Young Syrian boys playing with old tires just before sunset in Azraq camp, Jordan. UNHCR/Christopher Herwig

166 UNHCR Global Report 2015 SAFEGUARDINGSUPPORTING FUNDAMENTALUNHCR’S WORK HUMAN RIGHTS

TheEvery provision time a new of asylum forced isdisplacement a consistent crisisfeature erupts, of human UNHCR history. Throughoutmust call on thethe ages,support societies of thousands with different of other culturesactors to and help value systemsit respond have to the recognized many needs their of obligation those in distress. to provide sanctuary and help for people in distress fleeing conflict or persecution. In addition, the organization has ongoing programmes for Thistens longstandingof millions of alreadysocial norm uprooted was progressively people, whose incorporated safety intoand internationalwell-being remain law in of the concern 20th century, to UNHCR. and States continue to reaffirm their commitment to protection. Close to 130This countries chapter focuses have national on presenting asylum lawssome in of place, the many implementing relevantways in which international the Office conventions coordinates for theits protection work with differentof . Morepartners. than Also 40 countrieshighlighted have are a the national welcome instrument sources related of to internalsupport displacement;and advocacy infrom 2015, inspirational UNHCR provided and engaged protection and assistancecollaborators to 37across million the internally globe that displaced enabled peoplethe organization (IDPs) in 28 countriesto carry out its - thework highest in 2015. number in the organization's history.

However, there remain a number of recurring gaps, such as: violations of the principle of non-refoulement; a lack of admission and access to asylum procedures; a lack of registration and documentation; shortcomings in refugee status determination procedures; and detention practices that violate international standards.

Similarly, while several States and regional bodies have demonstrated their commitment to eradicating statelessness by 2024, efforts need to be expanded to address the major situations of statelessness around the world.

A growing degree of ’asylum fatigue’ has been witnessed over the past year. Addressing this and other contemporary protection challenges remains a high priority for UNHCR. In 2015, UNHCR continued to safeguard the fundamental right of people whose lives and liberty are at risk to seek safety and security in another State, and support States to establish and strengthen institutional refugee and asylum frameworks.

In this chapter: • SupervisingHosting the world’sthe application refugees of the 1951 Convention • AssuringEngaging safety with partners from violence and exploitation • StrengtheningMobilizing the privaterefugee sector status determination • EndingCelebrity unlawful support detention of persons of concern • Eradicating statelessness • Addressing internal displacement

UNHCR Global Report 2015 167 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

HOSTING THE WORLD’S The significant numbers of Syrian REFUGEES refugee arrivals have raised important questions about the needs of local The arrival of refugees always has an communities as well. If these are not impact on host communities. Depending immediately comparable to the losses on the size of the refugee population and trauma experienced by refugees, relative to the host community, and the the requirements at local level to o set prevailing socio-economic circumstances the consequences of a rapid rise in prior to their arrival, the consequent population can also be considerable. e ects can be both positive and negative. These are often hard to document, The generosity of host countries and especially as the scale and scope of communities has certainly been at a high most refugee situations are not easily cost. The spillover e ects of the conflict predictable. have had a visible impact at the macro- economic level since business, trade But in all instances of refugee arrivals, and investment have all been a ected. an important objective of governments, Indeed, like other conflict situations, UNHCR and its partners is to ensure the war has been the principal cause of timely and e ective protection by economic and social distress not only supporting social cohesion between inside the country but across the region. refugees and their local community. The Governments concerned have The huge demographic shock primarily borne the higher costs of the experienced in , Jordan and increased consumption of public services Turkey of absorbing millions of Syrian and utilities by the refugees. Local refugees has highlighted the importance communities have been obliged to share of interventions to mitigate the impact on resources and services with refugees. political, economic and social stability.

Chart 1 - Major refugee-hosting Chart 2 - Number of refugees per countries, 2015 (in millions) 1,000 inhabitants, 2015

Source: National population: , Population Division, "World Population Prospects: The 2015 Revision", New York, 2016. For the purpose of this analysis, the estimates of 2015 have been taken into account. * Refugee figure for Syrians in Turkey is a Government estimate. * Includes Iraqi refugees registered with UNHCR in Jordan. ** Includes Iraqi refugees registered with UNHCR in Jordan. The Government The Government estimates the number of Iraqis at 400,000 estimates the number of Iraqis at 400,000 individuals at the end of March 2015. individuals at the end of March 2015. This includes This includes refugees and other categories of Iraqis. refugees and other categories of Iraqis. ** Refugee figure for Syrians in Turkey is a Government estimate

168 UNHCR Global Report 2015 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

Chart 3 - Number of refugees per 1 USD development often lags behind national GDP per capita, 2015 indicators. They represent an increase in the number of consumers that can spur local productivity, trade and business. And they attract government engagement, aid and private sector investment.

