UNHCR
UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency, mandated under the 1951 Refugee Convention to protect forcibly displaced populations. UK for UNHCR is its UK national charity partner, raising private-sector funds across 130+ countries for emergency shelter, healthcare, education, and protection services serving 117.8 million displaced people.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1950
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What UNHCR does
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, was established by the UN General Assembly in 1950 and is the only UN body with a specific mandate for refugee protection and the custodian of the 1951 Refugee Convention. It delivers emergency response, ongoing care (healthcare, education, livelihoods, cash assistance), voluntary repatriation, and global advocacy to forcibly displaced populations — refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), stateless persons, and returnees. By end-2025, UNHCR served a record 117.8 million people globally, with operations spanning more than 130 countries and field offices backed by seven strategic relief supply hubs (Copenhagen, Amman, Nairobi, Panama City, Douala, Dubai, Accra) capable of deploying materials for up to 1 million people within 72 hours of an emergency. Its technology stack includes biometric ID registration systems, mobile connectivity platforms, blockchain-based aid distribution, and AI translation tools for field communication.
UK for UNHCR is the agency's UK national charity partner (registered charity in England and Wales, number 1183415), tasked with raising private-sector funds and awareness. In 2025 UK for UNHCR raised £15.3 million, sending a minimum of 75% directly to UNHCR ground operations, with cumulative funding under its current CEO exceeding £100 million. Revenue streams include individual giving (one-off and monthly Direct Debit subscriptions), corporate partnerships (ANTA, Mango, MTN), philanthropic trusts and foundations, legacy giving via the Farewill partnership, and innovative mechanisms such as the Cardano Impact for UNHCR ETP — the world's first regulated blockchain-backed Exchange-Traded Product on the SIX Swiss Exchange, channeling Cardano staking rewards into recurring refugee-programme funding. Multi-channel fundraising combines online donation portals, face-to-face (via Zen Fundraising Ltd) and phone fundraising (via Angel and Stratcom), digital campaigns (Hope on Repeat, Gamechanging Team, A Great British Welcome), and the annual Refugee Week activation.
UNHCR firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- UNHCR
- Legal name
- United Kingdom for UNHCR
- Website
- https://unrefugees.org.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1950
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency, mandated under the 1951 Refugee Convention to protect forcibly displaced populations. UK for UNHCR is its UK national charity partner, raising private-sector funds across 130+ countries for emergency shelter, healthcare, education, and protection services serving 117.8 million displaced people.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
UNHCR industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Humanitarian Relief and Refugee Protection Services
- NAICS
- Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Community Food Services (624210)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Refugee, IDP & Migration Humanitarian Assistance (BPAGAAAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Refugee Camp Coordination & Management (CCCM) (BPADAHAC), Emergency Shelter, Camp Management & Non-Food Items (NFI) (BPAGAAAC), Cash Assistance & Social Safety Net Delivery for Displaced Populations (BPADAHAH), Emergency Shelter, NFIs & Winterization for Displaced Populations (BPADAHAG), Refugee/Migrant Health & Resettlement Health Units (HLAJAAAJ)
Keywords
Where UNHCR is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices10 records
Markets served
UNHCR business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Voluntary Donations and Fundraising: UNHCR relies primarily on voluntary donations from individuals, corporations, trusts, and foundations. UK for UNHCR, the national charity partner, raises funds through individual giving, community fundraising, corporate partnerships, and special appeals. Only about 2% of UNHCR's budget comes from the UN regular budget.
- Government Contributions: UNHCR receives contributions from government donors to fund humanitarian operations globally.
- Philanthropic Partnerships: Partnerships with philanthropists and trust and foundations provide strategic giving to support UNHCR's humanitarian operations.
