UNHCR

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Abbreviation	UNHCR
Formation	14 December 1950
Type	United Nations agency
Headquarters	Geneva, Switzerland
High Commissioner	Filippo Grandi
Parent organization	United Nations
Website	www.unhcr.org

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), also known as the UN Refugee Agency, is a United Nations agency mandated to aid and protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country.

History

The UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly, succeeding the earlier United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration and the International Refugee Organization. The agency's original mandate was to help Europeans displaced by World War II, but its scope has since expanded to address global refugee crises.

Mandate and Functions

The UNHCR's primary mandate is to ensure the international protection of refugees and to seek permanent solutions for them. This includes:

• Providing emergency assistance, such as shelter, food, water, and medical care.
• Advocating for the rights of refugees and displaced persons.
• Facilitating voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement.
• Working with governments to improve asylum laws and policies.

Operations

The UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, with a staff of more than 17,000 people. It works closely with governments, non-governmental organizations, and other UN agencies to coordinate efforts in refugee protection and assistance.

Emergency Response

In times of crisis, the UNHCR deploys emergency teams to provide immediate support to displaced populations. This includes setting up refugee camps, distributing relief supplies, and coordinating with local authorities and partners.

Long-term Support

Beyond immediate relief, the UNHCR engages in long-term support activities, such as:

• Promoting self-reliance through education and vocational training.
• Supporting host communities to foster peaceful coexistence.
• Advocating for durable solutions to displacement.

Challenges

The UNHCR faces numerous challenges, including:

• Increasing numbers of displaced persons due to conflicts, persecution, and climate change.
• Limited funding and resources to meet growing needs.
• Political and logistical barriers to accessing affected populations.

Achievements

The UNHCR has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize twice, in 1954 and 1981, in recognition of its humanitarian work. It has played a crucial role in numerous refugee crises, including those in Syria, Afghanistan, and South Sudan.

Also see

• Refugee
• Asylum seeker
• Statelessness
• Internally displaced person
• United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East