humanitarian operations center

An interagency policymaking body that coordinates the overall relief strategy and unity of effort among all participants in a large foreign humanitarian assistanceoperation. It normally is established under the direction of the government of the affected country or the United Nations, ora United States Government agency during a United States unilateral operation. The humanitarian operations center shouldconsist of representatives from the affected country, the United States Embassy or Consulate, the joint force, the UnitedNations, nongovernmental and international organizations, and other major players in the operation. Also called HOC. See also operation.