UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for forcibly displaced and stateless people.
Established in 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly, UNHCR leads and coordinates activities to protect and support refugees worldwide. However, the primary responsibility to protect refugees lies with the government of the country where refugees reside.
What is the role of UNHCR in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Bosnia and Herzegovina is party to the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. UNHCR has been present in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1992, initially leading a large-scale humanitarian operation during the conflict in former Yugoslavia. After the war, UNHCR’s operational footprint has progressively reduced, shifting focus to core mandate activities related to asylum, inclusion, and statelessness, and expanding advocacy efforts.
The primary responsibility to protect and assist asylum-seekers and refugees in Bosnia and Herzegovina lies with the national authorities, who process asylum applications and decide on granting international protection.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina UNHCR does:
- Support the government in improving the process through which people can apply for asylum and access rights
- Assist asylum-seekers by connecting them with its partners who can provide psycho-social support and legal advice and representation
- Advocate with the responsible authorities for the improvement of policies and services that affect the lives of asylum-seekers and refugees.
You can read our advocacy messages here: UNHCR BiH Key Messages Asylum and Statelessness
In Bosnia and Herzegovina UNHCR does not:
- Register asylum-seekers
- Examine asylum/resettlement applications
- Issue refugee documents
- Return individuals to their country of origin or other countries.
How does UNHCR implement its activities?
UNHCR works directly through its own staff and in partnership with competent authorities and NGOs. In 2025, UNHCR has partnership agreements with:
- Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
- Vaša Prava BiH (VP)