United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Latest News

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has temporarily suspended the process of facilitating the repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees. 

About United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

• It is a UN Refugee Agency which protects refugees worldwide and facilitates their return home or resettlement.
• History: It was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1950 in the aftermath of the Second World War to help the millions of people who had lost their homes.
• It is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution.
• Funding:  It is funded voluntarily, contributed by governments, private donors, and organisations.
• It was awarded Nobel Peace Prizes in 1954 and 1981.
• It started the Nansen Refugee Award in 1954 for recognition of outstanding service to the cause of refugees, displaced or stateless people.
• Governance structure
  • It is governed by the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
  • The UNHCR Executive Committee approves the agency’s biennial programmes and the corresponding budget.
  • These are presented by the High Commissioner, who is appointed by the UN General Assembly.

• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

Source: TH

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