UNHCR 

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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was created in December 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly, in the aftermath of World War II. Its original mandate was to provide protection and assistance to millions of Europeans displaced by the conflict, with the intention of solving the refugee problem within three years. However, as conflicts and crises continued to emerge across the world, the mandate of UNHCR was repeatedly renewed and expanded. Today, UNHCR is one of the most prominent humanitarian organizations in the world, working in over 130 countries.​

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The organization was established with three main goals in mind: to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to help them rebuild their lives through long-term solutions such as voluntary repatriation, resettlement, or local integration, and to provide emergency relief during crises. UNHCR is described as both a humanitarian and protection agency, playing a central role in responding to forced displacement caused by war, violence, and persecution. It is also a forum where international cooperation is fostered, ensuring that states share responsibility for protecting displaced people.

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UNHCR is important because it is essential to achieving sustainable development and peace: displacement crises directly affect poverty reduction, health, education, and human rights. The agency has twice been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (1954 and 1981) for its humanitarian work. UNHCR is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and is led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Its Executive Committee, elected by the Economic and Social Council, provides guidance and oversight to ensure its work reflects international consensus and shared commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

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