UNHCR - THE UNITED NATIONS REFUGEE AGENCY

UNHCR is mandated by the United Nations to lead and coordinate international action for the worldwide protection
of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems.
UNHCR’s primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. In its efforts to achieve this objective,
UNHCR strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State,
and to return home voluntarily. By assisting refugees to return to their own country or to settle permanently in another
country, UNHCR also seeks lasting solutions to their plight.
UNHCR’s efforts are mandated by the organization’s Statute, and guided by the 1951 United Nations Convention relating
to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. International refugee law provides an essential framework of principles
for UNHCR’s humanitarian activities.
In support of its core activities on behalf of refugees, UNHCR’s Executive Committee and the UN General Assembly
have authorized the organization’s involvement with other groups. These include former refugees who have returned to
their homeland; internally displaced people; and people who are stateless or whose nationality is disputed.
UNHCR seeks to reduce situations of forced displacement by encouraging States and other institutions to create conditions
which are conducive to the protection of human rights and the peaceful resolution of disputes. In pursuit of the
same objective, UNHCR actively seeks to consolidate the reintegration of returning refugees in their country of origin,
thereby averting the recurrence of refugee-producing situations.
UNHCR is an impartial organization, offering protection and assistance to refugees and others on the basis of their
needs and irrespective of their race, religion, political opinion or gender. In all of its activities, UNHCR pays particular
attention to the needs of children and seeks to promote the equal rights of women and girls.
In its efforts to protect refugees and to promote solutions to their problems, UNHCR works in partnership with governments,
regional organizations, international and non-governmental organizations. UNHCR is committed to the principle
of participation, believing that refugees and others who benefit from the organization’s activities should be
consulted over decisions which affect their lives.
By virtue of its activities on behalf of refugees and displaced people, UNHCR also endeavours to promote the purposes
and principles of the United Nations Charter: maintaining international peace and security; developing friendly relations
among nations; and encouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
UNHCR Global Appeal 2007 3