The impacts are rarely uniform and can vary considerably over time too. The immediate e ects of refugee arrivals do cause imbalances at local level. Depending on the level and speed of public and private sector responses, and on the socio-economic context, these Sources: Gross Domestic Product (PPP): International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook Database, April initial problems generally stabilize and a 2016 (accessed 6 May 2016) National population: United Nations, Population Division, new but di erent equilibrium follows. “World Population Prospects: The 2015 Revision", New York, 2016. For the purpose of this analysis, the estimates have been used. In addressing these circumstances, two main considerations for the provision Many other countries receiving refugees of assistance predominate. First, the have experienced similar e ects in the evident need to ensure ecient and past. However, most refugee situations e ective support both to refugees and account for less than 3 per cent of local populations a ected by a refugee national populations. These smaller crisis. The needs may not necessarily be refugee populations can nevertheless the same and do require assessments to represent a considerable challenge for find the appropriate form of support. But local authorities and communities. a balanced response is certainly needed to ensure social cohesion. Beyond providing essential life preserving support – security, food, Second, most refugee situations do water, and shelter – during the initial take many years to resolve. So beyond stages of an emergency, issues of social the initial emergency response, longer service delivery (health, education) soon term, more structural support is required arise. As refugees start to consume local to ensure that overall socio-economic natural resources, purchase goods in conditions do not deteriorate for refugees local markets, and look for livelihood and local communities alike. opportunities, other e ects also become more identifiable. Governments, donors and aid agencies increasingly recognize that These can include a rise in tension protracted displacement demands between local communities and more than short-term assistance. refugees as often goods can become Finding the optimal mix of emergency scarcer, prices rise, and resources and developmental engagement, and diminish. Refugees can also compete devising implementation arrangements for jobs and opportunities in local labour that strengthen and support national markets. However, their arrival often responses, will likely be a feature of aid brings opportunities too, particularly in delivery to refugee situations in future. remote regions where socio-economic

UNHCR Global Report 2015 169 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK UNHCR/Brian Sokol

ENGAGING WITH PARTNERS

Refugee response Wherever applicable, the Oce also coordination continued to follow the Joint UNHCR- OCHA Note on Mixed Situations, which UNHCR is committed to coordinating, provided a framework for leadership and planning and delivering refugee coordination in settings where there were responses that are e ective, collaborative both refugee operations and complex and based on principles of partnership. humanitarian emergencies. This could In 2015, the Oce continued to apply the include the development of technical Refugee Coordination Model (RCM, see guidance and capacity building, as well Glossary), which drew on more than 60 as the provision of field support. years of experience, and was designed to provide transparent and inclusive In applying the provisions of the Joint leadership and coordination in refugee Note in field operations, UNHCR worked operations worldwide. to ensure the complementarity and eciency of its activities. As an example, In line with the RCM, the organization following UNHCR’s suggestion to use the expanded the terms of reference of existing refugee coordination platform the regional refugee coordinators to respond to the needs of internally responsible for leading operational displaced people (IDPs) in Maroua in planning and resource mobilization for northern Cameroon, in April 2015 an the Central African Republic, Nigeria, inter-agency mission assessed the most and Syria situations, and appropriate coordination arrangements designated new coordinators for the for humanitarian actors on the ground. situation and the crisis in Europe. Subsequently, the High Commissioner and the Emergency Relief Coordinator In 2015, seven regional refugee response agreed that existing refugee coordination plans covered 30 countries, involving mechanisms in Cameroon could be more than 270 partners. used for this internal displacement situation, while maintaining respective accountabilities and reporting lines.

