UNHCR Project Work (2010 - Present)

Between 2010 and 2012, UNHCR significantly enhanced its global emergency response capabilities. This period marked a shift towards more rapid and coordinated action during crises such as the Horn of Africa famine and displacement in Côte d'Ivoire and Libya. UNHCR scaled up its Emergency Preparedness and Response Section, deploying staff and resources within 72 hours to affected regions. A major achievement was the stockpiling of emergency relief items—such as tents, kitchen sets, and hygiene kits—at strategic hubs around the world. Partnerships with other UN agencies, NGOs, and governments also became more streamlined. Additionally, UNHCR initiated training programs to prepare staff for complex emergencies. The combination of strategic planning, pre-positioned supplies, and skilled emergency personnel led to quicker, more effective humanitarian assistance, directly benefiting hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals and reinforcing the organization’s role as a leader in humanitarian relief.

The Syrian conflict resulted in one of the largest refugee crises in modern history. From 2013 to 2015, UNHCR mobilized its largest humanitarian operation at that time to respond to the mass displacement of Syrians into Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq, and Egypt. UNHCR led efforts to provide shelter, education, health care, and psychosocial support to millions of Syrian refugees. The organization introduced biometric registration systems to ensure accurate refugee data, improve access to services, and prevent fraud. A key achievement was the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan, which became a model for refugee settlement planning. UNHCR also lobbied for expanded resettlement programs and legal protection for refugees. With growing international support, funding mechanisms were scaled up, although needs often outstripped resources. These years also demonstrated the importance of host community support and long-term resilience planning. UNHCR’s presence and coordination across multiple host countries helped stabilize regions heavily impacted by the influx of refugees.

During this period, UNHCR focused on two major initiatives: the development of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the acceleration of efforts to end statelessness. The GCR, adopted in 2018 by the UN General Assembly, aimed to provide a stronger, more predictable framework for refugee response and responsibility-sharing. UNHCR facilitated global consultations and incorporated input from member states, civil society, and refugees themselves. This culminated in a comprehensive agreement emphasizing protection, self-reliance, and solutions like resettlement and voluntary return. Concurrently, the #IBelong campaign to end statelessness gained momentum. Over 21 countries introduced reforms to prevent and reduce statelessness, including changes to nationality laws and improved birth registration systems. UNHCR also documented cases and supported stateless persons in acquiring legal identity. These years reflected a shift towards more inclusive, rights-based approaches and multilateral cooperation, enhancing the lives of millions and improving access to documentation, education, and livelihoods for displaced and stateless communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges for refugee protection and humanitarian access. Between 2019 and 2021, UNHCR had to adapt rapidly to ensure continuity of services while minimizing virus transmission. Field offices around the globe established quarantine zones, remote education programs, and online health consultations. Refugee health facilities were upgraded with PPE, ventilators, and sanitation infrastructure. UNHCR also strengthened partnerships with WHO and local ministries of health to integrate refugees into national pandemic responses. Crucially, the organization accelerated its digital transformation. Tools like the Rapid Application Processing Interface (RAPI) and digital cash assistance platforms enabled refugees to access help remotely. Communication with communities moved online via WhatsApp groups, mobile apps, and social media. Digital registration and verification systems allowed continued documentation efforts. Despite lockdowns and restrictions, UNHCR protected millions from COVID-19’s worst effects while advancing long-term plans for digital inclusion, making humanitarian support more agile and scalable for future emergencies.

Since 2022, UNHCR has faced two major humanitarian challenges: the war in Ukraine and the increasing impact of climate-induced displacement. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, UNHCR mounted a large-scale emergency operation, supporting over 8 million refugees across Europe. The agency worked closely with host governments to provide shelter, legal assistance, and access to employment and education. Ukraine's neighboring countries implemented temporary protection measures, backed by UNHCR's coordination and funding. At the same time, UNHCR expanded its focus on climate-related displacement. As floods, droughts, and natural disasters forced millions to flee, the organization developed climate resilience strategies and began mapping environmental risks in refugee-hosting areas. Collaborations with environmental organizations have grown, and the concept of “anticipatory action” has been introduced to prevent displacement where possible. With the dual pressure of conflict and climate emergencies, UNHCR’s current approach is more intersectional, balancing immediate humanitarian relief with long-term solutions to emerging global crises.