About the award
The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award honours individuals, groups and organizations who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect refugees, displaced and stateless people.
Established in 1954, the Award celebrates the legacy of Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian scientist, polar explorer, diplomat and first High Commissioner for Refugees for the League of Nations.
Who was Fridtjof Nansen?
Fridtjof Nansen served as the first High Commissioner for Refugees at the League of Nations after displacement caused by the First World War.
He served from 1920 to 1930, mounting efforts that helped hundreds of thousands of refugees to return home and enabled many others to become legal residents in the country where they had found refuge.
Nansen saw that one of the biggest problems facing refugees was the lack of internationally recognized identification papers. He established the first legal instrument to bestow international protection to refugees. This document came to be known as the “Nansen passport”.
As the first High Commissioner for Refugees, Nansen organized a relief programme for millions of Russians affected by the 1921–1922 famine. For his crucial work, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922.
We must raise our banner in every country and forge the links of brotherhood around the world.
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History of the Award
The first UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award was presented in 1954 to Eleanor Roosevelt, the first Chair of the UN Human Rights Commission and First Lady of the United States alongside President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Over the years, more than 60 individuals, groups or organizations have received the Award for their extraordinary service and outstanding work for people forced to flee their homes.
Since 2017, Regional Winners have also been recognized for their humanitarian efforts.
Sponsors of the Award
The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award is supported by the governments of Norway and Switzerland, the City and Canton of Geneva, and IKEA Foundation.
“Humanitarian response represents a lifeline for millions displaced across the world, and we deeply value the sacrifice and extraordinary contribution of those on the forefront. Norway is proud to join the UN in honoring the world’s oldest and most distinguished humanitarian award, celebrating those who protect and support people forced to flee. This year’s laureates embody the courage, dedication, and solidarity that defined Fridtjof Nansen’s humanitarian vision.”
— Ambassador Tormod C. Endresen,
Permanent Representative of Norway to the UN in Geneva
“At a time when the big picture is worsening, and when things seem to be going wrong, it is even more important to get inspiration and motivation from local leaders. They show us all the way. Because they have the will, because they do what is possible and because they go beyond the limits others take for granted. This is why Switzerland is proud to support the Nansen Award and its unsung heroes!”
— Ambassador Jürg Lauber,
Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN in Geneva
“Protecting the dignity of those forced to flee is not only a humanitarian responsibility - it is a cornerstone of our shared humanity. In this era of unprecedented displacement, Geneva stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity. We are proud to honour the extraordinary individuals who refuse to accept despair as inevitable, who turn compassion into action, and who help restore dignity one life at a time. Their courage reminds us that our response to the plight of refugees ultimately reflects who we are as a global community. Solidarity is not merely a choice - it is our moral imperative.”
— Natalie Fontanet,
President of the State Council of the Republic and Canton of Geneva
"We are humbled by the leadership of this year's Nansen Award honourees, who show what is possible through compassion and practical action for people forced to flee. Their courage speaks powerfully to our shared humanity. We are deeply grateful to everyone working with dedication and care to support communities rebuilding their lives."
— Jessica Anderen,
CEO of IKEA Foundation
The 2025 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award ceremony will take place in Geneva on 16 December. View the ceremony page for more information about the programme and how to watch the ceremony.
