A Safety Net
States everywhere are responsible for the protection of basic human rights and physical security of their citizens. But when people become refugees, they are unable to benefit from the national protection of their states and are then in need of international protection
Refugees fleeing war or persecution are often in a very vulnerable situation as they have no protection from their own state. If no international protection is provided then this may be condemning them to an unbearable situation where their basic rights, security and in some cases their lives, are in danger.
UNHCR Ghana works with the government of Ghana and Partners to ensure protection and finding solutions for over 13,000 refugees and asylum seekers who find themselves in Ghana.
The Representation does this by ensuring the basic human rights of refugees and asylum seekers in Ghana are protected and that they will not be returned involuntarily to a country where they could face persecution.
Longer term, the organization helps refugees find appropriate durable solutions to their plight, by supporting their voluntary return to their homeland, integrating in countries of asylum or resettling in third countries.
Registration
Registration is one of the most fundamental ways that refugees are protected by ensuring their details are well documented and their identity is known. This enables partners and agencies providing services to refugees to know how many people need help and allows refugees to access those services. It is also a tool for planning.
In Ghana, UNHCR registration includes the capture of refugee biodata, photos and fingerprints. Registration is crucial for identifying those individuals who are at risk or have special needs. It also helps protect refugees against refoulement (forced return), arbitrary arrest and detention.
Registering children helps in protection monitoring and may prevent forced recruitment and child exploitation. In addition, registration is key for helping keep families together, and assists UNHCR and partners in reuniting separated children with their families.