Multilateral Aid Review summary - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

UNHCR is uniquely mandated to provide international protection and humanitarian assistance to refugees and other persons of concern while working to find durable solutions to their situation. UNHCR expenditure in 2009 was $1.75 billion.

	comment
Contribution to UK development objectives	Strong
	+	There is widespread evidence that UNHCR fulfils a critical/pivotal role in the international humanitarian architecture; particularly in conflict situations.
	+	UNHCR is uniquely mandated and has expertise in providing protection and assistance to displaced persons.
	+	Staff are well equipped to work in conflict/fragile contexts, and working in such environments is mainstreamed throughout UNHCR’s guidance and policies.
	+	There is clear evidence of UNHCR’s policies, structures and incentives to promote gender equality, with gender being mainstreamed at country-level.
	+	UNHCR are experienced in environmental management and it is a policy priority in all operations and phases of the agency’s work.
	_	Despite the fact that UNHCR is a cluster lead, they sometimes fail to provide adequate international leadership.
Organisational strengths	Satisfactory
	+	UNHCR challenges and supports partners to think about VFM.  They have a good range of systems and processes that require senior management to take account of return and cost/effectiveness.
	+	UNHCR works effectively with a wide range of partners including UN agencies, NGOs and national/regional structures.
	+	UNHCR is effective at incorporating beneficiary voice in its policies and programmes.
	_	While UNHCR has improved considerably, the agency still needs to actively participate in the reformed humanitarian leadership, coordination and financing systems.
	_	Some country offices are not yet thinking about VfM or cost control seriously.
	+	The agency is strong on financial accountability with a range of internal and external oversight processes.
	+	Member States are well represented and are able to influence decision making through the governing board.
	_	Some country offices are not yet thinking about VfM or cost control seriously.
	+	The agency is strong on financial accountability with a range of internal and external oversight processes.
	+	Member States are well represented and are able to influence decision making through the governing board.
Capacity for positive change	Likely
	+	UNHCR has made substantial progress in many areas, particularly internal reform.
	+	UNHCR are being pulled in two directions by donors – some who believe it should take a more active role in UN coordination mechanisms and some who push UNHCR to prioritise its mandate for refugees. This may hamper their ability to reform.