The UNHCR reports to the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The General Assembly appoints the UNHCR High Commissioner, a position currently held by Filippo Grandi. The agency’s programmes and budgets are approved by The UNHCR Executive Committee.
UNHCR operations are complex and global in nature. In addition to ensuring the safety of refugees, UNHCR must also protect its staff in dangerous situations, while handling everything from the procurement of medical supplies and bulk food shipments to aircraft charters.
Administrative activities such as operations, protection, external relations, human resources and finances are headquartered in Geneva, with the assistance of regional bureaus.
UNHCR currently has a staff of 16,803, who work on various aspects of our missions through a network of regional offices, branch offices, sub-offices and field offices located in 134 countries.
Regional Representation in China
In 1997, the UNHCR office in Beijing became a Regional Office covering Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.
The High Commissioner
Filippo Grandi became the 11th United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on 1 January 2016.
Prominent Supporters
Prominent supporters are the public face of the UN refugee agency. They help promote UNHCR to every corner of the world through their celebrity, influence and hard work.
UNHCR in Hong Kong
The UNHCR Sub-Office Hong Kong (“SOHK”) reports to the Office in Beijing and covers both the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions.
History of UNHCR
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly.
Contact Us
Information about UNHCR Offices around the world