- Corporate Partnerships: Corporate partners provide financial support, pro bono expertise, in-kind contributions, employee engagement, and cause-related marketing campaigns.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Regular monthly donations via Direct Debit or recurring card payment |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | One-off donations |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Gifts in Wills / Legacy giving |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels12 records
UNHCR product offering
Product offeringCore offering
UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) delivers humanitarian relief and protection services to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless people across more than 130 countries. Its core offering comprises emergency response (shelter, medical care, water and sanitation, nutrition within 72 hours), ongoing care (healthcare, education, livelihoods, cash assistance), voluntary repatriation support, and global advocacy under its UN mandate as custodian of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Product overview
UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) operates as a humanitarian organization providing emergency response, ongoing care, and sustainable solutions for forcibly displaced populations worldwide. The organization offers a portfolio of services including rapid deployment emergency assistance (shelter, medical care, nutrition), long-term care programs (healthcare, education, livelihoods, cash assistance), voluntary repatriation support, and global advocacy. Fundraising activities are conducted through donation platforms, Face to Face fundraising, corporate partnerships, and innovative financial products like the blockchain-backed Cardano ETP. Public engagement campaigns include the Gamechanging Team (football initiative with refugee players), Hope on Repeat (music campaign), and Climate Action programs. UNHCR's operations span over 130 countries addressing crises including Ukraine, Sudan, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Syria, and climate-related displacement.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Gamechanging Team: A symbolic line-up of players with a refugee or displacement background, representing what is possible when people forced to flee are offered safety, opportunity and the chance to reach their full potential. Launched in celebration of FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026.
- Hope on Repeat
- A Great British Welcome
Products and services
- Emergency Response Services Rapid-deployment emergency humanitarian assistance including shelter, water and sanitation, nutrition, emergency medical care, and basic survival kits. UNHCR maintains relief items to protect up to 1,000,000 people in single influxes via seven strategic hubs. Intended for governments and humanitarian partners responding to newly displaced populations in conflict and disaster zones.
- Ongoing Care Programs Long-term support services including cash assistance, healthcare, livelihoods programs, women and girls protection services, and education access for refugees in protracted displacement situations.
- Voluntary Repatriation Programs facilitating safe and dignified voluntary return of refugees to their home countries, including 'go-and-see' visits, property restitution support, and transportation assistance.
- Global Advocacy International advocacy work including the Global Compact on Refugees framework, hosting the quadrennial Global Refugee Forum, and national-level policy advocacy for refugee rights to healthcare, education, and employment.
- Climate Action Programs
Quantifiable outcome
- 8.08 million people received protection services in 143 countries in 2025
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use UNHCR
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
UNHCR technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
UNHCR partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- MTNcoreAt MWC Barcelona 2026, MTN and UNHCR announced a humanitarian partnership to improve digital access for displaced populations. This partnership addresses connectivity challenges faced by refugees, enabling access to information, services, and communication.
- ANTA GroupcoreANTA Group's partnership with UNHCR supported over 300,000 displaced children in Africa over three years, providing financial aid and sports equipment. The partnership focuses on education and sports programs for displaced youth.
- MangocoreMango and UNHCR announced a collaboration to support university education for refugee women through the DAFI scholarship program, running from 2025 to 2027, aiming to award 96 scholarships primarily in Asia to women from Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Pakistan.
- Cardano FoundationflagshipThe Cardano Impact for UNHCR ETP (CASL) is the world's first regulated Exchange-Traded Product backed by Cardano, launched on SIX Swiss Exchange, designed to generate recurring funding for UNHCR by channeling blockchain staking rewards into refugee support programs.
- Technology PartnerscoreUNHCR partners with technology companies for innovations including biometric ID systems, mobile connectivity, blockchain aid distribution, AI translation tools, and remote work platforms to support displaced populations.
- Zen Fundraising LtdcoreUK for UNHCR works with Zen Fundraising Ltd for face-to-face fundraising campaigns across the UK, including private sites and street locations.
- Angel and StratcomcoreUK for UNHCR runs phone fundraising campaigns in partnership with Angel (020 3455 2949) and Stratcom (020 8819 4852) to reach potential donors.
- FarewillminorUK for UNHCR partnered with Farewill to offer supporters free Will writing services online or over the phone, supporting legacy giving.
- WeWorkminorWeWork provides UK for UNHCR with free office premises in London as part of a refugee initiative to expand opportunities for displaced people.
