Advocacy
Global accountability and sustainable solutions
Photo: ©UNHCR/D.Diaz
Humanitarian solutions are vital for helping refugees to survive and recover – but they are not enough.
To effect real change, UNHCR advocates for long-term, sustainable solutions to help refugees and the countries that host them. UNHCR also calls for political, economic and social responsibility to bring policies, practices and laws into compliance with international standards.
At every level of society, from the United Nations General Assembly and national governments, to corporate partners and the public at large, UNHCR advocates to protect those in need. This includes safe-guarding basic human rights for those fleeing conflict, and ensuring displaced communities have access to education, work and healthcare.
Global Compact on Refugees
In 2018, facing record global displacement, UNHCR led the development of a new international framework to improve the response to refugee situations with more predictable planning systems and fairer burden sharing across the international community.
The result was the Global Compact on Refugees, a new blueprint for global action to address displacement which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The Global Compact ushered in a new opportunity to build more sustainable solutions for refugees and provide meaningful support to the countries that host refugee populations.
Global Refugee Forum
As part of its advocacy for the Global Compact on Refugees, UNHCR hosts a Global Refugee Forum every four years. This forum convene all sectors of society including national governments, companies, refugees and civil society, to develop long-term solutions for refugees and the countries that host them.
UNHCR delivered the inaugural Global Refugee Forum in December 2019, with more than 3,000 participants attending and commitments including more school places for refugee children, new government policies, clean energy and better support for host communities and countries. Over 4,000 participants attended the Forum in 2023, which saw over 1,750 pledges made to support refugees and their host communities.
National advocacy
With teams and offices in over 120 countries, UNHCR has dedicated advocacy, legal and protection teams who work closely with national governments and the local population to advocate for the rights of asylum-seekers and refugees.
This work includes supporting policy development, providing expert advice and safeguarding refugees’ rights under international humanitarian law.
During emergency operations or longer term policy planning, such as securing resettlement spaces for refugees, UNHCR works closely with national governments to support refugees and the communities that host them.
Global action
Galvanising international momentum and solutions
Human rights
Safeguarding protection and international law
National advocacy
Securing access to healthcare, education and work