ERC, OCHA to join forces address humanitarian challenges

Abu Dhabi (WAM): The Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) have expressed their resolve to combine their efforts in constructive partnership and coordination to address present humanitarian challenges in many countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The two humanitarian organisations have renewed their determination to work together in many flash points to ease the brunt of crises and disasters that millions of peoples were enduring. In a meeting between Mohammed Al Fahim, Deputy Secretary General of Emirate Red Crescent for Support Services, and Rashid Khalikov Director, OCHA Geneva, and Saeed Hersi from OCHA Gulf Office, the two sides agreed to consolidate their work mechanism, share expertise and information on building capacities of aid worker and jointly carry out development projects in vulnerable communities. Rashid Khalikov Director, OCHA Geneva, commended U.A.E.'s support for enhancing OCHA capacities, and praised the ERC's humanitarian efforts to alleviate suffering of victims of disasters. Al Fahim said the visit of OCHA delegation to the ERC would open up new, wide avenues of joint, constructive cooperation in the humanitarian work. He emphasised ERC's keenness on extending bridge of communication and collaboration with regional and international humanitarian and relief agencies for a better future for humanitarian work. In 2006, the U.A.E. joined OCHA as a key donor, becoming the 20th member in the group and the only non-European member then. OCHA Regional Office in the U.A.E. covers 21 countries in Middle East, North Africa and Asia. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/general/1395269783977.html