170 UNHCR Global Report 2015 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

Partnership within the United The work on non-communicable diseases in Nations system and with other humanitarian emergencies will gain momentum international organizations in the coming years with the increased evidence base and improved guidance. In 2015, UNHCR continued to work within the • Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS framework of the established coordination (UNAIDS) - It was a critical year for UNAIDS, arrangements at global and field levels under of which UNHCR is a co-sponsor. The new the Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s (IASC) UNAIDS strategy Fast-tracking to zero outlined Transformative Agenda. The Oce continued the measures envisaged to help end the AIDS to participate in the IASC early warning system, epidemic by 2030. During the 36th UNAIDS the Emergency Directors Group (EDG) as well as Programme Coordinating Board, held in July part of an inter-agency emergency preparedness 2015, UNHCR and WFP highlighted the risks project. For more information on UNHCR’s associated with neglecting HIV in funding and leadership of the global clusters providing programming decisions. protection, shelter and camp coordination and camp management, please see the Safeguarding • IOM – UNHCR and IOM developed joint Fundamental Human Rights chapter. approaches to mixed movements, ranging from inter-agency response plans in Europe and With other key UN system partners, UNHCR Yemen, to joint responses to rescue at sea. pursued international e orts to preserve the Forms of collaboration included mixed migration safety and well-being of displaced populations, task forces, joint strategies to address human notably with the following agencies: tracking, and joint advocacy on refugees and migrants – notably when the Sustainable • WFP - WFP remained one of UNHCR’s most Development Goals (SDGs) were being important operational partners to target food developed. assistance to the refugees most in need in camp and urban settings, whether through • UN Secretariat – UNHCR was increasingly cash or in-kind food assistance. In October engaged in assisting the work of the Executive 2015, WFP and UNHCR, together with UNICEF, Oce of the Secretary-General, the Secretariat committed to strengthening cooperation on and the broader United Nations in e orts to cash-based interventions. address challenges associated with large movements of refugees and migrants. In 2015, • UNICEF – UNHCR and UNICEF updated joint its New York Oce participated in humanitarian guidance to sta to strengthen their partnership and development fora seeking to ensure that in the field and provide consistent technical considerations of the rights and needs of people support to populations of concern in the areas of of concern to the Oce were mainstreamed water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); education; into the work of the United Nations. This health and nutrition; and child protection. In included informing deliberations around the 2015, letters of understanding were signed for reform of the role of the UN Secretariat in joint interventions in South Sudan and Sudan. assisting States to: maintain international peace and security; improve humanitarian action; • WHO - UNHCR and WHO intensified their strengthen women’s empowerment; and meet collaboration in several areas, including in the newly adopted SDGs. Thanks to UNHCR countering tuberculosis and non-communicable and partners’ advocacy, refugees and stateless diseases in humanitarian settings, and in people are part of the commitment to ‘leave no establishing health systems in response to one behind’ and are considered in the goals of the influx of refugees and migrants in Europe. the SDGs.

UNHCR Global Report 2015 171 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

Partnering with NGOs The main areas identified by both NGO and UNHCR participants as still requiring The principles of partnership improvement were: information-sharing; joint planning; advocating protection The five principles of partnership (see together; problem resolution; and Glossary) highlight the fundamental strengthening the capacity of national importance of upholding the values of NGOs. equality, transparency, responsibility, complementarity and results-orientation At a global level, UNHCR further explored in humanitarian e orts. In 2012, at the how respective expertise and resources High Commissioner’s structured dialogue in bilateral partnerships with major NGO with the IFRC and non-government partners could be complementary in organizations (NGOs), participants drew various settings, as well as embarking up 10 recommendations for putting upon the revision of memoranda of these principles into practice in UNHCR’s understanding, where necessary, and partnerships. supporting regular consultations.

Since then, UNHCR’s engagement A record-breaking year for the Annual with NGO partners to carry forward Consultations with NGOs these recommendations included the production of guidance notes – on UNHCR’s annual consultations with NGOs improving strategic information sharing have brought together representatives among partners, on partnership in of partner NGOs who collaborate in advocacy for protection, and on problem protecting, assisting and advocating for resolution – to help operations and refugees and other displaced people colleagues to strengthen partnerships. across the world.

A series of joint missions also enabled In July 2015, the event gathered some the Oce and partners to follow up 500 delegates to discuss the theme on the recommendations. In 2015, In pursuit of solutions, making it the four country-specific joint missions largest annual consultation with NGOs with the participation of UNHCR and to date. More than 270 di erent NGOs, the International Council of Voluntary UN and international organizations were Agencies (ICVA) and InterAction took represented (of which 76 per cent were place in Chad, Kenya, Lebanon and national NGOs). These consultations Myanmar, and three regional follow- covered a wide range of topics and up meetings in West Africa and in continued to provide a unique forum Thailand were completed. In addition, 15 for sharing feedback, information and consultations were organized with more experience. Almost 6,000 tweets were than 200 participants from NGOs and posted with the event’s dedicated UNHCR sta . These meetings provided hashtag, #UNHCRNGOs, during the a unique opportunity for UNHCR sta to three-day event. hear directly from national partners about their priorities and concerns.

172 UNHCR Global Report 2015 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

Strengthening collaboration partners to provide the most up-to-date with implementing partners information about their organization and its ability to respond to the needs In 2015, UNHCR entrusted of refugees and people of concern – USD 1.26 billion to 938 partners (584 was launched in 2015 and already has a national NGOs, 168 international NGOs, portfolio of more than 600 partners. 172 governmental partners and 14 UN agencies) for 1,732 projects to provide protection and assistance to, and help Partnerships for solutions fi nd solutions for, people of concern. The Collaboration remained fundamental funds channelled to partners represented when seeking solutions for refugees, with 38 per cent of UNHCR’s annual challenges often complex and resource- expenditure (USD 3.3 billion). intensive. UNHCR continued to work with partners to design comprehensive Consultations with NGOs and other protection and solutions strategies that stakeholders on the development and addressed the four dimensions of a application of the Enhanced Framework solution for refugees: legal; economic; for Implementing with Partners – a civil/political; and social/cultural. This management instrument for providing approach recognized the progressive quality assistance and protection to attainment or enjoyment of human rights, populations of concern and accountability such as freedom of movement and for resources entrusted by donors - residence; the right to work; and security continued throughout the year. In total, of tenure in housing and agricultural 14 joint workshops were held to roll out land, were all elements required to the framework and strengthen capacities, support independence and resilience which benefi ted at least 500 sta of among forcibly displaced, settled and UNHCR and partners. returning populations. It also recognized that refugees could and should be The Partner Portal – a web-based tool able to contribute to the communities that allows prospective and existing in which they live, providing them with opportunities to be economically active, and to learn and build skills to lead a more dignifi ed life. Funds Provided to Partners ($1.26 billion) The Solutions Alliance brought together host and donor governments, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, international fi nancial institutions and academic institutions to seek approaches that resolve situations of displacement and prevent new ones from becoming protracted. As part of the Alliance, UNHCR was a member of the and Zambia national groups and co- chaired thematic groups on the rule of law, as well as on research, data and performance management.

