Patron of ISWI 2025: UNHCR
Greeting
When UNHCR was founded in 1950, it was only supposed to exist for a few years to help those displaced by the Second World War. 75 years later, it is needed more than ever before. I am glad that so many young people are now coming together at the International Student Week to discuss issues that are important to us all for a common future. We are proud to take over the patronage for a student conference that seeks answers to the most pressing questions of our time. All of us at UNHCR wish you a productive ISWI 2025 and every success.
– “Katharina Thote,
Representative of UNHCR in Germany”
What is UNHCR?
UNHCR has been protecting the rights and well-being of people forced to flee for over 70 years. Created after World War II, it now works in 136 countries to provide life-saving aid like shelter, food, water, and medical care. UNHCR defends the right to safety, helps people rebuild their lives, and works with governments to improve refugee laws. They treat displaced people as partners in planning. As of now, they assist around 119.9 million people worldwide.
What does UNHCR do?
Protecting people forced to flee.
Millions flee their homes each year due to conflict and persecution, unable to return safely. UNHCR supports them throughout their journey — from the start of a crisis to long-term solutions. They provide emergency aid, push for better asylum systems, and help people return home or settle elsewhere. They also work to give stateless people a nationality so they can access basic rights.
Respond to emergencies.
Protect human rights.
Build better futures.
UNHCR responds fast to emergencies, able to send supplies for 1 million people and deploy experts within 72 hours. They work with over 100 countries to protect refugee rights and have helped nearly 1 million refugees rebuild their lives in new countries over the past decade.