Sadruddin Aga Khan (Iran): 1966–1977
© John Taylor / World Council of Churches
"When we think of the refugee, we must really think of the individual."
Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan worked for UNHCR before becoming High Commissioner. He led missions to the Middle East and Asia, and served as Deputy High Commissioner from 1962 to 1965. By the time he was appointed High Commissioner, UNHCR's expenditure in Africa and Asia exceeded that in Europe, marking a definitive shift to the developing world.
Aga Khan strengthened our relations with African governments and helped to improve inter-agency cooperation within the United Nations, addressing problems of mass displacement in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. He also played a key role during the Bangladesh refugee crisis in 1971 and in assisting Asians expelled from Uganda in 1972.