The role of OCHA in international disaster management and humanitarian aid

SAFETY

United Nations (OCHA)

U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

United Nations Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

OCHA forms a significant part of the United Nations secretariat, which contributes remarkably in matters concerning human welfare across the globe. OCHA's responsibility is key to activities that relate to the saving of human life and interventions of various humans aids that come in handy during natural and man-made disasters. It is a part of the United Nations organization that forms a network, which connects various humanitarian actors in times of emergencies. OCHA has a policy development that distinctly defines its core functions as supporting effective humanitarian aid, saving life, and reducing suffering (OCHA, 2012).

The roles and responsibilities of OCHA cannot be sidelined from the core values and mission of the United Nations body. The mission is to:

Gather humanitarian efforts form different national actors across the globe to help save human life in times of natural and man-made disasters

2) The organization plays a leading role in fighting for the rights of desolate people in times of need

3) The organization forms the part that spear heads all preparations for any sudden outcomes that may call for urgent help to save human life

4) As an arm of the organization OCHA facilitates the process of coming up with reliable solutions for disaster management (OCHA, 2012).

OCHA has a key responsibility to ensure that the organization has planned for the future at all times. This responsibility enhances formation and immediate planning by committees and international coalitions that lead to effective humanitarian action for disaster management. They come up with appropriate strategies, which once implemented develop an environment of human safety and stability.

OCHA has a remarkable role in the building of relationships and connections across the board composed of different specialties that in turn form the leading teams facilitating disaster management. Hence, it can be referred to as the arm that facilitates leadership in disaster management, decision-making, resource allocation, and planning as the key function of the organization. These roles are primary to the functioning of the United Nations. As a result, this arm of the United Nations plays a critical role in enhancing and developing international relations, which is fundamental in human welfare.

The role of OCHA is its ultimate responsibility, which is proper disaster management at all cost (OCHA, 2012). In this context, the organization contributes significantly in providing reliable human resources during disaster management. The organization has a responsibility of empowering its staff for the sake of their primary duty, which is saving humanity. For instance, it is the responsibility of the organization to collect data on certain communities that need urgent help (this requires skills and knowledge). They collect data on their distinct subject matters: who, where, and what (OCHA, 2012).

Highlight one strength and one weakness of OCHA

a) Strength: the organization has people with efficient skills, technology, and expertise on matters concerning humanitarian relief. Consequently, the organization can move fast to obtain information and implement a relief program immediately.

b) Weakness: often the organization may require external assistance. Despite the preparedness of the organization, there is a need for further support e.g. financial support due to the increase of relief demand especially in cases of natural disasters such as droughts and floods.