UNHCR and Australia Renew Their Strategic Partnership for Refugee Protection
UNHCR and Australia Renew Their Strategic Partnership for Refugee Protection
Regional Representative, UNHCR, Soo-Jin Rhee and Australia’s Humanitarian Coordinator, Steve Scott sign the Strategic Partnership Framework extension for 2027–28.
Canberra, 30 June 2026: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and Australia today signed an extension of their Strategic Partnership Framework to cover 2027–28, reflecting a shared commitment to protecting vulnerable people, strengthening the international protection system, and advancing practical, solutions-oriented responses to displacement.
At a time of near-record global displacement and increasing strain on the humanitarian system, UNHCR recognizes Australia’s continued strong leadership as a trusted and constructive strategic partner.
“This extended Framework provides UNHCR with predictable, multi-year funding that helps us to plan ahead and deliver protection and durable solutions where they are most needed,” said Soo-Jin Rhee, UNHCR Representative for Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. “It also strengthens our collective ability to respond to emerging challenges and the growing complexity of displacement, both in the Indo-Pacific region and globally.”
“Importantly, this partnership goes well beyond funding. It is anchored in a shared commitment to protect vulnerable people, to strengthen the international protection system, and to pursue practical, solutions-oriented approaches to displacement,” Ms. Rhee said.
UNHCR will continue to partner with Australia to leverage a coordinated range of interventions, including refugee resettlement under the Humanitarian Program, humanitarian and development assistance, and diplomatic engagement with host and source countries to address the drivers of displacement, support refugees and find solutions.
“The continuation of the Strategic Partnership Framework gives us a practical platform on which to progress these objectives,” Ms. Rhee said. “At a time when more than 41 million refugees remain displaced across the world, this is more important than ever”.
UNHCR thanks the Government of Australia for its partnership, leadership, and commitment, and looks forward to the next chapter of this important collaboration together.
