What We Do | UNHCR

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What We Do

Today, about 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 132 countries, UNHCR has more than 17,000 people among its staff. 87% 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 2020. 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.

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

Daisy Dell joins the Foundation Board

Switzerland for UNHCR is pleased to announce Daisy Dell as a new member of the Foundation Board. We took the opportunity of her appointment to find out more about her and her motivation to support the refugee cause.

In Switzerland

Thu 27/01/2022 - 12:30

Education in exile and during COVID-19

While emergency relief, shelter and food are immediate necessities in crises like this, another challenge often remains in the shadows, although it is undoubtedly the most impactful in the long run: education.

UNHCR

Mon 24/01/2022 - 16:30