 2021, the role has been filled by Martin Griffiths of the United Kingdom.
OCHA organized the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul, Turkey. It is a sitting observer in the United Nations Development Group.[4]
- ^ United Nations General Assembly Session 46 Resolution 182. Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian emergency assistance of the United Nations A/RES/46/182 19 December 1991.
- ^ "Who We Are". OCHA. 27 September 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2019.
- ^ "OUR WORK". OCHA. 29 September 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2019.
- ^ UNDG Members. Undg.org. accessed on 20 November 2011.