Why Does the UNHCR Not Process All Refugees?

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the primary agency responsible for the global care and resettlement of refugees. However, many people wonder why UNHCR cannot process or assist all refugees, especially in the context of organizations like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This article delves into the reasons behind these differences and explains the roles of both agencies.

The Role of UNHCR

The UNHCR was established in 1951 with the primary goal of protecting and assisting refugees. The agency works to ensure that refugees receive the necessary support, including psychological aid, legal protection, and assistance in finding a durable solution to their situation. This may include resettlement in a third country or local integration in the country of asylum.

The Role of UNRWA

UNRWA, on the other hand, has a unique mandate. Established in 1950, the agency is specifically tasked with providing aid and protection to Palestine refugees, defined as individuals whose normal place of residence was Palestine between 1 June 1946 and 15 May 1948, and who lost both their homes and means of livelihood as a result of the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.

The Special Case of Palestine Refugees

The reason for the distinction between UNHCR and UNRWA lies in the specific historical and political context of the Palestine refugee issue. Unlike other refugee situations, the Palestine refugee issue has distinct challenging characteristics related to the ongoing conflict over the existence of Israel. This unique context prompted the establishment of a separate agency with a distinct mandate to support and assist these refugees.

One of the key differences is that UNRWA continues to provide assistance to Palestine refugees in the form of education, healthcare, and social services. Unlike other refugee situations, UNRWA is mandated to ensure that the refugees do not become settled in their host communities. This approach is designed to maintain the refugee status of the Palestinians and preserve their right to return to their original homes and become part of a resolution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

UNHCR's Involvement

While UNHCR does not process all refugees, it plays a crucial role in supporting countries and their governments in providing assistance to refugees. UNHCR assists when a state is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and/or does not have a fair and efficient national asylum procedure in place. In such cases, UNHCR works with governments to develop and implement better protection mechanisms for refugees.

Criteria for Referral to UNRWA

UNRWA focuses on assisting Arab refugees, particularly those from Palestine. However, some descendants of Palestine refugee males, including adopted children, are also eligible for registration. When the agency began operations in 1950, it was responding to the needs of about 750,000 Palestine refugees. Over the decades, this number has grown substantially due to births and ongoing displacement.

Individual States and Refugee Status

It is important to note that individual states have the primary responsibility for defining who is a refugee, not UNHCR. UNHCR can assist in identifying refugees if a state is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or lacks a fair and efficient national asylum procedure. UNHCR's primary function is to support states in caring for refugees, not to make the final decision on who qualifies as a refugee.

Conclusion

The distinctions between UNHCR and UNRWA reflect the unique challenges and historical context surrounding the Palestine refugee issue. UNHCR and UNRWA each play complementary roles in providing assistance and support to refugees, ensuring that their needs are met while also addressing the broader issues of protection and resolution of the conflict.

Key Takeaways

UNHCR focuses on resettlement and durable solutions for refugees. UNRWA provides specific assistance to Palestine refugees and maintains their refugee status. Individual states define refugee status, with UNHCR supporting and assisting states in this process. UNRWA's role includes maintaining the refugee status of Palestine refugees to preserve their right to return. UNHCR supports states in developing fair and efficient national asylum procedures.