United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Genf UNHCR

UNHCR DADAAB REGION, KENYA AFRICA DOD 2006

UNHCR Stamps of Tajikistan 2001

Darfur refugee camp in Chad

Army Lynx Helicopter Helps Transport Aid in Macedonia MOD 45108219

Trucks loaded with supplies to aid Kurdish refugees

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), also known as the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. Established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 14, 1950, following the aftermath of World War II, UNHCR was initially intended to help millions of Europeans displaced by the conflict. Its mandate has significantly expanded over the years to include helping refugees worldwide.

History

The creation of UNHCR was influenced by the need to address the post-war refugee crisis in Europe. Its mandate was initially limited to three years, during which it was expected to complete its work and disband. However, new refugee situations emerged in the 1950s, such as the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, leading to the extension of UNHCR's mandate indefinitely.

Mandate and Objectives

UNHCR's primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR also has a mandate to help stateless people.

In the pursuit of its objectives, UNHCR works closely with governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Its activities include providing critical emergency assistance (such as shelter, food, water, and medical care), facilitating long-term solutions, and advocating for the rights of refugees and stateless people.

Operations

UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, with its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The agency responds to multiple crises around the world, often in challenging and dangerous environments. Its operations are vast and varied, ranging from emergency response to protracted refugee situations and statelessness issues.

Funding

UNHCR's work is almost entirely funded by voluntary contributions, with the majority coming from governments. Additional funds come from intergovernmental organizations, corporations, and private donors.

Challenges

The agency faces numerous challenges, including underfunding, the increasing politicization of refugee protection, and the complexities of modern conflict and displacement. Climate change and related disasters also pose new challenges, leading to displacement and complicating existing refugee situations.

Achievements

Despite these challenges, UNHCR has made significant contributions to the protection of refugees and the promotion of their rights. It has facilitated durable solutions for millions of refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement to third countries. UNHCR has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize twice, in 1954 and 1981, in recognition of its groundbreaking work in helping refugees.

See Also

• Refugee
• Statelessness
• Asylum seeker
• Internally displaced person