Information on the collection and processing of personal data by UNHCR

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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a specialised Agency of the United Nations, whose mandate is to care about protection and solutions for refugees worldwide.

UNHCR cooperates closely with States receiving refugees.  The role of UNHCR differs in each context.  UNHCR in Greece does not conduct formal registration procedures, does not issue personal identification documents and does not examine asylum applications.  The Greek State has sole authority to conduct these procedures.  In the context of the applicable legal framework the Greek Authorities collect and process your personal data.


When sharing personal information with UNHCR (name, surname, nationality, date of birth, place of birth, family members, address, etc), including sensitive information like health situation, race, religion, reasons for flight, human rights violations, you should be aware of how UNHCR will handle such personal data and what your rights and duties are.

UNHCR may only collect and use (‘process’) your personal data on basis of your consent, in order to carry out its humanitarian Mandate, or, under specific circumstances, in order to protect your vital interests, your safety and security or other persons’ safety and security.

In Greece, the specific purpose for which you will be asked to provide your personal data to UNHCR, is for UNHCR to be able to render to you assistance within the limit of its capacities, in collaboration with its Partner agencies.

Such assistance may contain counselling; referral; inclusion in available programmes linked to reception and integration.  Children and other vulnerable groups may also benefit from other types of assistance, such as UNHCR’s support and intervention for access to specialised State services or benefits.

UNHCR staff will let you know what you can reasonably expect UNHCR to do in your case.


You should know that all personal data you provide now and in the future is kept confidential.  That means your data is stored securely by UNHCR and is only accessible to UNHCR colleagues who need to know it for a specific purpose linked to your case.

UNHCR may re-share your personal biodata with the authorities of the host State, Greece, if required, depending on the purpose for which it is requested.  Your personal data may also be shared with cooperating Agencies of UNHCR, for the purposes described above.  Cooperating Agencies are bound by data protection laws, while they also abide with UNHCR’s Data Protection Policy, so your personal data will remain protected and treated with confidentiality. UNHCR will not share your personal data with authorities of your country of origin and your personal data will not be disclosed to any third party unless with your explicit consent.


Always provide accurate data.  It is important that you provide accurate and complete information.  Depending on the specific purpose in your case, you may also need to keep UNHCR informed of changes to your personal situation (eg family composition).  Refusing or failing to provide the requested personal information may result in UNHCR and/or Partner Agencies’ inability to assist you.

You should be aware you have specific rights with regard to your personal data:

☼            ACCESS: You have the right to request access to your personal data as recorded by UNHCR.

☼            CORRECTION AND DELETION: You have the right to correct or delete personal data that is inaccurate, incomplete, unnecessary or excessive, provided that you present proof relating to the inaccuracy or incompleteness.

☼            OBJECTION:  You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data because of reasons related to your specific personal situation.

For making a data subject request or query, please send an e-mail to [email protected].