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Safeguarding individuals

Safeguarding individuals

Every human being deserves a life free from persecution and discrimination.

But displacement can affect anyone. Hundreds of thousands of people are forced to flee their homes every day – young and old, sick and healthy, sons and daughters.

At UNHCR, it is our job to protect and safeguard their rights. We work hard to help millions of people all over the world rebuild broken lives and restore shattered communities.

ChildrenOver half the world’s refugee population is made up of children.

Minorities and Indigenous Peoples: In many parts of the world, minorities and indigenous persons can be victims of severe human rights violations.

Women: Women can be especially vulnerable to abuse in mass displacement situations.

Youth: Having fled war or persecution, displaced youth are thrust into an uncertain world.

LGBTIQ+ persons: We work to protect LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers everywhere.

Men: Men and boys can find themselves neglected or dismissed during times of displacement.

Persons with disabilitiesPersons with disabilities remain largely invisible or forgotten in their uprooted communities.

Older persons: During times of displacement, older persons have urgent rights and needs.

A screenshot of a powerpoint slide. Text reads 'What are 'intersectionality' and the 'Age, Gender and Diversity' approach?'

Training materials to introduce and explain the concepts of 'Intersectionality' and the UNHCR 'Age, Gender and Diversity' framework and policy, jointly developed by UNHCR and the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Bangladesh. Rohingya girls attend a youth club in Kutupalong refugee camp

For decades UNHCR has applied an age, gender and diversity (AGD) approach to ensure equality in decision making and the provision of services, and to create meaningful partnerships. 

An analysis of data on the implementation of the Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) Policy and the progress made in 2021. 

Rwanda. DAFI student at home in Kigeme camp before heading to university

This policy consolidates and reaffirms UNHCR's commitment to the Age, Gender and Diversity approach. 

Spain. Basque community opens its doors to refugee families from Syria

The Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) directly references an Age, Gender and Diversity approach to reach its four objectives. Read the excerpt on the GCR website.