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OCHA Nepal
OCHA in Nepal
In 2005, OCHA established its office in Nepal considering the potentiality of a humanitarian crisis in the country, whilst the UN Resident Coordinator was appointed also Humanitarian Coordinator (HC). Through field offices in Nepalgunj and Biratnagar, OCHA assists the HC, the UN system, the Nepal Government and the international community to work effectively together in assessing and monitoring the needs of the most vulnerable and in making sure they receive adequate assistance.
OCHA's Mission
Operating under United Nations General Assembly Resolution 46/182 of December 1991, OCHA has the mandate: to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to:
- alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies,
- advocate for the rights of people in need,
- promote preparedness and prevention, and
- facilitate sustainable solutions.
To do this, OCHA has three priority areas of work:
- coordination and humanitarian emergency response
- policy development to address humanitarian issues
- advocacy and humanitarian action
OCHA's Main Activities in Nepal
- Facilitate the in country Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) to promote exchange and analysis of information and decisions on humanitarian needs.
- Visit the most affected districts to assess the potential humanitarian needs and ensure the aid community has the presence and capacity to address them.
- Support UN agencies and the wider aid community to mobilize resources for the implementation of humanitarian programs through the consolidated appeals process (CAP).
- Provide technical and logistical support for the UN agencies' contingency planning exercises to ensure a timely and effective response to potential crisis including an Avian Flu outbreak, an earthquake and other natural disasters.
- Provide technical support to the UN agencies on common and overarching advocacy and public information initiatives aimed at ensuring visibility and changing policy related to humanitarian work.
- Work with UN agencies, HMGN, international community and international and local NGOs to develop a common Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) response and advocacy strategy.
Guiding Principles and Basic Operating Guidelines
OCHA works following the UN's Guiding Principles of:
- Humanity: we work to prevent and alleviate suffering, protect life and wellbeing and ensure respect for the human being.
- Neutrality: we do not take sides in the conflict or become involved in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
- Impartiality: we make no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. Assistance is provided based on need, and, where possible, a thorough assessment of local needs and capacities.
The Basic Operating Guidelines (BOGs) are the main mechanism the UN and donors have for protecting operating space. They are based on established and accepted humanitarian principles and international legal standards. They protect the interests of the conflict-affected population and the safety and security of UN, donor and NGO staff.
Both the Guiding Principles and the Basic Operating Guidelines are enshrined in international humanitarian, human rights and refugee laws and reflected in various resolutions adopted by the Member States of the UN.
Contact:
UN OCHA
UN House, Pulchowk
GPO Box 107
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: (+977) 1 5548553
Fax: (+977) 1 5548597
Email: ocha-nepal@un.org
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