OCHA People Strategy: Introduction to OCHA’s Duty of Care Framework

What is OCHA’s Duty of Care?

Through the OCHA People Strategy (2018-2021), and on the heels of the 2018 evaluation of OCHA’s Duty of Care, we committed to systematically strengthen duty of care accountability across OCHA, and establish an OCHA Duty of Care Framework. OCHA’s Duty of Care is defined as a non-waivable duty on the part of OCHA, including managers and all personnel, to mitigate or otherwise address foreseeable risks that may harm or injure OCHA’s people. OCHA’s Duty of Care vision is that all personnel enjoy better support and protection while fulfilling our mandate.

Why do we need a Duty of Care Framework?

The OCHA Duty of Care framework presents the overarching principles, minimum standards and accountability for achieving OCHA’s duty of care vision. It outlines the minimum standards, roles and responsibilities of the organization to maintain the safety, security, physical health, and psychological wellbeing of all OCHA personnel. As defined in the framework, OCHA’s Duty of Care is divided in to two key areas: (1) Security and (2) Occupational Safety, Health and Wellbeing (OSHW).