Yet Nansen is best known for his visionary work on behalf of refugees. As Europe struggled to rebuild after the First World War, he directed the League of Nations’ first major humanitarian operation – the repatriation of 450,000 prisoners of war. His intellect, valour and charisma proved instrumental in winning the support of governments and voluntary agencies.
Fridtjof Nansen served as the League of Nations first High Commissioner for Refugees from 1920-1930, helping hundreds of thousands of refugees to return home. His efforts enabled many others to become legal residents and find work in the countries where they had found refuge.
“The difficult is what takes a little time, the impossible is what takes a little longer”
Fridjof Nansen
Nansen saw that one of the biggest problems facing refugees was the lack of internationally recognised identification papers. His solution, which came to be known as the ‘Nansen passport’, was the first legal instrument for the international protection of refugees.
When famine broke out in Russia in 1921-1922, Nansen organised a relief programme for millions of its victims. For his crucial work, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922.
UNHCR established the Nansen Refugee Award in Nansen’s honour, following his death in 1930 at age 69.