Established in 1950 to help European refugees displaced by WW II, UNHCR won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1954.
It’s mission was extended in 1956, as it dealt with a flow of Hungarian refugees escaping the Soviet crushing of the Hungarian Revolution.
In the 1960s, Africa’s decolonization produced the first of that continent’s numerous refugee crises.
Over the following two decades, UNHCR dealt with several crises in Asia and Latin America.
In 1981, UNHCR had already received a second Nobel Peace Prize, this time in recognition of its global impact.
By the end of the 20th century, refugee problems re-emerged in Africa and Europe.
UNHCR began the new millennium managing major refugee crises in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia and Afghanistan. In the meantime, its role expanded to helping those internally displaced by conflicts, as well as millions of stateless people.
In 2015, we celebrated our 65th anniversary. During our lifetime, we have helped well over 50 million refugees to successfully restart their lives.
Today, our organization is still hard at work, protecting and assisting refugees around the world.
The Office of UNHCR
UNHCR is governed by the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Regional Representation in China
In 1997, the UNHCR office in Beijing became a Regional Office covering Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.
Prominent Supporters
Prominent supporters are the public face of the UN refugee agency. They help promote UNHCR to every corner of the world through their celebrity, influence and hard work.
UNHCR in Hong Kong
The UNHCR Sub-Office Hong Kong (“SOHK”) reports to the Office in Beijing and covers both the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions.
About Us
UNHCR is an impartial organization, offering protection and assistance to refugees and others on the basis of their needs, irrespective of their race, religion, political opinion or gender.
Contact Us
Information about UNHCR Offices around the world