UNHCR, Why We Exist

Refugee families face impossible choices

There are over 117 million people in the world who have been forcibly displaced. Due to ongoing violence in countries like Ukraine and Sudan, that number continues to increase. 

No one chooses to be a refugee, but we can all choose to protect them.  
When an emergency hits, UNHCR is one of the first on the ground providing life-saving support to those in need and we are one of the last to leave, after helping people build a better future. 

Our impact and reach is unmatched. We work in over 128 different countries supplying refugees and displaced people with shelter, food, education, clean water and the essentials they need to survive.

In 2025 we delivered 9,000 tents, 381,000 million blankets and 462,000 sleeping mats to keep families safe. 

117
million people displaced in the world
40%
of them are children
71%
are hosted in low-and-middle-income countries
128
countries with a UNHCR presence

Do you stand with refugees?

Your support today is vital to ensure we’re able to continue to provide refugees and displaced people the support they need when they need it the most.

Donate now

What We Do

In a crisis, we’re the first to arrive and the last to leave

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. 
Education
More than one in two refugee children were not enrolled in secondary school in 2024 – nearly 7.2 million refugee children are still out of school. UNHCR works to promote access to education among refugees and IDPs.
Nutrition
UNHCR works to ensure food security for those forced to flee their homes.

Latest News

Read our latest articles and testimonials

Emergencies

When violence breaks out and disaster strikes, donor support allows UNHCR to move directly into action. 

Winter Emergency

This Winter, harsh temperatures affect millions of vulnerable people across the Middle East, Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Syria: a country devastated by war

While a fragile peace has put an end to 13 years of conflict, millions of Syrians remain displaced and dependent on humanitarian assistance.

Horn of Africa emergency

The Horn of Africa region is experiencing the worst drought in over 40 years. Cattle are dehydrated and dying, crops are failing, leaving thousands of people with no choice but to flee their homes.
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