The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) works to protect and support refugees around the globe. FAO's collaboration with UNHCR is geared towards ensuring long-term food security, nutrition and livelihoods for refugees and host communities through sustainable agricultural practices and inclusive food systems development.   

The partnership between FAO and UNHCR fosters the socio-economic empowerment of refugees by facilitating their integration into national agricultural economies, enhancing their self-reliance, which in turn supports local economic development and fosters local-level peace between displaced and resident populations.  

Global Frameworks

FAO and UNHCR strengthened their global and regional strategic partnership within the framework of a Global Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in 2019 to provide support to country operations with a focus on the East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes (EHAGL) region.  

The Agencies have been implementing key activities in the EHAGL region to support durable solutions for refugees through agricultural livelihoods. These focus on inclusive value chains for commercial agriculture and contributing to sustainable natural resource management for displacement-affected communities in the region. 

Memberships

FAO and UNHCR are members of several groups and initiatives at both global- and country-level to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Below are a few highlights: 

Both organizations are members of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG), a high-level forum for joint policy formation and decision-making that guides, supports, tracks and oversees the coordination of development operations in countries and territories worldwide. 

FAO and UNHCR are also members of the Interagency Standing Committee (IASC). The IASC is the longest standing and highest level humanitarian coordination forum in the United Nations system. It brings together the executive heads of 19 organizations and consortia to formulate policy, set strategic priorities and mobilize resources in response to crises. 

Both organizations are also members of the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC), a multi-stakeholder initiative to prevent, prepare for, anticipate and respond to food crises. The GNAFC shares evidence and knowledge, and coordinates responses across the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus. GNAFC aims to reduce needs, risks and vulnerabilities associated with acute hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture and food systems.  

Flagship Reports

UNHCR and FAO contribute to the preparation and technical review of the Global Report on Food Crises.   

Useful Links and Resources