Latin America - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Appeal 2010

March 12 2010 - The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. Through this operation UNHCR aims to promote international protection for all refugees and asylum seekers in the region; seek durable solutions for refugees particularly through local integration and resettlement; and ensure that other vulnerable people of concern in the region enjoy their basic rights. UNHCR's strategy in the region is based on the Mexico Plan of Action which focuses on addressing urban displacement providing protection in sensitive border areas and resettlement. UNHCR also seeks to support local integration and self-reliance of vulnerable populations in need of international protection in urban areas. Activities include providing of basic health care shelter and assisting in the integration and repatriation of refugees to their country of origin working with national authorities to strengthen legal frameworks that protect displaced populations implementing income-generating projects for refugees and promoting their free access to the labour market advocating for the rights of refugees and work with government officials to better address asylum issues