Gifts in Wills

How legacy gifts change lives 

We don’t know what the future for refugees is going to look like in 20 years. A few years ago, we couldn’t imagine a global pandemic such as the one caused by COVID-19, nor its consequences on our everyday lives.

What we do know is that as UNHCR we will keep protecting millions of the most vulnerable men, women and children around the world, upholding their rights in the face of conflict and violence, providing them with the urgent assistance they need, and helping them rebuild their lives. We have been doing it since our formation in 1950, during the aftermath of World War II, and we will continue to do so as long as we are needed.

With growing numbers of refugees and forcibly displaced people, UNHCR’s work and your support are as vital as ever.

In 2019, working with our partner organizations in the field and thousands of donors from around the world, we provided access to safe water and sanitation services to 8.7 million people across 59 countries, supplied safe shelter to more than 3.4 million refugees and delivered direct, cash-assistance to four million refugee families.

UNHCR has provided nearly one million refugee children with access to education and offered thousands of women refugees the opportunity to learn technology skills and IT knowledge. Over the years, we have also helped millions of refugees return home safely and under the protection of international laws.

Refugees should receive the protection they deserve, now and in the future. Whatever challenges refugee families may face, with your support, we will be there.

Today, the world is facing the COVID-19 pandemic. This global crisis has challenged our way of life and poses a risk to everyone. However, for refugees, who have endured war, violence and persecution, COVID-19 is an emergency on top of an emergency.

Drawing from 70 years of expertise in emergency response and lessons learned from past disease outbreaks, UNHCR is taking action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in around 600 operations around the globe.

Our teams on the ground are scaling up the delivery and production of soap and other hygiene materials; they are building handwashing facilities and setting up information and advice campaigns. As a United Nations agency, we are also influencing and negotiating at the highest governmental level to ensure that refugees receive fair treatment and are included in national emergency health plans.

Writing or updating your will

We always recommend seeking the advice of a legal professional if you're thinking of writing or amending your Will and Testament. You can give to UNHCR once your family and loved ones have been taken care of and all your other wishes have been met.

If you would like to include a gift for UNHCR in your Will, please find below our full name and address:

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, an organ of the United Nations 
Headquarter located at:
94 rue de Montbrillant 
1202 Geneva 
Switzerland

If you already have a Will and you want to amend it to include UNHCR, please consult a legal professional. In some jurisdictions, it is as easy as writing and attaching a ‘codicil’ – a legally recognized addition or amendment, to your Will.

Big or small, a gift in your will can make a world of difference.

A gift in a Will can take any form:

• A gift of cash
• A percentage of the overall value of your estate
• A gift of real estate *
• An investment (artwork, jewellery, stocks, etc)

*Real estate assets will be liquidated

Contact us

Many people have thought about their legacy in these difficult times. We understand that including a gift to UNHCR in your Will is made after careful consideration. If this is something you would like to talk about, don’t hesitate to contact us, we would be happy to help.

Your contact: Miren Ispizua-Bilbao, Gifts in Wills Advisor, email: [email protected]

If you live in one of the countries listed below, please visit the country website to learn how you can include a gift to UNHCR in your Will.