The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat coordinates responses to emergencies through the Inter Agency Standing Committee. The Inter Agency Standing Committee covers the entities primarily responsible for providing emergency assistance within the United Nations system. A coordinated system wide humanitarian aid approach is essential as it can quickly and effectively provide assistance to those in need.

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In December 1991, the General Assembly adopted resolution 46/182, which clarified the mandate of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The resolution stated: "The leadership role of the Secretary General is crucial and must be strengthened to ensure preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies, and to take swift and concerted action. To achieve this, coordinated support for prevention and preparedness measures should be provided, and full use should be made of inter agency standing committees, joint appeals, the Central Emergency Revolving Fund, and the Reserve Capacity Register.