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do 1 thing
There are over 10 million refugees who have lost everything. 1 refugee without hope is too many. More than 37 million people have been forced to flee war zones. 1 family forced to flee is too many.
Conflict and violence have separated millions of refugees from their loved ones. 1 family torn apart by war is too many.
Can you imagine how it would feel to have to flee your home to find safety in another country? In difficult economic times, it doesn’t cost a single cent to show interest in others, learn, and share your new knowledge and interest.
The “do 1 thing” campaign wants you to show your support for refugees, asylum seekers and those in need of international protection here in Ireland and around the world. For more information and to choose your 1 thing click here.
60th Anniversary of the UN Convention Relating to Refugees
On 14 December, UNHCR marked its 60th anniversary. In 2011, the refugee agency commemorates the 60th anniversary of the UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees which we marked on June 20th and will continue to do so during the year with a series of activities. Please click here for more information on this important anniversary.
About UNHCR
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. It also has a mandate to help stateless people.
In more than five decades, the agency has helped tens of millions of people restart their lives. Today, a staff of some 7,190 people in more than 123 countries continues to help about 36 million people.
UNHCR in Ireland
UNHCR Ireland works to safeguard the rights and well being of refugees, asylum seekers and stateless people in Ireland through the provision of guidance, training and support to the Irish authorities and through the promotion of best international standards in respect of legislation, policy and procedures.
UNHCR's supervisory role in relation to compliance with the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees is recognised in national legislation (the Refugee Act, 1996). The office also handles cases in which refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons are in need of assistance, support and advice.
To promote durable solutions UNHCR provides assistance to the Irish Government's resettlement programme and it undertakes initiatives aimed at promoting integration and raising awareness of the issues affecting all those who come under UNHCR's mandate.