Humanitarian Affairs

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency | UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced individuals, and stateless people. Established in 1950, UNHCR works with governments and other organizations to protect and assist refugees; engage on behalf of refugees with governments and other organizations; and promote durable solutions, such as resettlement and integration.

Greece joined UNHCR in 1952 and has been a leading participant in the movement to support refugees and asylum seekers. Greece is a signatory to the 1951 Geneva Convention for Refugees and is thus an active participant in the activities of the Standing Committee of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that convenes four times annually to discuss vital issues regarding the protection of refugees and humanitarian intervention. Greece actively participates in these sessions, contributing to discussions on policy development and operational strategies. Greece also participates in the negotiations of the Omnibus Resolution on the Office of the UNHCR, a key annual decision adopted by the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. The resolution formulates UNHCR's mandate, priorities, and working composition, decides world-wide refugee policies. Greece is an active participant in the negotiations, urging enhanced protection for refugees, humanitarian aid, and durable solutions, and exchanging experience on asylum procedures, integration policy, and regional migration matters through expert committees and working groups.

In Greece, the UNHCR has been involved in a series of key programs with goals of supporting refugees and asylum seekers. These range from shelter and social integration schemes, legal support and asylum procedure assistance, to education and employment opportunities. One of the latest programs is the Springboard program, with the offering of free online technology courses and digital skills training to women refugees who are willing to seek technical and digital career opportunities. Besides, UNHCR Greece organizes family reunification, enabling the displaced to reunite with their families.

The agency also collaborates with NGOs and local authorities in refugee integration. Recent efforts have focused on access to healthcare, economic empowerment, and specialized services for the vulnerable, such as unaccompanied minors and survivors of gender-based violence. In February 2024, UNHCR and Greece signed the Host Country Agreement, which ensures the smooth operation of UNHCR offices in the country and gives fresh momentum to their cooperation.