Relief efforts: Special training for humanitarian agencies held in K-P

As part of its exit strategy from Malakand Division and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) organised a series of training sessions for government officials and partners (including UN agencies, NGOs, civil authorities, the military and the police). These training sessions aimed to enhance the capacities of officials in coordination during emergencies and to discuss effective ways of developing standard operating procedures.

A total of six training workshops were held, which was attended by 173 representatives of government and humanitarian agencies. The sessions took place in two phases, and were conducted in six districts namely Buner, Swat, Shangla, Kohistan, Lower Dir and Upper Dir. The first phase consisted of three sessions, each of which lasted for two days, while the second phase involved a one-day workshop with representatives from the six districts to improve coordination between the districts. These sessions included OCHA’s role in coordination, humanitarian principles and rescue operations in case of emergencies.

Even though the OCHA has left Malakand Division, its office in Peshawar is fully cooperating with humanitarian organisations, UN agencies and NGOs to ensure effective and principled response to humanitarian needs in K-P and Fata.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2011.