Published in:
01-12-2011 | Original Article
The UN OCHA cluster approach: gaps between theory and practice
Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 6/2011
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Aim
We report what role the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) cluster approach plays for humanitarian organizations in the context of sudden humanitarian crises. We aim at demonstrating the gap between theory and practice, in particular with respect to differing importance that OCHA has for organizations of different size and organizational structure. Furthermore, we explore the different levels of cooperation between OCHA and humanitarian NGOs and provide suggestions for improvement.
Subject and methods
The devastating earthquake that hit Haiti on 12 January 2010 was followed by one of the largest international humanitarian aid actions ever. Complex humanitarian crises need an organized international humanitarian effort dealing with immediate humanitarian needs and targeting the underlying structural problems in a long-term approach. The UN OCHA aims at improving the coordination of international humanitarian aid. Based on an analysis of the cluster approach and on interviews with NGO stakeholders active in Haiti, we report what role the cluster approach plays for humanitarian organizations in the context of sudden humanitarian crises.
Results
The example of Haiti shows that there are conflicting interests within the humanitarian aid community. The number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) implementing relief projects in Haiti increased uncontrollably.
Conclusion
The UN OCHA cluster approach provides the structure for improved coordination of humanitarian aid action. At the same time, there is broad agreement that the existing coordination mechanisms reached their limits in the complex crisis in Haiti. An analysis outlines chances for substantial improvement.