UNHCR’s primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. To this end, we strive to ensure that those who have fled their country are safe and can exercise their right to seek asylum.
Around the World
By helping refugees go back home or to settle in another country, UNHCR seeks lasting solutions to their plight. UNHCR also has a mandate to prevent and reduce statelessness and protect stateless persons. In support of its core activities on behalf of refugees, UNHCR’s Executive Committee and the UN General Assembly have authorized involvement with other groups. These include former refugees who have returned home and internally displaced people.
UNHCR seeks to reduce situations of forced displacement by encouraging states and other institutions to create conditions which are conducive to the protection of human rights and the peaceful resolution of disputes. In all of its activities, the refugee agency pays particular attention to the needs of children and seeks to promote the equal rights of women and girls.
Returnees
Returnees are the ones who get to go back home – the best durable solution.
Stateless People
Someone who is without a nationality of any country, and consequently lacks the human rights and access to services of those who have citizenship. It is possible to be stateless and a refugee simultaneously.
Safeguarding Individuals
Every human being deserves a life free from persecution and discrimination.