UNHCR Global Report 2015 173 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

The organization continued to strengthen programming priorities. Through ongoing its partnership with development actors partnership with the International to improve coordination on solutions and Cooperation Agency (JICA), local increase recognition of displacement integration and self-reliance measures as a development issue. Four new joint in Uganda and Zambia were being studies with the World Bank – three supported. UNHCR’s partnerships with in Africa and one in the Middle East ILO and the International Trade Centre – provided regional situation analysis promoted the right to work and market of forced displacement and informed development interventions for refugees.

The Sustainable Development Agenda: a universal pledge to leave no one behind

On 25 September 2015, the United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, consisting of a Declaration, 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 169 associated targets and 229 indicators. The SDGs replace the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were agreed in 2000 and ended in 2015.

Unlike the Millennium Development Goals, the 2030 Agenda explicitly refers to refugees and internally displaced people as those whose needs and aspirations, as well as their contribution to sustainable development, must be taken into account. The Agenda, led by the SDGs, pledges to ensure that ‘no one is left behind’, including refugees and internally displaced people, and resolves to adopt measures to meet the needs of those a ected by complex humanitarian emergencies. While the implementation of the Agenda is left to States, all UN agencies are expected to incorporate the Agenda into their programmes and to support the national authorities to progressively work towards achieving the goals within the next 15 years. UNHCR was involved in the development of the 2030 Agenda and collaborated with other UN agencies to ensure that people of concerns were included.

174 UNHCR Global Report 2015 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK UNHCR/Diego Ibarra Sánchez

MOBILIZING THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Since 2007, UNHCR had placed great The number of individual donors importance on developing its private supporting UNHCR’s work in 2015 sector fundraising relations and functions, grew to more than 1.4 million people recognizing the need to expand the located across more than 20 countries organization’s resources and donor base, worldwide. In total, USD 194.4 million as well as the growing interest of private was raised from individuals. Partnerships entities and individuals in engaging in with corporations, foundations response to global humanitarian issues. and philanthropists generated USD 89.5 million in financial support, as Thanks to the generosity of private well as awareness of UNHCR and people supporters who donated USD 284 million of concern to the organization. in 2015, UNHCR significantly exceeded its initial private sector fundraising target More than 50 per cent of the overall for the year. While the organization’s funds were mobilized by UNHCR’s six overall funding gap was greater than ever National Fundraising Partners (see box), before, the private donations allowed with innovative collaborations leading UNHCR to be more responsive to a to outstanding results. Established number of underfunded situations and in accordance with the laws of the have a greater impact on the safety and country in which each operates, these well-being of many displaced people. independent organizations raised funds

UNHCR Global Report 2015 175 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

2015 income by National Partner (total $158m)

on behalf of the O ce. UNHCR directly generated resources in other countries, such as Italy (USD 21.4 million) and the Republic of Korea (USD 16.4 million), with signifi cant growth in private donations in both countries.

For more information on private sector fundraising, see also the chapter on Funding UNHCR’s programmes.

