Ops Center-HOC

• Humanitarian Operations Centre
• Inauguration Ceremony
• Points of contact
• Location
• Opening hours

HOC Flyer
HOC TOR  
UNJLC LOCOMOCC TOR  

Link: Humanitarian Information Center - Liberia

Humanitarian Operations Centre

Since its launch on 19 November 2003, the Humanitarian Operations Centre (HOC) has been active in both Civil Military Coordination and Logistics support to the UN Agencies and NGOs.

Travel from Monrovia to Roberts International Airport (RIA), approximately 35 miles east of Monrovia, became restricted when the Disarmament, Demobilisation, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programme (DDRR) was launched on 7 December 2003. Former fighters participating in the Programme began rioting and demanding cash for the returned weapons. The first UN centre accepting weapons, Camp Schiefflin, was situated on the main highway about halfway between Monrovia's Elwa Junction and RIA. This centre became the scene of shooting and unrest.  The rebels were stopping and hijacking vehicles travelling on the road to RIA.

During this chaotic period, the HOC arranged for Movement of Personnel (MOPs) for the use of UNMIL helicopters from Spriggs Payne Airport to RIA. A vehicle shuttle service was also facilitated allowing personnel of UN agencies and NGOs to travel in groups using two or more vehicles en route to RIA.

Regular activities at the HOC include organising air, sea, and road missions and assessments to the interior of Liberia. Military escorts have also been arranged when needed.

The Logistics Coordination and Movement Control Centre (LOCOMOCC) coordinates the logistics of the Humanitarian Community. Presently, the LOCOMOCC is providing operational and logistical support in the planning of the DDRR Programme.

Through its NGO Liaison Officer, the HOC was able to seek sponsorship for 4 Liberian NGOs to attend the Security Management Workshop being organized by a UK based Organisation, Red-R Engineers for Disasters Relief.  Interconnection, a US-based NGO has volunteered to offer website support service to Liberian NGOs.  Local NGOs are now in the process of preparing materials, which include digital photos and text, for the website.  Presently, the HOC is working with the Humanitarian Information Centre (HIC) to updating data on ‘Who is doing What and Where’ in the Humanitarian Community.

The Government Liaison (LRRRC) section of the HOC, along with UNOCHA, was able to assist in the coordination of the humanitarian mission to Southeastern Liberia (Harper).  Taking into consideration the limitation of the Government of Liberia, the mission included and facilitated the return of Ministry of Health and LRRRC staff to Harper.   

The HOC operates by creating a common facility that can focus on customer service and, by creating the opportunity to work together on common issues, pool the experience and expertise of the respective humanitarian organisations. The HOC is now enhancing its operations, as the geographical areas of Liberia become more accessible to the humanitarian community.

Under the umbrella of UNOCHA, the authority of the UN Humanitarian Coordinator (HC)/UN Country Team (UNCT), and in close coordination with the Liberian Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), the Humanitarian Operations Centre (HOC) is serving as a common platform for the entity of coordination and UN common services in support of the operational activities undertaken by humanitarian organisations, including UN agencies and NGOs, responding to the emergency in Liberia.

The HOC is now staffed at 70% capacity.

Inauguration Ceremony

The Humanitarian Operations Centre was formally inaugurated by the Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Abou Moussa, on 28 November, 2003. The ceremony was attended by heads of UN agencies, NGOs and representatives from the Liberian Government.

^{Inauguration Speech - part 1}

^{Inauguration speech - part 2}

The following entities are integrated and represented in the HOC: 

• Logistics Coordination & Movement Control Centre (UNJLC) - to provide logistics information and address any logistical bottlenecks that might arise for the humanitarian community
• Civil-Military Coordination (CMCOORD/ UNMIL) - to ensure constant interaction, coordination, and dialogue among civilian and military actors
• NGO Liaison (UNJLC) - to provide a link between NGOs and UN agencies (see also FAQ for NGOs)
• Government Liaison (LRRRC) - a permanent representation to ensure coordination between the humanitarian community and the Government of Liberia
• Humanitarian Information Centre (HIC) - to provide information about its products and services, including maps
• Security (UNSECOORD) - to provide daily security-related updates

Points of contact

Note: HOC Points of Contact are also available after Opening Hours.

Location

WFP Building - GROUND Floor

Opening hours

- Mon-Fri:   08.30 - 18.00
- Sat:         10.00 - 15.00