OCHA supports the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) and Humanitarian Coordinators in meeting their responsibilities towards IDPs, which includes the ERC’s UNGA-mandated “central coordination role” on the assistance of and protection of IDPs. This work cuts across all five core functions of OCHA:
Through field coordination, OCHA ensures that the specific needs of IDPs and host communities are integrated into humanitarian programme cycles, including in protracted situations. OCHA promotes improved collaboration between humanitarian and development actors to strengthen resilience of IDPs. OCHA ensures a coordinated approach to addressing constraints on humanitarian access, including to IDPs.
Through policy development, OCHA ensures that internal displacement issues are addressed in Secretary General initiatives. OCHA provides guidance on IDPs to its country offices and disseminates good practices.
Through advocacy, the ERC and OCHA have a role in championing the rights of IDPs in conflict and disaster situations with Member States and partners. This includes briefing the UN Security Council, but also liaising with governments and parties to conflict and reminding them of their obligations and commitments to gain access and ensure that displacement-affected communities receive the protection and assistance they need.
Through disseminating information, OCHA works with partners to ensure that IDPs and their specific vulnerabilities are captured in improved data collection and analysis to better inform responses. OCHA pools humanitarian funds and manages the Central Emergency Response Fund as well as country-based pooled funds, which are important enablers for responding to IDPs’ emergency needs.
Breaking the Impasse
Reducing Protracted Internal Displacement