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UNHCR – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

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United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees/The UN Refugee Agency

  • The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), also called the UN Refugee Agency, is a UN body mandated to protect and support refugees, stateless persons, and internally displaced people.
  • Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Evolution

  • Established in 1950 by the UN General Assembly, in the aftermath of World War II, to address the refugee crisis in Europe.
  • As new refugee crises unfolded across the globe, the mandate was extended multiple times during the 20th century, until a 2003 UNGA resolution made the agency permanent.

Who UNHCR Protects

  • Asylum-Seekers
    • Individuals who have fled their country and applied for asylum in another, but whose claim has not yet been processed.
    • Every asylum-seeker is entitled to safety until their case is decided.
    • UNHCR works with governments to ensure asylum-seekers are not sent back to danger (non-refoulement principle).
  • Refugees
    • People fleeing conflict, persecution, and human rights abuses across borders.
    • UNHCR provides life-saving support, legal aid, and long-term solutions (integration, resettlement, or repatriation).
  • Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
    • People forced to flee homes due to conflict or disasters but who remain within their own country.
    • Among the most vulnerable as they often lack protection and must rely on their own governments.
    • UNHCR helps with shelter, healthcare, and advocacy for their rights.
  • Stateless People
    • Individuals not recognized as nationals by any country.
    • They often face denial of education, healthcare, employment, and travel.
    • UNHCR protects and advocates for the rights of stateless people, working with governments to change nationality laws and ensure children are registered at birth. 
  • Returnees
    • UNHCR helps refugees return home safely. It arranges transport and works to ensure they are protected from persecution, violence, and landmines.
    • UNHCR supports them with reintegration, including housing, access to services, and livelihood opportunities.

What UNHCR Does

  • Respond to Emergencies
    • Provides life-saving aid when people are forced to flee.
    • Ensures refugees and displaced persons reach safe places and are not pushed back into danger.
    • Supplies shelter, food, water, medical care, and family reunification support.
    • Within 72 hours, UNHCR can deploy expert staff and send emergency supplies for up to 600,000 people.
  • Safeguard Human Rights
    • Advocates for the rights of refugees, asylum-seekers, IDPs, and stateless persons.
    • Works with governments and partners to strengthen laws and systems.
    • Helps displaced persons access documentation, education, health care, and work.
    • Promotes the principle that everyone has the right to a nationality.
    • Engages lawyers, judges, civil society, and policymakers to strengthen protection.
  • Build Better Futures
    • Supports employment, education, and housing so refugees can rebuild their lives.
    • Provides training and opportunities for self-reliance and integration into host societies.
    • Assists with voluntary repatriation when safe to return home.
    • For those unable to return, UNHCR helps with local integration or resettlement in third countries.

UNHCR Mandate and Governing Charters

  • Mandate:
    • UNHCR is mandated by the United Nations to protect and safeguard the rights of refugees.
  • It also supports:
    • Former refugees who have returned to their home country (returnees).
    • People displaced within their own country (IDPs, in cooperation with other UN agencies).
    • Stateless persons or those whose nationality is disputed.
  • Legal Basis:
    • UNHCR is guided by and acts as the guardian of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.

Funding of UNHCR

  • UNHCR relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions to carry out its mandate.
  • Main sources of funding:
    • UN Member States (governments provide the bulk of funding).
    • Private sector (corporations, foundations, NGOs).
    • Individuals (thousands of global donors).

Governance

UNHCR is governed by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

High Commissioner for Refugees

  • The High Commissioner for Refugees is the head of UNHCR and the UN’s principal official for refugee protection.
  • The High Commissioner is responsible for the direction and control of UNHCR.
  • In accordance with the Statute of UNHCR, the High Commissioner is elected by the UN General Assembly on the nomination of the Secretary-General.
  • The terms of appointment are proposed by the Secretary-General and approved by the General Assembly.
  • The High Commissioner reports annually to ECOSOC and the General Assembly on UNHCR’s work.

Partnerships of UNHCR

  • UNHCR works with a wide range of partners to deliver protection and assistance to people forced to flee.
  • Partners include:
    • Governments
    • Private sector
    • Sister UN agencies
    • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

FAQs 

Q1. What is the UNHCR?

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), also known as the UN Refugee Agency, is a UN body mandated to protect the rights and well-being of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless people.

Q2. When and why was the UNHCR established?

UNHCR was established in 1950 by the UN General Assembly, initially to address the refugee crisis in Europe after World War II. Its mandate has since expanded globally.

Q3. Where is the headquarters of UNHCR located?

UNHCR is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

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