Strengthening Assessment and Coordination of Humanitarian Response – OCHA and UNDAC 2023-2027

This project aims to support the United Nations Disaster Assistance and Coordination (UNDAC) emergency system in providing timely and reliable humanitarian needs assessments and coordination support to the international community and affected countries following humanitarian crises. The Emergency Response Section (ERS) of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) manages UNDAC. It comprises more than 220 national emergency experts from over 80 countries. It seeks to help meet the needs for early information during the first phase of a sudden-onset emergency and to support the coordination of incoming international humanitarian assistance at a national level or at the site of the emergency. The UNDAC system can deploy emergency response teams worldwide within 24 to 48 hours. Project activities include: (1) managing the deployment of Canadian and developing-country delegates as part of emergency response teams; (2) conducting training and capacity development for emergency response team members; and (3) supporting the ERS’ management of various disaster response tools and services.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) enhanced rapid-response capacity of the international humanitarian system; (2) improved availability of critical information in the aftermath of humanitarian crises; and (3) strengthened coordination of international relief in response to humanitarian crises. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.