Briefing by David Kaatrud, Director, OCHA and Charles Bernimolin, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, OCHA

On November 30, the Humpty Dumpty Institute held a "U.N. to D.C." program (see photos) with David Kaatrud, Director of the Coordination and Response Division of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Charles Bernimolin the UNOCHA Humanitarian Affairs Officer responsible for Iraq.

Mr. Kaatrud and Mr. Bernimolin discussed the United Nations' role regarding Iraqi refugees and Iraqi internally displaced persons. They also covered U.N. attempts to mitigate humanitarian crises in Sudan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Eretria. The briefing, presented to Congressional and Senatorial staff, highlighted the differences between Iraqi refugees and other refugee populations, described the capabilities and challenges faced by the Iraqi Ministry of Displacement and Migration, and focused on the U.N.'s efforts to enhance local humanitarian capabilities.

The Congressional staffers were extremely interested to hear how the important work of the United Nations compliments U.S. efforts to bring stability and prosperity to war afflicted regions. The program was supported by the United Nations Foundation.