The UN Refugee Agency

Established in 1951, the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) provides and coordinates international relief for refugees and displaced people, offering them protection and assistance at every stage of their ordeal.

As well as providing emergency shelter, food, water and medical care, UNHCR strives to improve refugees' quality of life and future opportunities. The organisation provides infrastructure, schools and income generating projects in established refugee camps and communities.

UNHCR currently cares for more than 26 million people in 123 countries - 80% of whom are women and children - who have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict, disaster and persecution.

The current High Commissioner is António Guterres, who became the 10th UN High Commissioner for Refugees on June 15, 2005. A former Portuguese prime minister, Guterres was elected by the UN General Assembly to a five-year term. In April 2010, the General Assembly re-elected Guterres to a second five-year term.

UNHCR is the recipient of two Nobel Peace Prizes.