Need to Know Facts About the UNHCR
by KD Griffin
We know that Angelina and the UNHCR work extremely hard for refugees but I didn’t know a lot about the organization’s history or just basic information for that matter. Because I’m on a research kick, I did a little bit of research about this humanitarian organization.
Check out these facts about the UNHCR:
- The UNHCR was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly.
- The UNHCR stands for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
- The group’s mission is to protect the well being and rights of refugees.
- The UNHCR offers assistance to refugees regardless of race, nationality or religious preference.
- The United Nations defines a refugee as “A person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence as a result of such events, is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it..”
- The original mandate was a three year mission to help European refugees of World War 2.
- The organization relies completely on voluntary contributions from countries, corporations and individuals.
- The UNHCR seeks to repatriate refugees to their homeland if conditions warrant. If conditions are not subtable for repatriation, the UNHCR seeks to integrate or resettle refugees in other countries.
- António Guterres is the current High Commissioner. His term expires in 2009.
- Angelina is one of seven current Goodwill Ambassadors.
- Goowill Ambassadors use their celebrity to bring attention to the plight refugees.
“Refugees have done more for my heart and my spirit than I can ever express in words.” -Angelina Jolie
To donate to UNHCR go HERE. Every little bit helps.
Photo Notes: Angelina Jolie with the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, Anand Sharma in New Delhi, November 2006.
angelina jolie, refugees, unhcr, united nations
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