UNHCR

The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees is the key international legal document defining who is a refugee, their rights and the legal obligations of states. Its provisions are also further strengthened through the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees.

In more than five decades, the agency has helped an estimated 50 million people restart their lives. Today, a staff of around 6,689 people in 116 countries continues to help 20.8 million persons. These figures do not include Palestinian refugees assisted by the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). There are also refugees and other displaced persons not assisted by UNHCR. Africa alone is estimated to be hosting more than three million refugees and over 15 million internally displaced persons.