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Basic facts
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country.
In more than five decades, the agency has helped an estimated 50 million people restart their lives. Today, a staff of around 6,300 people in more than 110 countries continues to help 32.9 million persons.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country.
In more than five decades, the agency has helped an estimated 50 million people restart their lives. Today, a staff of around 6,300 people in more than 110 countries continues to help 32.9 million persons.
Protecting refugees and the role of UNHCR
Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about refugees themselves and how the agency attempts to help them. (pdf, 3Mb)
The 1951 Refugee Convention
The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees is the key legal document in defining who is a refugee, their rights and the legal obligations of states.
1951 to Today
A history of the Refugee Convention
Mission Statement
The Refugee Agency's purpose, objectives, principles and responsibilities.
UNHCR Statute
UN General Assembly resolution establishing the High Commissioner’s Office for Refugees as of 1 January 1951.
Previous High Commissioners
Earlier leaders of the Refugee Agency.
High Commissioner
Mr. António Guterres, who joined UNHCR on June 15, 2005, is the UN refugee agency's 10th High Commissioner.
1951 Refugee Convention Questions & AnswersThe most frequently asked questions about this key treaty. Published September 2007.
(pdf, 1.6Mb)
Internally Displaced People Q&AQuestions and Answers on internal displacement, published September 2007.
(pdf, 1.3 Mb)
The World's Stateless People Q&AAnswers to some of the most commonly asked questions about stateless persons and how UNHCR attempts to help them. (pdf, 1.3 Mb)
NGO Partnerships in Refugee ProtectionQuestions and answers on UNHCR’s work with NGOs.
(2007 edition, pdf, 1.4Mb)
Cartagena Declaration on Refugees
Adopted by the Colloquium on the International Protection of Refugees in Central America, Mexico and Panama, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, 22 November 1984
OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa
Adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government at its Sixth Ordinary Session, Addis-Ababa, 10 September 1969
Refugees MagazineLatest:
Issue N° 148:
Refugee or Migrant - Why It Matters (published December 2007)