National Fundraising The refugee crisis in Europe in Europe. A partnership with the Partners triggered a particularly strong Spanish supermarket chain Eroski, corporate and community which has close to 1,000 outlets In 2015, national fundraising response in Australia. During six throughout the country, increased partners raised 56 per cent of the days in September, an online awareness of the refugee cause funds UNHCR received from the initiative by one donor raised more and raised more than USD 162,000 private sector. than USD 28,000 for UNHCR’s by selling Christmas cardboard emergency response. This stars in all of its supermarkets. During the year, record numbers of inspired a wave of community Australians responded to Australia fundraising activities and attracted In 2015, España con ACNUR also for UNHCR’s calls for support, new corporate partners to the worked with Atresmedia/LaSexta, with contributions amounting to refugee cause, including Australia Spain’s leading TV and media USD 18.9 million. The Australian Post, the Australian Football group, to raise awareness and funds public responded generously League, the Australian Islamic for UNHCR’s work in sub-Saharan to crisis appeals for ’s Museum and Telstra. Combined Africa. The campaign reached more earthquake-a ected, emergencies with a direct marketing and online than 33 million people and was in Nigeria and the Syrian Arab emergency appeal, the campaign seen or commented 145,000 times Republic (Syria), and supported raised close to USD 1 million for in social media. health and nutrition programmes the crisis in Europe. in Bangladesh and . The Japan Association for UNHCR Australia for UNHCR continued its España con ACNUR, UNHCR’s contributions had increased long-term commitment to raising national partner in Spain, signifi cantly during the last 15 AUD 2.5 million for UNHCR’s transferred USD 51.9 million to years, raising USD 16.9 million sexual and gender-based UNHCR in 2015 and increased in 2015. Around 90 per cent of violence prevention and response its total number of donors to all donations raised by UNHCR’s programmes in the Democratic over 350,000. Collaboration national partner in Japan were Republic of the Congo. In August, was renewed with key corporate unrestricted and could be allocated the organization hosted a visit by donors such as the multinational to any UNHCR programme, making Nansen laureate Sister Angélique Spanish Banking Group BBVA, Japan’s donor base a reliable Namaika to raise awareness of which donated more than USD source of funds for UNHCR’s the needs of displaced women 329,000 to the refugee cause. most underfunded programmes. and girls. Its strong growth was New partnerships were also Beyond resource mobilization, the also refl ected in its growing social entered into with Inditex, a organization continued to actively media reach, with its following Spanish multinational clothing raise awareness about refugee increasing by 100 per cent from company, and El Corte Inglés, the issues through extensive public 89,000 to 171,000 followers. biggest department store group relations and advocacy, such as the

176 UNHCR Global Report 2015 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

Responses to specific Europe emergencies In response to the refugee crisis in While humanitarian emergencies erupted Europe, UNHCR raised more than throughout 2015, stretching UNHCR’s USD 50 million from the private sector. capacity globally, the private sector Major contributions were received from played a key role in supporting the a range of supporters, including private response to two crises in particular: the philanthropists through their family Nepal earthquake and the refugee crisis foundations; AB Volvo; H&M Conscious in Europe. Foundation; the Bill & Melinda Gates

Refugee Film Festival, which was in of refugees was aided by significant A partnership with the Swedish its tenth year. media coverage of the refugee Postcode Lottery also resulted in crisis in Europe and support by the contributions to UNHCR’s response 2015 was a very successful year for White House (via the launch of its to the Syria situation as well as UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe, UNHCR’s #AidRefugees campaign), which funding for 800 refugee housing national partner in Germany, which also brought more interest from units for internally displaced people raised USD 20.1 million in support corporations in the United States. in Iraq. of the organization’s programmes By the end of 2015, the number of worldwide – an increase of more active donors had reached 90,000, The Swedish private sector also than USD 6 million compared to an increase of 230 per cent on the responded generously to the 2014. UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe recruited previous year. unfolding European refugee crisis. thousands of new supporters and Within the first few weeks of a received regular donations from USA for UNHCR supported several national campaign in September, more than 50,000 people. emergencies, including the needs more than 120,000 people had of victims of the Nepal earthquake; donated or pledged to support In 2015, USA for UNHCR in Syria and the surrounding UNHCR’s work on a monthly increased its fundraising income countries, as refugees were forced basis, and companies, foundations by 149 per cent compared to 2014, to flee to Europe; and a non- and private philanthropists made contributing USD 21.6 million (both emergency programme – Lifeline significant contributions. cash and in-kind). – which provided cash assistance to Syrian refugee families in Jordan Sverige för UNHCR collaborated USA for UNHCR engaged in high- (see more about the appeal below). together with several large profile campaigns and partnerships, newspapers and TV channels to including: Google’s refugee Sverige för UNHCR, UNHCR’s raise awareness and funds for relief campaign, which saw the national partner in Sweden, saw emergency response. Examples company match EUR 5 million its income grow by more than of such e orts included the worth of individual donations 300 per cent in 2015, raising fundraising concert Hela Sverige by their service users with USD 28.9 million for UNHCR’s work. Skramlar that aired live on EUR 5 million from Google; John As the Syria emergency entered Swedish national television and Green’s crowdfunding Project for its fifth year, Sverige för UNHCR the renowned exhibition Where Awesome; and IKEA’s Brighter Lives launched a successful campaign Children Sleep at the photography for Refugees campaign, which to raise awareness and funds. Its museum Fotografiska. helped to attract new donors and short film, Search for Syria, was supporters. Awareness of the plight viewed more than 3.5 million times.

UNHCR Global Report 2015 177 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

Foundation; the International Federation of Football (FIFA); and Ericsson. Goldman Sachs Gives contributed USD 3 million towards UNHCR’s activities in response to the refugee crisis in Europe.

