What We Do | UNHCR

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What We Do

Today, over 1% of the world population has been forcibly uprooted. UNHCR protects refugees, internally displaced people, and stateless communities, meets their basic needs, and guarantees the respect of their human rights, wherever they are in the world.

With a presence in over 135 countries, UNHCR has more than 18,000 people among its staff. 91% of them are working in the field to bring immediate relief to the people fleeing conflicts and persecution. Beyond emergency relief, UNHCR also works to provide refugees with sustainable solutions for a better future.

Find out more about UNHCR’s main activities.

Emergency relief

People forced to flee their homes leave almost everything behind them in their search for safety and protection. UNHCR brings them the humanitarian response they need.

Health and hygiene

Ensuring the health and hygiene of displaced persons is one of UNHCR's primary tasks.

Human rights protection

UNHCR works to ensure the rights of displaced people, refugees and stateless persons are respected. Wherever they are.

3.4 million refugee children did not go to school in 2021. UNHCR works to promote access to education among refugees and IDPs.

Economic Inclusion

UNHCR helps find durable solutions for displaced people.

UNHCR works to ensure food security for those forced to flee their homes.

Latest News

Discover the latest news linked to our activities.

They were once refugees

People forced to flee have always contributed to their host communities and sometimes even to the world. We look back on some famous refugees who have shaped history or are major figures in the world today.

UNHCR

Fri 16/09/2022 - 12:55

Everyone has the right to seek safety

Every year, 20 June is World Refugee Day. This year, the theme of World Refugee Day is the right of every person to find refuge.

UNHCR

Mon 20/06/2022 - 08:20

Innovation and the humanitarian sector: a booming partnership

In recent years, digital tools, technology and innovation have progressively transformed sectors and industries, permeating the strategies of many organizations, private companies and academic institutions.

UNHCR

Thu 21/04/2022 - 10:55

Yemen: the world's largest humanitarian crisis.

Eight years. That's how long the crisis in Yemen has already lasted, a civil war that has forced more than 4 million people to move within the country. A devastating crisis, which has destroyed health services and food supplies in the country.

UNHCR

Tue 05/04/2022 - 12:02

Gillian Triggs: women in forced displacement

Today is international women’s day. In partnership with Corriere del Ticino, we decided to mark this day not only by talking about the challenges faced by forcibly displaced women, but also by highlighting the advances made in terms of gender equality.

In Switzerland

Tue 08/03/2022 - 12:30

UNHCR deeply concerned about the situation in Ukraine

Statement by Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

UNHCR

Thu 24/02/2022 - 15:20

10 things you didn't know about refugees

There is what is said about refugees. And then there is the reality.We have collected 10 points to try to debunk some of the prejudices and clichés about these people who have been forced to leave everything behind to reach safety.

UNHCR

Thu 24/02/2022 - 10:30