ReliefWeb

The Global Appeal 2017 Update print publication presents the financial resources that will be required in 2017 for UNHCR’s programmes to protect and improve the lives of tens of millions of forcibly displaced people: refugees, internally displaced people, returnees, stateless people and others of concern. It highlights the challenges faced by the organization and its partners in attempting to respond to multiple life-threatening crises and ever-growing humanitarian needs.

All budgets and planning figures in this Appeal correspond to the needs presented in the revised 2016-2017 biennial programme budget approved by the member States of UNHCR’s Executive Committee in October 2016. Any new needs arising in the second half of 2016 will be presented separately in supplementary appeals.

The Global Focus website was launched in early 2015 as UNHCR’s main operational reporting platform for donors. The website now oers regularly updated information about programmes, operations, financial requirements, funding levels and donor contributions

UNHCR in 2017

Mission

The High Commissioner for Refugees is mandated by the United Nations to lead and coordinate international action for the worldwide protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems.
To date (October 2016), 148 States are parties to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and/or to its 1967 Protocol.

UNHCR’s primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. In its eff orts to achieve this objective, the Offi ce strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and fi nd 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 Executive Committee (98 member States as of October 2016) and the UN General Assembly have authorized 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. To date (October 2016), 92 States are parties to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and 68 to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

The Office 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 all of its activities, it pays particular attention to the needs of children and seeks to promote the equal rights of women and girls.

The Office carries out its work in collaboration with many partners, including governments, regional organizations, international and non-governmental organizations. It 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.