Needs assessments are required during the first phases of an emergency in order to establish an understanding of the impact of the emergency on affected populations, the causes of any problems, which populations are most affected what their coping strategies are and which humanitarian interventions would aid the population. According to its mandate based on its statute and resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly, UNHCR will coordinate and lead all aspects of humanitarian response in refugee emergencies, including joint, harmonized and coordinated needs assessments.