To address needs during the colder winter months, partners provided in-kind contributions, such as clothing and winter items for refugees, in Europe as well as in and around Syria. For example, Inditex UNHCR/Diego Ibarra Sánchez UNHCR sta and Greece’s Hellenic Coast Guard partnered with UNHCR to provide around assist refugee children rescued from an inflatable raft 300,000 articles of warm clothing and in the Mediterranean Sea shoes for families in need, and SCA AB provided a shipping container of feminine care products and baby diapers. Global multi-country appeals

New types of partnership also emerged in The amount of digital funds raised grew support of refugees, including UNHCR’s exponentially in 2015, with significant partnership with the multinational online engagement by donors and software corporation SAP, and with supporters for the European refugee Grammy-winning music group Imagine crisis. Dragons, who raised funds via music downloads. UNHCR’s Lifeline appeal was a fundraising and awareness-raising Nepal campaign launched in 2015 to provide cash assistance for Syrian refugee Within six weeks of an earthquake families in Jordan. In Jordan, popular striking Nepal in April 2015, almost news anchor Ahmad Al Shugairi launched USD 5 million had been mobilized from the campaign on air, reaching more private donors, fully funding UNHCR’s than 200 million viewers. He called on emergency response. Support from them to support 12,000 Syrian refugee corporations and foundations included families’ needs for one year. In addition USD 129,000 from the Crystal Group to generating enormous visibility for the in Hong Kong and USD 200,000 from refugee cause, the campaign raised an Alwaleed Philanthropies in Saudi Arabia. estimated USD 9 million from individuals in the region.

178 UNHCR Global Report 2015 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

Operational support

In 2015, corporate and with technical expertise and foundation partners continued operational assistance: to support UNHCR’s operations

IKEA Foundation: innovation, sustainability, in-kind donations

The IKEA Foundation remained education, and to provide light Page UNHCR/ Warrick UNHCR’s largest private and energy from renewable IKEA-donated lamps get charged in the sunlight sector partner, contributing sources to hundreds of beside a Syrian refugee family's shelter in Azraq refugee camp, Jordan. USD 29 million in 2015 to thousands of refugee families operations in Africa, Asia and the in nine countries. Middle East, as well as crucial support towards UNHCR’s In addition, the IKEA Foundation innovation and sustainable continued to provide in-kind solutions programmes. donations of bedding items for UNHCR’s operation in Iraq, The Brighter Lives for helping to restore a sense of Refugees campaign, which home for thousands who were was implemented in three forced to flee. phases over a two-year period from 2014 to 2015, raised Through its continued support USD 33.4 million through the for the Nansen Refugee Award, sale of LED bulbs and lights the IKEA Foundation contributes in 300 IKEA stores across to UNHCR’s e orts to honour 40 countries worldwide. This individuals who have done funding is helping to improve outstanding work on behalf of the refugee access to primary forcibly displaced.

UPS Foundation: logistics, delivering relief items

In 2015, UPS Foundation provided In 2015, the UPS Foundation UNHCR with freight services to enhanced UNHCR's logistical transport critical relief supplies, response by providing training and flexible funding that could to sta and partners. The be accessed quickly and used to Foundation has also supported ensure critical aid and assistance UNHCR’s ability to assure during fast-evolving emergencies e ective distribution of supplies in Greece and Nepal. Beyond by providing last-mile tracking of this, the company has been a food and non-food items delivered strategic logistical partner of the to refugees via the UPS Relief Link Oce since 2010 and serves as programme. an emergency standby partner.

lll

UNHCR Global Report 2015 179 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

lll

UNIQLO: clothes, livelihoods and cash

In 2015, UNIQLO supported the to contribute USD 10 million in 10th Refugee Film Festival in cash during the period 2016- Japan, a public outreach event. 2018, mainly for emergencies and The company also launched the livelihoods projects that support awareness-raising campaign refugees’ self-reliance. UNIQLO 10 million Ways to Help, which also increased its ongoing support aimed to collect 10 million items with the provision of a further of second-hand clothing from 80,000 items of warm clothing for customers by the first quarter refugees in Europe for the winter of 2016. UNIQLO has pledged months.

Educate A Child Programme – Education Above All Foundation

In 2015, UNHCR and Educate A This programme aimed Child (EAC), a global programme to make a notable impact of the Education Above All on the lives of children, (EAA) Foundation – founded their families and their and chaired by Her Highness communities. The new Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of partnership agreement Qatar – signed a new three-year includes a commitment partnership agreement providing from EAC that it would help access to primary education UNHCR and its partners for more than 710,000 refugee to improve the quality of

children in 12 countries in Africa, teaching and learning; Cherkaoui UNHCR/ Sylvain Asia and the Middle East. ensure safe learning Sudanese refugee children at the camp school in Djabal, Chad, which is supported by the Educate A environments for children; Child (EAC) Programme. Building on a partnership that had promote awareness given more than 260,000 refugee and advocacy about the children access to primary school importance of education for since 2012, their education will refugee children; and strengthen be supported further by the new capacity and partnerships with EAC-funded programme, which ministries of education and will help enrol a further 450,000 others, to enable more refugee children in schools over the children to go to school. next three years. Beneficiary children were hosted in Chad, UNHCR also mobilized matching Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of grants for this EAC programme Iran, Kenya, , , from new and existing partners. Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, A number of matching grants Syria, Uganda and Yemen. were donated through UNHCR’s national partners in Germany, Japan, Spain and the United States.

