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United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
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United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

international organization
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External Websites
Also known as: OCHA, Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator, United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Written by
Karen Mingst
Professor Emeritus of Political Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington. Author of Essentials of International Relations. Coauthor of The United Nations in the Post-Cold War Era.
Karen Mingst
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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
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Last Updated: • Article History
Quick Facts
Formerly (1972–92):
Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator and
(1992–98):
United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Date:
1972 - present
Related People:
Valerie Amos
See all related content

News •

Why is only limited aid getting to Palestinians inside Gaza? • Nov. 13, 2024, 12:54 PM ET (AP)

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), agency of the United Nations (UN) Secretariat originally established in 1972 to coordinate international relief activities to countries struck by natural or other disasters. It is headed by a disaster relief coordinator who reports directly to the UN secretary-general and works closely with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Responding to requests from stricken states for disaster assistance, OCHA not only directs UN assistance but also mobilizes aid from nongovernmental organizations such as the International Red Cross. OCHA also functions as an information coordination centre. Since the 1980s OCHA has emphasized disaster preparedness and prevention and the execution of UNDP-assisted projects.

Karen Mingst