The approximately 111,500 older people in Gaza are among those most at risk of hunger, dehydration, illness, injury, and death, HelpAge reports. A displaced older Palestinian in a makeshift shelter. Photo by UNRWA
The approximately 111,500 older people in Gaza are among those most at risk of hunger, dehydration, illness, injury, and death, HelpAge reports. A displaced older Palestinian in a makeshift shelter. Photo by UNRWA @UNRWA

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Nearly 300 million people globally need humanitarian assistance and protection

At the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), we bring the world together to tackle humanitarian emergencies and save the lives of people caught in crises.

What we do

We mobilize aid, share information, support humanitarian efforts, and advocate for crisis-affected communities.

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Where we work

Our presence in crisis-affected regions, combined with our expert team, allows us to rapidly respond and provide support to those in need.

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How you can help

Nearly every humanitarian response is critically underfunded. Every cent counts, and saves lives. Contribute today!

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Current responses

UN and PRCS teams preparing for the evacuation of babies from Al Shifa Hospital. November 2023. Photo:OCHA

We coordinate

During an emergency, at the request of the affected country’s Government, we coordinate the flurry of response efforts to ensure they reach the people most in need.

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Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, briefs the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question on 31 January 2024. UN Photo/Manuel Elías

We advocate

Through our public and private advocacy, we raise awareness of humanitarian crises and the needs of affected people. We advocate for the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law.

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We develop policy

We constantly update existing policies and develop new ones, as we strive to improve the way we deliver assistance to people in need.

We fund

We work with humanitarian partners around the world to identify the most critical humanitarian needs, plan responses and determine the budgets needed to address them.

We inform

Accurate information and data are critical in informing a rapid, effective and principled humanitarian response. They are also vital for coordinating the response.