​

OHRA bases its coordination of humanitarian response by obeying four principles that OHRA's work are: cooperation, protection, assistance and prevention. The principle of cooperation is driven by four aspects to cooperation:

​

Operational cooperation

In the effected country by disaster or other situations of violence, the OHRA seeks to rely on and reenforce the work that's being done by that country's National Society. OHRA's primary partner − coordinate their operational activities to ensure that the response to the needs of the communities affected is efficient and complementary.

​

In addition to preparing for and responding to crises, the purpose of the partnership is to help the National Society to strengthen its capacities. In cooperation and coordination with the International Federation or other National Societies in order to better address the needs of those people most at risk.

​

Operational cooperation covers various activities, such as providing first aid and health care, distributing food and providing other forms of humanitarian assistance, and restoring family links.

​

This type of cooperation can also include National Societies operating outside their own countries in contexts where the ICRC is working. In this case, the National Societies can contribute to OHRA operations:

• by conducting their own projects, in coordination with the National Society of the country concerned and other Movement components, including the OHRA

• by cooperating on joint projects bringing complementary expertise and support

• by making a financial contribution towards OHRA operations

• by making donations in kind

• by lending staff.

 

Coordinating with the Movement's components

OHRA contribute to the role of coordinating response in situations of armed conflict or internal strife, in cooperation with the National Society of the country concerned. This means that in addition to organizing its own operations, the OHRA endeavours to coordinate, in an inclusive manner, the activities of the other Movement components in the country, in order to make the best use of their respective capacities and expertise.

​

With its role of advocate, OHRA may play a role in establishing and maintaining dialogue with the parties to the conflict, to ensure there is impartial access to all people affected and to provide clear security and communication guidelines for all components of the Movement present in the country.

​

Strengthening National Societies

It is important for National Societies to develop in order to provide a more relevant and sustainable humanitarian response. Therefore, in accordance with its mandate, the OHRA cooperates with National Societies on matters of common concern and in areas where it has particular expertise.

​

National Societies should develop both in peacetime as well as during emergencies. The ICRC can support National Societies in particular in the areas below, thanks to its operational know-how, long-standing presence in certain contexts, and close ties with National Societies.

• Promotion of international humanitarian law and of the Movement's Fundamental Principles

• Humanitarian assistance and health care for people affected by disaster.

• Restoring family links

• Increasing National Societies' acceptance, security and access to communities in need through the Safer Access Framework

• Strengthening the legal bases and statutes of National Societies

To provide additional support to National Societies, the OHRA also works to develop partnerships with other competent and experienced partners. 

​

​