180 UNHCR Global Report 2015 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK UNHCR/Dominic Nahr

CELEBRITY SUPPORT

With displacement numbers nearing 64 million, the Syria crisis entering its sixth year, and gaps in funding remaining challenging, the voices of UNHCR's goodwill ambassadors and high-profi le supporters were more important than ever in 2015.

Celebrity support provided important leverage to UNHCR's e orts to raise UNHCR/Jordi Matas awareness, press advocacy points, and Cate Blanchett meeting a mother and daughter from mobilize giving across the globe. Syria in Chouf, Lebanon.

Advocacy and awareness- raising

Some of the ways in which UNHCR's supporters brought their voices and infl uence to bear in 2015 included: Goodwill Ambassadors and Supporters generated Cate Blanchett moderating a panel on 1,598 pieces of media covereage in 2015 global displacement at a high-profi le event in Delhi; Mika meeting displaced families in Lebanon; Khaled Hosseini with an audience reach of over 2.1 billion highlighting innovative solutions for refugees in Jordan; Yao Chen and Kristin an estimated value of coverage of over $1.45 million Davis celebrating the achievements of Nansen Refugee Award laureates in Pakistan and the Democratic Republic of and a social media reach of over 357 million. the Congo; Barbara Hendricks speaking to government leaders at an ECOWAS Conference on statelessness.

UNHCR Global Report 2015 181 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

Spotlight on crises Europe

Syria In Europe, high-profile voices speaking up for refugees included Douglas Booth Through written and social media, film and David Morrissey, who travelled to and interviews, goodwill ambassadors Lesvos; George Dalaras, Omar Sy and helped retain focus on the human Jesús Vázquez, who shared support impact of displacement. The Syria crisis on their social media channels; Livia remained a key focus of this activity. Firth and Annie Lennox, who spoke out on behalf of refugee and migrant Khaled Hosseini's mission to Jordan women at the Women on the Move resulted in a wealth of in-depth media Awards in London; and a host of 34 coverage across the globe including French authors contributing to the book on the BBC, El Mundo, La Repubblica Bienvenue, a collection of texts and and The Hungton Post. When singer- drawings of authors songwriter Mika travelled to his birthplace and cartoonists on the Lebanon, new audiences came to thematics of asylum understand how war and persecution had and exile with the devastated the lives of young people, aim of promoting a including those targeted because of their message of tolerance sexual orientation. and openness.

Also helping to bring the individual Also, in an e ort to stories of refugees closer to public challenge xenophobia hearts and minds were Cate Blanchett, and misconceptions Peter Capaldi, Alessandro Gassman and around the terms Friederike Kempter, all of whom visited “refugee” and countries neighbouring Syria which host “migrant,” a group the majority of Syrian refugees. Others of high-profile such as Douglas Booth, Neil Gaiman supporters including Peter Capaldi, and David Morrissey gave strong social Helena Christensen, Kristin Davis, Craig media support for UNHCR's winterization Ferguson, Colin Firth, Neil Gaiman, campaign. Barbara Hendricks, David Morrissey, Patrick Stewart and Rokia Traoré, recorded a short social media film which reached nearly 150 million people and triggered substantial media coverage on the debate.

182 UNHCR Global Report 2015 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

Africa

The visits of Kristin Davis, Ger Duany and Jung Woo-sung to witness UNHCR operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda, helped retain a spotlight on under-reported emergencies. Ger Duany, a former refugee himself, was announced as a regional goodwill ambassador in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya on World UNHCR/Hector Perez Helena Christensen visiting internally displaced Refugee Day. Through his appearances people in Colombia. at the Nansen Refugee Award, the Social Good Summit, the Tokyo Film Festival and at a conference organized by the Asia and the Pacific World Bank, Ger shared his powerful first- hand experience with a diverse global Yao Chen's mission to Pakistan brought audience. Media outlets, including the widespread attention to the challenges BBC, also featured interviews with Alek and opportunities for Afghan refugees, Wek, another former refugee now serving and John Abraham met urban refugees as a UNHCR goodwill ambassador. in India to help build understanding and compassion. The Americas

Helena Christensen's powerful Global campaigns photographs from Colombia, and Kat World Refugee Day Graham's social media campaign during a mission to Mexico and Guatemala, Celebrity activity provided key support revealed the devastating impact of for World Refugee Day. In the face of persecution and gender-based violence increasingly polarized views about on women. The growing crisis in Central refugees, goodwill ambassadors America was also the focus of Osvaldo encouraged the public to “get to know” Laport’s mission and media activity, whilst refugees better by exploring and sharing a travelling Mochila (backpack) campaign, their individual stories and finding points supported by a host of celebrities of common experience. Among those including Juanes, Diego Luna and James introducing refugees they had personally Rodríguez, drew attention to the needs of met were Zaruhi Babayan, Cate refugee children across the Americas. Blanchett, Kristin Davis, Neil Gaiman, Emma Thompson, Jung Woo-sung and , while social media activity featured the voices of Fatima Bhutto, Roberto Cavalli, Yao Chen, Luol Deng, Juanes, Patrick Stewart, Forest Whitaker, Yuna and the Malala Fund.

