UNHCR - THE UNITED NATIONS REFUGEE AGENCY

Mission Statement

UNHCR is mandated by the United Nations to lead and coordinate international action for the worldwide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems. UNHCR’s primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. In its efforts to achieve this objective, UNHCR strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, and to return home voluntarily. By assisting refugees to return to their own country or to settle permanently in another country, UNHCR also seeks lasting solutions to their plight. UNHCR’s efforts are mandated by the organization’s Statute, and guided by the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. International refugee law provides an essential framework of principles for UNHCR’s humanitarian activities.
In support of its core activities on behalf of refugees, UNHCR’s Executive Committee and the UN General Assembly have authorized the organization’s involvement with other groups. These include former refugees who have returned to their homeland; internally displaced people; and people who are stateless or whose nationality is disputed. UNHCR seeks to reduce situations of forced displacement by encouraging States and other institutions to create conditions which are conducive to the protection of human rights and the peaceful resolution of disputes. In pursuit of the same objective, UNHCR actively seeks to consolidate the reintegration of returning refugees in their country of origin, thereby averting the recurrence of refugee-producing situations. UNHCR is an impartial organization, offering protection and assistance to refugees and others on the basis of their needs and irrespective of their race, religion, political opinion or gender. In all of its activities, UNHCR pays particular attention to the needs of children and seeks to promote the equal rights of women and girls.
In its efforts to protect refugees and to promote solutions to their problems, UNHCR works in partnership with governments, regional organizations, international and non-governmental organizations. UNHCR is committed to the principle of participation, believing that refugees and others who benefit from the organization’s activities should be consulted over decisions which affect their lives. By virtue of its activities on behalf of refugees and displaced people, UNHCR also endeavours to promote the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter: maintaining international peace and security; developing friendly relations among nations; andencouraging respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

History

UNHCR started its operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the war, with one of the biggest relief operations ever organized. Thousands of tons of aid were shipped to BiH and distributed to the victims of war. Since 1992, UNHCR has been the leading agency with regard to humanitarian assistance and protection of displaced persons in BiH. In 1995, UNHCR was entrusted with assisting the government in the implementation of Annex VII of the Dayton Peace Agreement. Together with the local governments and authorities and in cooperation with other international partners, UNHCR facilitates the return of both refugees and displaced persons to their homes of origin. Since 1995 UNHCRhas mobilized and spent over 458 million on humantarian and return related assistance (this does not include staffing and administrative costs).

UNHCR’s Mandate in BiH

To support the Government in providing protection for refugees and internally displaced persons

To facilitate durable solutions including return and reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons

Main Objectives of the UNHCR Representation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Ensure access to protection, social and economic rights and services for of all persons of concern with focus on vulnerable individuals.

Enhance the capacity of the national authorities to further develop a functional national legal framework and asylum system compatible with European standards.

Promote appropriate durable solutions for all groups of concern; in collaboration with the Governments in the region, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the European Commission to bring the repatriation to and from Croatia to a successful close.

Seek durable solutions for the extremely vulnerable group of CC residents through cooperation with the Government and increased advocacy of the CC residents’ needs among international agencies and donor governments.

Reduce sexual and gender based violence as well as human trafficking among populations of concern through expanded  awareness raising actions

Population of concern to UNHCR in BiH:

• Returnees
• Internally Displaced Persons
• Recognized Refugees
• Asylum seekers
• Vulnerable groups, including Roma

UNHCR Presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina

UNHCR Representation in BiH has its main Office in Sarajevo.