Bangkok, Thailand – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is utilizing a regional model to assess crisis risk and prioritize aid allocation across 38 Asia-Pacific nations, according to a statement released Monday.
The Regional Focus Model (RFM), produced by OCHA’s Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) in Bangkok and the Office of the Pacific (OP) in Suva, Fiji, aims to identify countries prone to hazards, possessing high vulnerability, and exhibiting limited capacity to respond to emergencies. The model is designed to support decisions related to disaster risk reduction, emergency preparedness, and response efforts.
The RFM is built upon the INFORM index, a global risk assessment tool that analyzes potential crises requiring international assistance. It combines INFORM data with a “Humanitarian” component, focusing on issues directly relevant to OCHA’s coordination work, to generate a “Focus score.” This score serves as a practical tool for disaster managers, providing an evidence base for discussion and prioritization of resources.
A key challenge for humanitarian agencies, as highlighted in accompanying documentation, is the efficient allocation of limited resources. The RFM seeks to address this by identifying nations most likely to request and accept international support. The model’s focus extends beyond immediate needs to include bolstering resilience and preparedness for future events.
OCHA coordinates international humanitarian response, mobilizing aid and sharing information to support crisis-affected communities, according to the organization’s website. Global Communities, an international aid organization, also prioritizes partnering with affected communities to address urgent needs, focusing on restarting livelihoods, rebuilding infrastructure, and providing psychosocial support.
The UN’s efforts in crisis response also include UNOPS, which brings together expertise to address the root causes of fragility and strengthen community resilience. However, OCHA has not yet publicly indicated how the RFM’s findings will translate into specific aid allocations or policy changes for the assessed countries.
