The UN Humanitarian Unit (HU) was established by the United Nations Zambia country team (administered by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator) in November 2002, to strengthen its response to the humanitarian crisis in Zambia. In November 2002, OCHA designated a Senior Humanitarian Officer to support the country team, as well as, co-ordinate the humanitarian interventions and information.

The Changing Humanitarian Environment
In 2002, Zambia declared a national disaster after the country’s maize crop failed for the second consecutive year due to a severe drought. By October, it was clear that the country was facing a food crisis, which was larger and deeper than any agency had planned for.

The number of people affected increased from 2.3 million to 2.9 million after the August assessment by the national VAC. It was also becoming obvious that the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic was a significant component of this longstanding emergency.

It was then recognised that the humanitarian situation in Zambia required a unit to provide a stronger
co-ordination and information function to the humanitarian community.

WFP revised the overall tonnage required to account for the increased need. WFP’s capacity to implement these plans, however, was significantly affected by the Republic of Zambia’s policy decision to ban imports of GM foods in late October 2002.

Generally, food availability and access across the country has improved. Since April 2003, WFP has scaled down food delivery. The VAC assessment estimates that from June 2003; only 0.06% of the population (60,000 people) will require targeted relief food, which must be distributed commensurate with the existing cereal gaps in each district. Seven districts will require assistance, while 4 will need monitoring and could increase the numbers by another 40,000.

The Role of the HU in 2003
The HU functions in 5 areas:
1. Co-ordination: The HU's main responsibility is to co-ordinate the humanitarian response, support the national co-ordination work of the UN Humanitarian Co-ordinator, and improve all sectoral
co-ordination. With the assistance of SAHIMS, a database on “Who does What Where” will give a comprehensive overview of the work in all of the humanitarian and recovery sectors. A monthly situation update will be produced, which will provide an overview of the main humanitarian issues in Zambia.

2. Information and validation: The HU works within a network to obtain relevant information on vulnerability at both national and district levels. Informants belong mainly to UN system but some government institutions (for example the DMMU, CBoH, Ministry of Agriculture) contribute as well.

3. Recovery: The HU assists the UN Humanitarian Co-ordinator in providing the strategic direction for recovery of food security, as well as securing the integration of HIV approaches within rehabilitation programmes.

4. Government liaison: Together with the DMMU, the HU continues to be a key intermediary for establishing a more enabling environment between the government, NGOs and the donor community,
in order to meet the needs and rights of the most vulnerable.

5. Humanitarian policy: The HU is the main source of advice for the UN Humanitarian Co-ordinator and the UNCT; in order to ensure that the humanitarian access and principles are acknowledged, so that specific vulnerable groups such as PLWHA, orphans and adolescent girls receive assistance and necessary protection.

HU Funding
The HU has received funding from the following donors:
Australia, Denmark, DFID, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, USAID, IRISHAID,  NORAD, CIDA, SIDA, JICA, GTZ, EU