Charity Programme

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1950. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. In more than five decades, the agency has helped an estimated 50 million people restart their lives.

The UN Refugee Agency at a glance:

• Today, UNHCR cares for 30 million people in 116 countries providing the world's most vulnerable people with safety and coordinating access to food, shelter, clean water, medical care and basic education

• As the lead humanitarian agency in refugee situations, UNHCR ensures that refugees and displaced people do not suffer from dangerous gaps in aid and legal protection

• When possible, UNHCR helps refugees and other displaced people return to their homes voluntarily, safely and with dignity. When return is not possible, the agency assists with local integration or resettlement to a third country

• UNHCR's longer-term work with refugees includes primary education, vocational training programmes as well as projects to enable people to earn an income and special initiatives to help the most vulnerable - the elderly, women and children

• UNHCR is almost entirely funded by voluntary contributions - donated by governments and caring individuals

To find out more, please visit our website: www.unhcr.org.uk

Currency conversion from euro's to £'s correct at time article was posted. Last updated 7 June 2007.

Charity Programme: Participate & donate for free!

Prize Draw Entry: when you participate in a survey!

Collect points: Redeem for cash or exchange for vouchers