Support to the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD)

In an emergency, food and non-food assistance needs to be delivered as quickly as possible. Crisis situations in the last 20 years have demonstrated the need for integrated solutions by the international community as a whole. In view of the scale and complexity of these situations, only the multilateral system can provide the expertise, the capacities and the financial resources for a rapid, focused, effective and coordinated response. The UNHRD is a valuable preparedness tool that serves the broader humanitarian community. Becoming a UNHRD partner in 2012 marked a new stage of Switzerland’s operational cooperation with WFP. It enables Switzerland to enhance its own preparedness and rapid response capacity in humanitarian crises.

To contribute to the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot Network through financial and staffing support (secondments) and thus to enhance the preparedness and response capacity of Switzerland and the international humanitarian community.

Vulnerable groups exposed to natural disasters and/or conflicts.

Preparedness and the response capacity of the humanitarian community (including Switzerland) are strengthened. Enhanced acceptance of UNHRD by its partners through standardized reporting and improved communication. Identification of specific projects to be supported by further Swiss secondments as of mid-2015.

Expected results:  

• Identification of specific projects to be supported through SHA secondments following the end of mission of D. Mauron in August 2015;
• Implementation of HRD Rapid Intervention Teams, including SHA members to be identified and trained in 2015;
• Identification of options for closer cooperation in procurement, storage and dispatch of SDC-HA relief items.

Results from previous phases:  

• Development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by SDC seconded staff for improved reporting by HRD hubs;
• Development of standardized operational procedures by SDC seconded staff to be used as a guideline for HRD staff;
• Implementation of barcoding at HRD Dubai for enhanced logistics procedures;
• Visibility of Switzerland as an active supporter/donor to UNHRD in reports and events.

Switzerland’s support to WFP’s preparedness enhancement programme. Switzerland’s efforts to enhance international logistics coordination through the Logistics Cluster.

Phase 3 01.01.2015 - 31.12.2015   (Completed)