France

UNHCR has maintained a Representation in France since 1952, working closely with national and local authorities, civil society, the private sector, universities, the media and refugees to promote adequate reception and integration laws, policies and programmes in line with the Global Compact on Refugees.

France is a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1954 Convention on Statelessness and has signed the 1961 Convention. Through a whole-of-society approach, UNHCR in France supports the quality of asylum procedures, resettlement and other legal pathways, and promotes refugees’ socio-economic inclusion and social cohesion, notably through access to employment, education, sports and culture.

UNHCR also monitors the situation at borders and reception conditions for asylum seekers and refugees and engages communities through youth outreach, refugee volunteers’ engagement and support to refugee-led organizations.

In 2025, UNHCR set up a refugee advisory board. As one of UNHCR's top 20 contributors, France is a reliable donor and ally, providing ongoing support to address refugee needs in emergencies and post-crisis situations.

On the global stage, France reaffirmed its leadership with a total contribution of USD 130.4 million to UNHCR in 2024, becoming the agency’s fifth-largest donor. The successful hosting of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games offered a platform to highlight the achievements of refugee athletes and reinforce messages of inclusion.