Everyone needs something to hold onto when times are hard.

Two refugee children in a refugee camp in Jordan going to school

What brings you comfort?

A hug from a loved one. Your purring cat. A game played with friends. Your favourite recipe from your grandmother. A walk in the woods to take the time to pause.

We all turn to something – to someone – in difficult times or moments of uncertainty.

For people forced to flee, everything can vanish overnight: their homes, their communities, their sense of safety, and the life they once knew. That's why, like you, they go back to what brings them comfort in these dire times.

Comfort looks different to each of us.

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Stay connected and discover how UNHCR supports people forced to flee.

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Our mission

When everything is lost, hope begins with safety — a roof, clean water, and the basics to survive.

UNHCR delivers emergency shelter, protection, and essential supplies in the first hours of crisis

For many, comfort is found in the arms of family and friends. UNHCR helps displaced people find safety across borders and to reunite loved ones torn apart by conflict. Because protection starts with the people we love.

Find out more about how UNHCR protects people forced to flee

For many, work is more than income — it’s identity, dignity, and a step toward belonging. UNHCR supports livelihoods and economic inclusion so refugees can rebuild with purpose, contribute to their communities, and regain control over their futures.

Find out more about how UNHCR helps create opportunities for people forced to flee

A book or a pencil offers escape, especially when everything else is uncertain. UNHCR ensures access to education and creative expression so children can continue to dream despite displacement.

Find out how UNHCR promotes access to education among refugees

Sometimes, comfort is found in the warmth of a shared meal.

Food brings people together, preserves culture, and restores a sense of normalcy.

UNHCR supports nutrition and access to food, so displaced communities can care for one another and hold on to what makes them feel at home.

Find out more about how UNHCR supports the basic needs of people forced to flee

For many, strength is found in movement: on a football field, on a bicycle, or through play.

Sport supports both physical and mental health, offering a sense of routine, pride, and community.

UNHCR promotes access to safe spaces, clean water, and hygiene so people forced to flee can stay healthy and active.

Find out more about how UNHCR protects health and well-being in displacement

The comfort of a pet can be healing. UNHCR works to restore dignity and well-being for displaced people. Because emotional safety matters too.

Find out how UNHCR supports mental health for people forced to flee

From emergency response to long-term support, UNHCR is leading international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.

Created in 1950 to help displaced people after World War II, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has been working to protect and support people forced to flee war, violence, and persecution for 75 years.

Today, with more than 122 million displaced people worldwide, our mission is more urgent than ever: to deliver emergency aid, protect basic rights, and help rebuild lives.