United Nations General Assembly
United Nations General Assembly
In accordance with UNHCR’s Statute, the High Commissioner follows policy directives from the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Each year, during the summer, the High Commissioner reports orally to ECOSOC. In early November, he presents his annual report to the General Assembly through the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee, or the Third Committee.
The Third Committee also considers and adopts three resolutions related to UNHCR, namely:
- the resolution on the work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner, or omnibus resolution;
- the resolution on the Enlargement of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees;
- the resolution on Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa.
While the enlargement resolution to increase the membership of the Executive Committee is technical, the other two are discussed and negotiated on an annual basis by United Nations Member States and agreed upon by consensus. The negotiation process of the omnibus resolution is traditionally chaired by a representative of one of the Scandinavian Permanent Missions in Geneva, and the Africa resolution is managed by representatives of African countries.
Reports, resolutions, statements and decisions
UNHCR annual reports and omnibus resolutions
General Assembly reports and resolutions relating to UNHCR
Thematic compilation of General Assembly & Economic and Social Council resolutions
- 5th edition, December 2015
- 4th edition, June 2014
- 3rd edition, June 2013
High Commissioner's statements to the Third Committee, 1952 to date
General Assembly decisions relating to UNHCR
- Election of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
1 Aug 2022 - Election of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
3 Sep 2020 - Election of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
11 Nov 2015 - Election of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
20 Apr 2010 - Election of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
24 May 2005