UNHCR Global Report 2015 183 SUPPORTING UNHCR’S WORK

Fundraising

With soaring funding needs, the support of goodwill ambassadors for fundraising initiatives became even more important. Whether this support was through attending events, supporting appeals through video messages and social media, helping access new networks, or keeping donor interest engaged, it added UNHCR/Brad Hamilton real value to UNHCR's initiatives. Antonio Guterres and Barbara Hendricks at the UNHCR high-level panel on statelessness in New York. In the Gulf, Ahmad Al-Shugairi featured #IBelong Campaign on Statelessness UNHCR's work on his Khawater TV programme, raising over USD 2 Barbara Hendricks addressed million in one weekend. Meanwhile, government leaders and policy makers Barbara Hendricks performed and at a conference organized by ECOWAS spoke at a gala hosted by corporate in Côte d’Ivoire, and later in the year partner Henley & Partners that raised moderated a high-level panel on USD 250,000. statelessness at the United Nations in New York to mark the first anniversary of Sheikha Rima al-Sabah helped lead the campaign. e orts in Washington DC to raise USD 1 million for refugee education. Cate Blanchett met Rama, a 9-year-old Also in the United States, writer, vlogger girl who is stateless in Lebanon, and and YouTube star, John Green, generated featured the issue on a special radio significant donations for UNHCR through show she hosted with her husband his digital Project For Awesome, while Andrew Upton, as part of the Project US Billboard topping band Imagine Everyone initiative to promote the newly Dragons dedicated a track to UNHCR launched SDGs. and refugees.

The Nansen Refugee Award Elsewhere, Kristin Davis supported a telethon in Indonesia and Cate Blanchett Performances and speeches at the issued an appeal to support UNHCR's 2015 ceremony included Ger Duany, Europe crisis appeal. Khaled Hosseini Barbara Hendricks and Angélique Kidjo reported back to IKEA customers and and sand artist Cassimo. Meanwhile, a partners on the positive outcomes of their social media campaign to celebrate the support for refugees and Mika supported achievements of laureate Aqeela Asifi direct marketing appeals in Italy and the featured messages from 26 high-profile Warm Their Hearts Appeal for Syrian supporters from around the world. refugees in Lebanon. n

184 UNHCR Global Report 2015 News and views UNIQLO distributes 10 millionth item of clothing to refugees with UNHCR

This article is an adapted version of a UNHCR news story. 4 June 2015

KAMPALA, Uganda | The UN refugee agency’s relationship with UNIQLO passed a major milestone at a recent distribution in Uganda, where sta handed out the 10-millionth piece of clothing donated by the Japanese retail giant to refugees worldwide.

The event in Kampala will be followed by further distributions in the coming weeks, which will benefit more than 400,000 refugees across Uganda. In the capital, refugees spoke of their joy at receiving t-shirts, jumpers, trousers, coats and other used clothes donated by customers in

UNIQLO stores in several countries. UNHCR/Jiro Ose

Urban refugees receiving donated clothing collected by UNIQLO customers at “I think my children will be ecstatic,” said Old Kampala Primary School in Kampala, Uganda. Congolese refugees compare Jonathan, a refugee and pastor from the items of clothing donated by UNIQLO, which has now distributed more than Democratic Republic of the Congo. “These 10 million items of clothing through UNHCR. clothes will keep them warm and protect them [at night].” the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “Wearing the same clothes every day Jonathan continues to carry out religious brings dust and bacteria and the children work in Kampala, while his wife works get sick,” she added, highlighting the link as a seamstress. Together, they bring in between clothes and health. just enough to pay the rent and feed their family of eight, but there’s little left over for UNIQLO has worked in partnership with anything else. UNHCR for close to a decade, donating clothing to refugees through the innovative The UNIQLO donation will make a real All-Product Recycling Initiative. Customers di erence to the lives of many refugees, are encouraged to bring in second-hand who are struggling to make ends meet. clothes that are in good condition and these are donated to refugees. Many of the refugees at the clothes distribution were parents and all agreed The company has, since 2006, donated on the importance of their children more than 10 million items of clothing wearing suitable clothing. “When they to forcibly displaced men, women and see other kids wearing clothes that children in more than 37 countries, as well don’t have holes or aren’t ripped, they as providing millions of dollars in financial feel bad about themselves, they feel contributions.  inadequate,” explained Marion, also from

UNHCR Global Report 2015 185