US Association for UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency)

The United States Association for UNHCR (USA for UNHCR) supports the UN Refugee Agency's humanitarian work to protect and assist refugees around the world. We strive to meet the needs of the world's most vulnerable people, building support and awareness in the United States for UNHCR's life-saving relief programs. Established by concerned American citizens, USA for UNHCR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Every minute, 8 people flee their homes to escape war, violence and persecution. Every minute, 8 people lose almost everything – their homes, livelihoods, belongings and families – and are forced to leave it behind or face death.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR or UN refugee agency) is dedicated to providing humanitarian aid – shelter, food, medicine, clean water and education – to those who are forced to flee in order to save their own lives.

UNHCR’s most important responsibility is to ensure respect for the basic human rights of refugees, so that no one is forced to return to where he or she has reason to fear persecution. 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.

Since its formation by the United Nations General Assembly on December 14, 1950, UNHCR has helped an estimated 50 million refugees restart their lives. With a staff of more than 6,000 people, the agency is the lead humanitarian organization on the scene in 126 countries around the world.