The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. We had three years to complete our work and then disband. Today, over 68 years later, our organization is still hard at work, protecting and assisting refugees around the world.
Our primary purpose at UNHCR is to safeguard the rights and well-being of people who have been forced to flee. Together with partners and communities, we work to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. We also strive to secure lasting solutions.
UNHCR has helped millions of people to restart their lives. They include refugees, returnees, stateless people, the internally displaced and asylum-seekers. Our protection, shelter, health and education programs have been crucial to healing broken pasts and building brighter futures.
Our dedicated staff work in 128 countries around the world, from major capitals to remote and often dangerous locations. Wherever refugees arrive, we work closely with governments to ensure the 1951 Refugee Convention is honoured.
Just over seven per cent of staff are based at our Geneva headquarters. Along with the Global Service Centres in Budapest, Copenhagen and Amman, these people provide support for the rest of UNHCR, including key administrative functions. A massive 87 per cent of staff are based in the field, assisting the most vulnerable victims of displacement.
Together, as a team, they work hard to help the world’s displaced.