Who we protect
Who we protect
We are there for refugees, asylum-seekers, people displaced within their own country and stateless persons.
Protecting all people forced to flee and those denied a nationality
Seeking asylum is a human right. Anyone fleeing persecution, conflict, or human rights abuses has a right to seek protection in another country.
UNHCR works to ensure that this right is upheld.
We provide life-saving support and safeguard the rights of asylum-seekers, refugees and people displaced within their own country due to conflict or persecution. We also work to protect, support and advocate for people denied a nationality and refugees who have chosen to return to their own country.
With 117.3 million people forcibly displaced from their homes globally, there are more people under our protection today than at any point since the Second World War.
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Asylum-seekers
An asylum-seeker is someone whose request for sanctuary has yet to be processed. Every year, around one million people seek asylum. At UNHCR, we believe that everyone has a right to seek asylum from persecution, and we do our best to protect those who need it.
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Internally displaced people
Internally displaced people, referred to as IDPs, have been forced to flee their homes by conflict, violence, persecution or disasters, however, they remain within the borders of their own country.
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Refugees
Refugees are people who have fled their countries to escape conflict, violence, or persecution and have sought safety in another country. In Afghanistan, we have been assisting refugees for over 35 years. There are over 34,000 refugees currently in Afghanistan.
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Returnees
Over the years, UNHCR has helped millions of refugees and other forcibly displaced people to return home.
We help people make an informed decision on when it is safe to return, aim to ensure that any returns are voluntary and dignified, and support people as they rebuild their lives.
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Stateless people
Stateless people are not recognized as citizens by any country. Denied the right to a nationality, they are often also not allowed to go to school, see a doctor, get a job or even get married.
UNHCR advocates for their rights and works to prevent and end statelessness globally.
Please consider donating today
Your gift can help protect someone forced to flee their home due to conflict or persecution.
