Number: RL31690
Title: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Authors: Rhoda Margesson and Johanna Bockman, fore 
Abstract: UNHCR provides legal protection, implements long-term solutions, and coordinates emergency humanitarian relief for refugees and other displaced persons around the world. Currently, UNHCR faces a series of challenges: the protection of displaced populations that are not technically refugees and thus fall outside the mandate of UNHCR; availability of resources; a worldwide asylum crisis; accusations of misconduct by UNHCR employees; and the security of refugees and UN workers. Issues of particular concern to Congress are funding shortages at UNHCR, burdensharing, and avenues for U.S. influence within UNHCR.
Pages: 10
Date: Updated January 3, 2003