UNHCR and IPU in brief UNHCR IPU The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated to lead and coordinate international action for the protection of refugees and the resolution of refugee problems around the world. UNHCR strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State and to return home voluntarily. By assisting refugees in returning to their own country or in settling in another country, UNHCR seeks lasting solutions to their plight. Created in 1889, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the international organization that brings together the representatives of parliaments of sovereign States. In September 2005, the parliaments of 141 countries were represented in the IPU. UNHCR’s Executive Committee and the UN General Assembly have also authorized the organization to assist other groups of people, including those who are stateless or whose nationality is disputed and, in certain circumstances, internally displaced persons. UNHCR seeks to reduce the incidence of forced displacement by encouraging States and institutions to create conditions that are conducive to the protection of human rights and the peaceful resolution of disputes. The IPU works for peace and cooperation among peoples with a view to strengthening representative institutions. To that end, the IPU fosters contacts and exchanges of experience among parliaments and parliamentarians of all countries, considers questions of international interest and expresses its views on those issues, contributes to the defense and promotion of human rights, and raises awareness about the workings of representative institutions among the general public. The IPU shares the objectives of the United Nations and works closely with UN agencies. It also works with regional inter-parliamentary organizations and with international, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations that are motivated by the same ideals. The organization offers protection and assistance to refugees and others in an impartial manner, on the basis of their need and irrespective of their race, colour, religion, political opinion or gender. UNHCR is committed to the principle of participation and consults refugees on all decisions that affect their lives. UNHCR works in partnership with governments, regional organizations, and international and non-governmental organizations. 67