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.

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

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

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Current responses

May 26, 2024, Rafah: A staff member from the UNRWA Health Team at the Tel Al-Sultan Health Center in Rafah area conducts a medical examination for a displaced child.© 2024 UNRWA Photo by Mohammed Hinnawi

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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Deputy Humanitarian Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya speaks at the side event on "Underfunding and the Cost of Inaction." Photo: OCHA/Paolo Palmero

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

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.