UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Published purpose

March 2015 – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) leads and coordinates international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide, protect internally displaced persons and those who are stateless, and search for lasting solutions to their plight. Other than the Saharawi refugee situation, which will enter its 39th year in 2015, most refugees and asylum-seekers in North Africa reside in urban areas. In 2014, UNHCR offices throughout North Africa witnessed an increase in the number of asylum-seekers. UNHCR has registered 155,000 Syrians who have sought refuge in the North Africa region, approximately 140,000 of whom are in Egypt. Another 50,000 refugees were registered by UNHCR in North Africa. The ongoing unrest in Libya has also created greater protection needs in North Africa. More than 150,000 people, including third-country nationals (estimated at 15,000) have sought refuge abroad, mainly in Tunisia and Egypt. With the support of DFATD and other donors, UNHCR is contributing to improving the living conditions and protection of refugees and internally displaced persons in North Africa. Project activities include: (1) providing shelter and essential relief items to vulnerable people; (2) working with governments to register asylum seekers and refugees and to help issue identity documents; (3) working with governments to support refugee self-reliance; and, (4) forging peaceful relations between refugees and local residents.