UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Published purpose

The United Nations has mandated the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to lead and coordinate international action for the worldwide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems. In 2009, more than 34.5 million people were of concern to UNHCR, including some 10.5 million refugees, 14.4 million internally displaced persons, 2 million returnees, 6.6 million stateless persons and 826,000 asylum-seekers. UNHCR's primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. In its efforts to achieve this objective, the Office 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 seeks lasting solutions to their plight. Over time, UNHCR's Executive Committee and the UN General Assembly have also authorized the involvement of the Office with other groups such as former refugees who have returned to their homeland, internally displaced people, and people who are stateless or whose nationality is disputed. The Office seeks to reduce situations of forced displacement worldwide 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 all of its activities, UNHCR pays particular attention to the needs of children and seeks to promote the equal rights of women and girls. The Office works in partnership with governments, regional organizations, international and non-governmental organizations. It is committed to the principle of participation believing that refugees, and others who benefit from the Agency's activities, should be consulted over decisions that affect their lives.