The U.S. Association for UNHCR, also known as the U.N. Refugee Agency, is based out of Washington, D.C. This organization was during World World II to help the victims displaced by this conflict. The UNHCR faced its first major emergency in 1956 after the Soviet demolition of the Hungarian Revolution. The decolonization of Africa in 1960 produced a dire humanitarian and refugee crisis, and the organization provided relief to victims of displacement in Asia and Latin America for the following two decades, followed by another refugee crisis from the conflict in the Balkans.

The organization won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1954 for its groundbreaking work in Europe, followed by an award in 1981 for being the world’s best worldwide assistance to refugees. The organization has grown from a staff of 34 to over 8,600 national and international members that work in approximately 126 countries.

This organization is dedicated to saving, protecting and rebuilding the lives of the victims of conflict. USA FOR UNHCR responds to the most urgent crises in the world, and is currently specializing in Syria, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Iraq.

Current humanitarian emergencies have produced astounding levels of suffering and displacement; 51.2 million men, women, and children are currently displaced in the world, the average time refugees are separated from their lives is 17 years, and 32,000 people flee their homes every day. USA for UNHCR addresses the basic needs and rights for refugees, most importantly shelter, water and food, and protection from harm. Emergency relief efforts include sending relief supplies within 72 hours, addressing the survival needs of victims with resources such as shelter, clothing, soap, heat lamps, blankets, sleeping mats, kitchen sets, solar lamps and mosquito nets.

In regards to health and nutrition, USA for UNHCR describes their efforts as, “Working closely with partner organizations through supporting their vital work to supply clean water and nutritious food, set up sanitation programs and ensure refugees have access to emergency and basic health care services. For example, USA for UNHCR works with partners to carry out large-scale vaccination campaigns to protect refugees from diseases like polio and measles.”

There is support and relief for refugees whenever and wherever they can for every step of the journey, for UNHCR is the first in and last out in an emergency situation. According to USA for UNHCR, 91 percent of their staff are based in the field providing direct support to people in need. In 2013, 469 emergency experts were dispatched to the field. The ten largest operations have taken place in Afghanistan, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq.  Currently, there are 434 USA for UNHCR offices worldwide.

There are several ways one is able to join the cause for USA for UNHCR. One is able to become a monthly donor, fundraise for refugees, and raise awareness.

– Neti Gupta

Sources: Guide Star, UNHCR 1, UNHCR 2, UN Refugees

Photo: Flickr