- Save the ChildrencoreSave the Children collaborates with UNHCR on the Education Cannot Wait-funded program in Uganda's Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, improving teacher training, resource availability, and inclusive education for refugee and host community children.
- Humanitarian Mission ProliskaminorUNHCR partner providing warm clothes and blankets to displaced people in Ukraine, such as Anzhela and Liliya in Sloviansk.
- Breaking BarriersminorUK for UNHCR refers supporters to Breaking Barriers for volunteering opportunities including interpreter and translator roles to help refugees integrate into UK society.
- British Red CrosscoreBritish Red Cross is referenced as a key refugee organization in the UK volunteer ecosystem alongside Refugee Action, Refugee Council, Scottish Refugee Council, and Welsh Refugee Council.
Scale indicators26 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
UNHCR competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- International Rescue Committee (IRC): Major humanitarian NGO delivering emergency aid, healthcare, education, and protection services to refugees and displaced populations in crisis-affected countries. Closest peer to UNHCR by mission, beneficiary profile, and operating model.
- UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees): UN agency serving 6 million Palestine refugees across the Middle East with education, healthcare, and emergency relief. Direct institutional peer sharing the UN refugee-protection mandate ecosystem.
- Mercy Corps: Global humanitarian and development organization supporting conflict- and disaster-affected populations, including refugees, with emergency response, livelihoods, and cash assistance programs.
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Global humanitarian organization providing protection and assistance to conflict-affected populations, including displaced civilians. Comparable scale, mandate scope, and operating presence in conflict zones.
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF): International medical-humanitarian organization delivering emergency healthcare in conflict and disaster zones, including refugee contexts. Peer via overlapping field operations and crisis-response capabilities.
- International Organization for Migration (IOM): UN-related organization leading global migration management, including assistance to migrants, refugees, and IDPs. Closely coordinates with UNHCR and shares beneficiary base across humanitarian operations.
- Save the Children: International NGO delivering humanitarian aid, education, and child protection in conflict and refugee contexts. Confirmed partner of UNHCR (Uganda Kiryandongo education program) and a direct operational peer for refugee programming.
- Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC): International NGO delivering protection, shelter, education, and livelihoods support to displaced populations in 40+ countries. Direct operational peer with similar beneficiary segments and program mix.
- Danish Refugee Council (DRC): Humanitarian NGO operating in displacement contexts with protection, durable solutions, and humanitarian response programs. Peer confirmed by data showing DRC worked closely with UNHCR across Asia and the Middle East.
Emerging players
- Refugees International: Advocacy and policy organization focused on displacement, providing analysis and recommendations to governments and humanitarian actors. Complementary peer operating at the policy/advocacy layer adjacent to UNHCR's mandate.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
UNHCR social profiles
Digital presenceUNHCR compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance3 records
UNHCR financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
UNHCR leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles14 records
UNHCR funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
UNHCR M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about UNHCR
What does UNHCR do?
UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) delivers humanitarian relief and protection services to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and stateless people across more than 130 countries. Its core offering comprises emergency response (shelter, medical care, water and sanitation, nutrition within 72 hours), ongoing care (healthcare, education, livelihoods, cash assistance), voluntary repatriation support, and global advocacy under its UN mandate as custodian of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Is UNHCR a public or private company?
UNHCR is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was UNHCR founded?
UNHCR was founded in 1950. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is UNHCR based?
UNHCR is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does UNHCR make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Voluntary Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are government Contributions, philanthropic Partnerships and corporate Partnerships.
Who are UNHCR's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are International Rescue Committee (IRC), UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), Mercy Corps, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), International Organization for Migration (IOM), Save the Children, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and Danish Refugee Council (DRC). Refugees International is listed as an emerging player.
Does UNHCR have an API?
No public API is recorded for UNHCR.
What industry is UNHCR in?
UNHCR's product category is Humanitarian Relief and Refugee Protection Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAAAH, Refugee, IDP & Migration Humanitarian Assistance, with a secondary code of BPADAHAC, Refugee Camp Coordination & Management (CCCM). Its NAICS code is 6242 and its SIC code is 8300.