Profile of UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the leading international organization tasked with protecting and advocating for the rights of people forced to flee conflict, persecution, and those without a nationality. Established in 1950, UNHCR’s mandate is to provide international protection and find long-term solutions for displaced people around the globe. The agency is present in over 130 countries, working tirelessly to ensure that vulnerable populations have access to safety, assistance, and the hope of rebuilding their lives.

UNHCR leads the global response to crises that result in forced displacement. Whether caused by war, persecution, or human rights violations, the organization steps in to provide crucial support, including shelter, medical care, legal assistance, and access to education. Beyond immediate humanitarian aid, UNHCR is dedicated to long-term solutions such as repatriation, local integration, or resettlement in third countries.

UNHCR’s Role in Tanzania

As of January 1, 2022, Tanzania hosts over 246,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, primarily from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The majority—approximately 83%—of these refugees reside in the Ndutu and Nyarugusu refugee camps located in the northwestern region of Kigoma. Tanzania has a long-standing tradition of hospitality and has consistently opened its borders to people fleeing conflict, especially in neighboring countries.

UNHCR supports the Tanzanian government in ensuring that refugees and asylum-seekers receive international protection and assistance. This collaboration is primarily with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other government ministries, who help provide essential services such as food, healthcare, and legal protection to the refugee population.

UNHCR’s Collaboration with Humanitarian and Development Partners

UNHCR’s work extends beyond immediate emergency assistance. The organization partners with various UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, and development programs to address the broader needs of refugees and their host communities. In Tanzania, UNHCR works closely through the UN Development Assistance Plan (UNDAP) and the United Nations Kigoma Joint Programme. These initiatives aim to support both refugees and local communities by promoting resilience, social cohesion, and development opportunities.

Through the Global Compact on Refugees, UNHCR strives to link humanitarian aid to long-term development efforts, helping refugees transition from reliance on aid to self-sufficiency and integration into host communities.

UNHCR’s continued commitment to the protection and empowerment of refugees in Tanzania, and globally, is a testament to the world’s shared responsibility to support those who have been displaced. The organization’s work helps provide not only immediate relief but also pathways to lasting peace and security for refugees and their host communities.

For more detailed information about UNHCR’s work in Tanzania, please visit their official website.

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