Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award?
The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award is presented every year to an individual or organization that has taken extraordinary action to help people who are forcibly displaced or stateless. In addition to honouring this global laureate, we also recognize several regional winners.
The Award is named after the celebrated Norwegian explorer and humanitarian Fridtjof Nansen. Through its recipients, the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award aims to showcase Nansen’s values of perseverance and commitment in the face of adversity.
Who was Fridtjof Nansen?
Fridtjof Nansen was a Norwegian explorer, scientist, diplomat, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who served as the first High Commissioner for Refugees at the League of Nations. The legacy of his work for the aid and protection of displaced people is still present in the UN system today.
When was the Nansen Refugee Award instituted?
The first Nansen Refugee Award Ceremony took place in 1954, honouring Eleanor Roosevelt as the recipient.
Who can be nominated for the award?
Any individual, group of people or organization that has done extraordinary humanitarian work on behalf of refugees, internally displaced or stateless people is eligible – with the exception of former and current UNHCR staff, including United Nations Volunteers (UNVs) working for UNHCR offices.
Can I nominate myself?
Self-nominations are strongly discouraged. This includes individuals nominating themselves and organizations nominated by their own staff members.
What criteria will be considered to determine the Global Laureate?
Nominees are considered in the following light:
- The deed for which the person/entity is nominated should take place outside the framework of normal professional duties and go beyond the call of duty;
- It should demonstrate courage, compassion and solidarity;
- It should raise awareness for displaced people; and
- It should reflect the values of UNHCR.
Who selects the Global Laureate and Regional Winners?
The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award Selection Committee chooses the Global Laureate and the Regional Winners. Its voting members are:
- A member designated by the Norwegian Government;
- A member designated by the Swiss Government;
- The Secretary-General of the Council of Europe;
- Executive Director of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies;
- and the Chairperson of UNHCR’s Executive Committee.
Is the selection process confidential?
Yes, the selection of the Global Laureate and Regional Winners is completely confidential.
When is the deadline for nominations?
The nomination period for the 2024 edition of the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award has now closed. Nominations for 2025 will open in January.
How do I obtain a nomination form?
When open, nominations can be submitted in English, Spanish, French and Arabic on the nominations page.
How do I submit a nomination? How can I be sure it has been received?
All nominations must be submitted online. Once your submission is received, you will see a confirmation at the end of the form. If your nomination is successful, you will receive an email from the Nansen Team.
Must the nomination be in English?
No. Nominations can be submitted in English, French, Spanish and Arabic.
What do I need to provide to supplement my nomination?
Nominations should include a description of the nominee’s work and how they fulfil the selection criteria. This includes details of why the nominee should be considered, evidence that they have positively impacted the lives of forcibly displaced or stateless people, and links to supporting articles and publications. Additional information supporting the nomination – including websites, news articles, social media posts and other awards bestowed on the nominee – is welcome.
Do I need to provide references?
Nominations must include the names and contact details of three references. These referees should represent different perspectives (not from the same organization) and be able to verify specific ways in which the nominee’s work has made a significant impact on the lives of refugees, internally displaced people, stateless people, asylum seekers or resettled refugees.
How many winners does the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award honour each year?
Since 2017, we have recognized several regional winners each year in addition to the Global Laureate. In 2022, the regional winners attended the ceremony for the first time.
How is the Global Laureate honoured?
In 2020 and 2021, the Global Laureate was honoured through a virtual ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022 and 2023, the Global Laureate and Regional Winners were honoured at an in-person ceremony in Geneva that was livestreamed to audiences around the globe. The 2024 ceremony will be held on October 14.
When will the 2024 Global Laureate be announced?
The Global Laureate will be announced on the 9 October 2024.
Are other nominees recognized?
Yes. Each year we also recognize several regional winners for their humanitarian work.
Where and when does the ceremony take place?
The Nansen ceremony is typically held in early October on the first day of the UNHCR Executive Committee’s annual meeting. In 2024, it will take place on October 14 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Can I attend the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award ceremony?
Unfortunately, the event is not open to the public. However, you can watch a live broadcast of the ceremony on UNHCR’s global social media channels.
Are members of the media allowed to attend the ceremony?
The 2024 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award ceremony is open to all journalists who are registered with the Palais des Nations. Please contact [email protected] for more information. A live feed will be available.
I am working on a feature article/broadcast story. How can I arrange an interview with one of the winners?
Please contact the Nansen Refugee Award Team at [email protected] for further information.
Is there a media package?
Yes. Please contact the Nansen Refugee Award Team at [email protected] for further information.
How can I partner with the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award?
Thank you for your interest in supporting the Nansen Refugee Award programme. Please write to [email protected] for further information.
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