Coordination of Humanitarian Responses in the Middle East – OCHA 2019-2021

June 2019 – Humanitarian needs stemming from the crises in Syria and Iraq remain significant throughout the Middle East. Continued violence in Syria raises little prospects for the voluntary safe sustainable and dignified return of over 5.6 million refugees in the region. Internally displaced persons range in the millions in Syria and Iraq and refugees facing protracted displacement in host countries continue to face acute humanitarian needs in Jordan and Lebanon. In line with Grand Bargain commitments GAC is providing flexible regional funding to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on a multiyear basis for its emergency operations in Syria Iraq Jordan and Lebanon. Regional funding provides OCHA with the flexibility to allocate funds to better coordinate the humanitarian response to evolving crises across the Middle East. With the support of Canada and other donors OCHA fulfills its mandate by: (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.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) strengthened humanitarian leadership and coordination systems; (2) enhanced monitoring and reporting on humanitarian situations; (3) enhanced advocacy on behalf of affected populations; (4) strengthened assessment and prioritization of humanitarian needs and strategic planning; (5) improved emergency preparedness; and (6) increased funding for humanitarian assistance. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.