Managing External Relations - Disaster Management Center ...

1
Annex
A Brief Overview of UNHCR
Who is Where in UNHCR?
The functioning of UNHCR depends on the flow of information, and directives
between three locations. In each location, external relations are established with
governments, within the UN system, with partner organisations, and with the
media and donors. The external relations picture is not complete unless the
perspectives from each location are considered. Relationships need to be kept
functional and productive on a daily basis, in order to provide the political and
financial support necessary to mobilise emergency operations.
In New York—UNHCR has a Liaison Office to the United Nations in New York
(LONY) which is a member of the Senior Management Committee and advises
the High Commissioner on major issues.
In Geneva—The four pillars of UNHCR are depicted in the organigram on the
next page ‘UNHCR Headquarters Structure’. The Division of Communication
and Information (DCI), encompasses Donor Relations and Resource Mobilisation
Services, as well as the Media Relations and Public Affairs Services, among
others. The Department of Operations includes five Regional Bureaus: Africa;
Asia and Pacific; Europe; Americas and the Caribbean; and the CASWANAME
Bureau—countries of Southwest Asia, North Africa and the Middle East). The
other two pillars are the Department of International Protection and the Division
of Resource Management. The Executive office includes the High Commissioner,
Deputy High Commissioner, the Inspector General, the Special Envoy for
the Former Yugoslavia, and the Director of LONY.
In the Field—Within each country of operation, the High Commissioner’s
Representative is the official in charge. The activities in a country office parallel
most activities carried out at Headquarters. Several categories of UNHCR offices
may exist in the field depending on their particular functions. They may be
named: regional, regional liaison, branch office, UNHCR mission, liaison, suboffice,
field office or units, honorary representative’s office, or special envoy.
WHO is WHO in Relation to UNHCR?
UNHCR is fully responsible to the international community and refugees for all
aspects of a refugee situation including early warning, contingency planning,
protection, assistance, and achievement of durable solutions. This role encompasses
refugees and other persons of concern including returnees and internally
displaced persons.
Operational Partner—Governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental
organisations and UN agencies that work in partnership with UNHCR to
protect and assist refugees, leading to the achievement of durable solutions.
95