UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe
UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe is the German National Partner of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). We are responsible for UNHCR’s private sector partnership activity across Germany. This encompasses raising awareness and funds to support UNHCR’s global emergency response and to provide life-changing humanitarian support to refugees, stateless and displaced people supported by UNHCR. Our support also includes projects for refugees in Germany.
Background
UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe is UNHCR’s first National Partner, established in 1980 after a nationwide surge in support of the refugee cause during the famine in Somalia. UNHCR’s representative in Germany gave a television interview which resulted in over DM1.2 million (the equivalent of $700,000) being raised within a few days. With UNHCR unable to issue tax receipts, the registered charity UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe e.V. was established and maintained by an honorary board over the following years. At the peak of the Rwandan refugee crisis in 1994-1995, UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe raised over DM14 million.
Today UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe has transformed into a professional NGO with 60 staff members. In 2020, UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe raised €33.6 million for refugees – 30.5 million were transferred to UNHCR. Refugee projects in Germany received €1.9 million.
Over 40 Years of UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe
2020 marked the 40th anniversary of UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe - 40 years as the National Partner of UNHCR - 40 years of support for forcibly displaced people worldwide. In addition to all ongoing fundraising activities, UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe is planning several projects and events to gain more supporters, donors and awareness for its mission. Each of them will be carried out under a respective communicative roof, which will be accompanied by cooperation partners.
Our wish for the year 2021 is to set a strong sign of empathy and solidarity for refugees together with international artists. We are thrilled and more than grateful to have the Berliner Philharmoniker by our side for this important appeal to German civil society. All funds raised will be used for the worldwide, life-saving missions of the UNHCR and for refugee projects in Germany.