Introduction The international humanitarian system1 faces an exponential rise in humanitarian needs. Between 2011 and 2020, the number of people targeted for assistance rose by 59 million before...
Publications
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AnalysisExtreme heat: Preparing for the heatwaves of the future
Heatwaves demand a response that is locally grounded, that acts quickly on the basis of data and analysis, and that works in partnerships with local governments, civil society and development actors.
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OtherOCHA Annual Report 2021
FOREWORD From the continuing wars in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Syria and Yemen to the hunger crisis in Madagascar and South Sudan, and the cyclone and earthquake in Haiti, 2021 was a year of...
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AnalysisTo Stay and Deliver - Good Practice for Humanitarians in Complex Security Environments [EN/AR]
Executive summary Providing humanitarian assistance amid conflict has always been a dangerous and difficult endeavour; however, over the last decade aid worker casualties tripled, reaching over 100...
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AnalysisHumanitarian crises, emergency preparedness and response: the role of business and the private sector
The private sector has long been a major contributor to humanitarian action. At the community level, businesses frequently use their materials and resources to aid people affected by crises. As local...
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AnalysisUnmanned Aerial Vehicles in Humanitarian Response
The use of drones raises serious practical and ethical issues that humanitarian organizations must address through transparency, community engagement, and guidelines for privacy and data security.
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AnalysisHumanitarianism in the Age of Cyber-warfare: Towards the Principled and Secure Use of Information in Humanitarian Emergencies
New information and communication technologies in humanitarian response create opportunities for improved humanitarian response as well as risks to the privacy and security of affected communities.
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AnalysisLeaving no one behind: Humanitarian effectiveness in the age of the Sustainable Development Goals
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY As of July 2015, an estimated 114 million people in assessed countries were in need of humanitarian assistance, compared to 40 million just over ten years ago.1 Needs are not only...
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Manual and GuidelineCompilation of military policy and practice: Reducing the humanitarian impact of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas
Executive Summary Reducing the humanitarian impact of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas is a key priority for the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),...
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AnalysisReducing Protracted Internal Displacement: A Snapshot of Successful Humanitarian-Development Initiatives
A new paper presents examples of projects that have enhanced humanitarian-development cooperation in order to reduce the vulnerabilities of IDPs and host communities.
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AnalysisFrom digital promise to frontline practice: new and emerging technologies in humanitarian action
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: SHIFTING THE PARADIGM As humanitarian crises become increasingly complex and protracted, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance has soared, from 78 million in 2015...
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Manual and GuidelineOxford Guidance on the Law Relating to Humanitarian Relief Operations in Situations of Armed Conflict
OCHA launches guidance on law governing humanitarian assistance in conflict In armed conflicts across the world, millions of civilians need emergency assistance to survive, but all too often fighting...
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Manual and GuidelineOslo Guidelines: Guidelines on The Use of Foreign Military and Civil Defence Assets In Disaster Relief - Revision 1.1 November 2007
The “Oslo Guidelines” were originally prepared over a period of two years beginning in 1992. They were the result of a collaborative effort that culminated in an international conference in Oslo,...
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Manual and GuidelineCivil-Military Guidelines & Reference for Complex Emergencies
CIVIL-MILITARY GUIDELINES & REFERENCE FOR COMPLEX EMERGENCIES' is the first collection of core humanitarian instruments developed by the United Nations (UN) and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee...
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OtherGuidelines on the use of military and civil defence assets to support UN humanitarian activities in complex emergencies
This document has been developed with the collaboration of a broad representation of the international humanitarian community, through a Drafting Committee consisting of representatives of Austria,...