Introduction
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950, as an agency that would serve to protect and provide aid to refugees around the world. Since its inception, the UNHCR has been committed to defending the rights of refugees and ensuring that they are provided with the necessary support to survive.
Protecting Refugees
The UNHCR is responsible for protecting refugees who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or other forms of violence. The agency works tirelessly to ensure that refugees are provided with appropriate shelter, food, water, and other essential services. Additionally, the UNHCR advocates for the rights of refugees and helps to create policies that protect vulnerable populations.
Providing Aid
The UNHCR works to provide aid to refugees in countries all over the world. The agency partners with a variety of organizations to ensure that refugees have access to necessary resources like medical care, education, and job training. Additionally, the UNHCR provides emergency aid to refugees who are fleeing violence, conflict, and natural disasters.
Coordinating Response
The UNHCR plays a critical role in coordinating the response to refugee crises around the world. The agency works with governments, other United Nations agencies, and a variety of non-governmental organizations to ensure that refugees have access to the resources they need to survive. Additionally, the UNHCR helps to facilitate refugee resettlement programs in countries all over the world.
Advocating for Refugee Rights
The UNHCR is a leading voice in the fight to protect the rights of refugees. The agency works to ensure that refugees are not subject to discrimination and that they are treated with dignity and respect. Additionally, the UNHCR advocates for policies and programs that help to address the root causes of displacement, including conflict, poverty, and persecution.
Conclusion
The UNHCR plays a critical role in providing protection and support to refugees around the world. Through its work, the agency has helped to transform the lives of millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and violence. The UNHCR will continue to be an important force in the fight to protect the rights of refugees and ensure that they have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
In 1981, the UNHCR received another award for their longtime worldwide aid to refugees, along with the praise for performing amidst the political obstacles the organization faced. The UNCHR grew from only 34 staff members when it was first founded, and they now have a staff of 6,650 national and international members, including 740 members in their headquarters in Geneva. The agency works in 118 countries, with offices in 108 main locations and 151 sub-offices and field offices.
