Our Role
Australia for the UNHCR
Australia for UNHCR was established by UNHCR in 2000 and raises funds to support the humanitarian programs of the United Nations Refugee Agency, UNHCR. We also undertake educational and public awareness activities to promote greater understanding about the situation of refugees worldwide. Australia for UNHCR is a registered charity and has tax-deductible gift status.
UNHCR receives just over 2% of its funding from the United Nations and relies on voluntary donations from Governments, corporations and individuals for the rest.
Our Patron is former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer and our Special Representatives are former Test cricket captain Ian Chappell and actor/comedian Jane Turner. Since 2000, Australia for UNHCR has involved thousands of Australians in special events and emergency appeals. We have run high profile public awareness campaigns on refugee issues, and have developed a wide range of educational and media resources. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
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.
In more than five decades, the agency has helped an estimated 50 million people restart their lives. Today, a staff of around 6,689 people in 116 countries continues to help 33 million persons of concern.
