Students of Future Prowess Islamic Foundation School (I) during P.E., Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
© UNHCR/ Rahima Gambo

The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award celebrates heroes supporting refugees, internally displaced and stateless people.


The Award 

The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award is presented every year to an individual or organisation who has dedicated their time going above and beyond the call of duty to help people forcibly displaced from their homes.

The Award is named after Fridtjof Nansen, courageous Norwegian explorer and humanitarian who served as the first High Commissioner for Refugees for the League of Nations.

Through its recipients, the Nansen Refugee Award aims to showcase Nansen’s values of perseverance and commitment in the face of adversity.

2017 Winner 

Our 2017 winner is Mr. Zannah Mustapha - a lawyer, school-founder and peace-maker from north east Nigeria. Mustapha was honoured during the Nansen Refugee Award ceremony on 2 October for his dedication and commitment to ensuring children and orphans affected by the conflict in Borno State can attend school. Read more about this incredible winner.

Nominations for 2018 are now closed