Partners in the Region

Working with partners

In its efforts to protect refugees and to promote durable solutions to their problems, UNHCR works in partnership with many actors. These include other United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governmental as well as inter-governmental organizations, and various civil society partners such as universities, advocacy groups, foundations and corporations. Between them, they provide an array of services for displaced people including food, water, shelter, legal assistance, education and health care.

UNHCR receives most of its funding for its operations through contributions from governments.

NGOs form the largest group of UNHCR's partners. Strengthened partnerships and collaboration with NGOs remains one of the best ways of ensuring that the basic needs of displaced populations are met. There are two types of agreements: implementing and operational. Implementing partnerships are those in which UNHCR provides financial support to an NGO that performs specific services to help refugees. This arrangement is reflected in a formal project agreement subject to UNHCR financial rules and regulations. The other type of partnership is operational. This involves voluntary coordination between UNHCR and NGOs, but not financial support by UNHCR. Both these partnerships may also work with UNHCR on advocacy activities, promoting refugee rights and state responsibility in refugee protection.