What we do
The Humanitarian Coordination Unit (HCU) is an integrated unit in the UN Mission to Timor-Leste (UNMIT) which works in support of the Humanitarian Coordinator. Its primary function is the coordination of humanitarian affairs for preparedness, including contingency planning, and emergency response.
A range of humanitarian assistance is provided by the national and international actors on the ground (UN Agencies, Programmes and Funds as well as NGOs), in areas such as food, health, water and sanitation, shelter, etc. Coordination between the various organizations is key to avoid duplication, overlapping, and more importantly gaps in order to provide the best available protection and assistance to those in need.
The HCU works in close collaboration with the Resident Coordinator Unit, which is responsible inter alia for the coordination of early recovery activities and provides direct support to the Resident Coordinator in this regard. Jointly these two offices oversee the cluster system in Timor-Leste and ensure that strong partnerships are established and maintained for an effective and timely emergency response.
Humanitarian and recovery activities focus on three main components: Contingency Planning, Early Recovery and Information Management.