Deadline: 23-Jun-2026
The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless people. The award honors impactful humanitarian action, innovative solutions to displacement challenges, and dedication that goes beyond professional responsibilities.
What Is the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award?
The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award is a prestigious international humanitarian award presented to individuals, groups, and organizations that have taken extraordinary action to support and protect forcibly displaced and stateless people.
The award highlights outstanding efforts to address refugee crises, displacement challenges, and statelessness while promoting humanitarian values, protection, inclusion, and long-term solutions for vulnerable communities.
Objectives of the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award
The award aims to:
- Recognize exceptional humanitarian service and leadership.
- Support initiatives benefiting refugees and displaced populations.
- Raise awareness about displacement and statelessness issues.
- Promote innovative and impactful humanitarian solutions.
- Highlight individuals and organizations making a significant difference in people’s lives.
- Encourage action that exceeds normal professional expectations.
Who Is Eligible?
The award is open to a wide range of humanitarian actors working directly with displaced and stateless populations.
Eligible nominees include:
- Individuals
- Community leaders
- Humanitarian workers
- Volunteers
- Advocacy groups
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Charitable organizations
- Community-based groups
- Other eligible institutions
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for nomination, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Direct Impact on Displaced or Stateless People
The nominee’s work must directly benefit:
- Refugees
- Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
- Stateless individuals
- Other forcibly displaced populations
Connection to a Significant Displacement Issue
The work should address a major displacement challenge, humanitarian crisis, refugee situation, or statelessness issue.
Exceptional Commitment
Candidates must demonstrate substantial dedication by investing significant time, effort, and resources beyond what would normally be expected in their role or profession.
Demonstrated Humanitarian Impact
The nominee should have achieved meaningful and measurable results that improve the lives, rights, safety, or opportunities of displaced people.
Capacity to Utilize Prize Funding
Candidates must be capable of successfully implementing an appropriate humanitarian project using the prize funding associated with the award.
Strong Supporting References
Each nomination must include three strong references who can verify the nominee’s achievements, character, and impact.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following individuals cannot be nominated:
- Current UNHCR employees
- Former UNHCR employees
Nominations involving ineligible candidates may not be considered during the selection process.
Why the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award Matters
The award plays an important role in recognizing humanitarian excellence and inspiring global action.
Key benefits of the award include:
- International recognition for humanitarian achievements.
- Increased visibility for refugee and displacement issues.
- Support for impactful humanitarian projects.
- Encouragement of innovative approaches to displacement challenges.
- Promotion of global solidarity with refugees and stateless communities.
The award also helps showcase successful models that can be replicated in other humanitarian contexts worldwide.
Nomination Requirements
A strong nomination should provide clear evidence of the nominee’s contributions and impact.
Required components include:
Detailed Description of the Nominee’s Work
The nomination should explain:
- What the nominee accomplished
- Who benefited from their work
- The humanitarian challenge addressed
- How the initiative created positive change
Evidence of Impact
Include examples, achievements, outcomes, and measurable results whenever possible.
Three Strong References
References should:
- Be familiar with the nominee’s work
- Verify the nominee’s achievements
- Confirm the nominee’s character and commitment
- Ideally represent different organizations, institutions, or stakeholder groups
How the Nomination Process Works
Step 1: Identify an Eligible Candidate
Select an individual, group, or organization that has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to supporting refugees, displaced persons, or stateless populations.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Information
Collect relevant information about:
- Humanitarian activities
- Project achievements
- Impact data
- Community outcomes
- Success stories
Step 3: Obtain Three References
Secure references from credible individuals who can independently verify the nominee’s work and achievements.
Step 4: Prepare a Comprehensive Nomination
Provide a clear explanation of:
- The problem addressed
- Actions taken
- Impact achieved
- Significance of the work
Step 5: Submit the Nomination
Complete and submit the nomination according to the official UNHCR guidelines and deadlines.
Selection Criteria
Nominees are generally assessed based on several key factors:
Humanitarian Impact
The extent to which the nominee improved the lives of displaced or stateless people.
Leadership
The ability to inspire change and mobilize support for humanitarian causes.
Innovation
The development of creative and effective solutions to displacement challenges.
Commitment
Evidence of extraordinary dedication beyond expected responsibilities.
Sustainability
The potential for long-term benefits and lasting positive outcomes.
Replicability
Whether the initiative can serve as a model for similar humanitarian efforts elsewhere.
Tips for a Strong Nomination
To increase the strength of a nomination:
- Focus on measurable impact and outcomes.
- Use specific examples and evidence.
- Highlight long-term benefits.
- Demonstrate exceptional commitment.
- Include diverse and credible references.
- Explain how the nominee exceeded expectations.
- Showcase innovation and leadership.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Providing General Statements
Avoid vague descriptions that do not demonstrate concrete achievements.
Failing to Show Impact
Do not focus only on activities. Clearly explain the results and benefits created.
Weak References
References should have direct knowledge of the nominee’s work and accomplishments.
Ignoring Eligibility Requirements
Review all eligibility criteria before preparing a nomination.
Lack of Supporting Evidence
Strong nominations include examples, data, testimonials, and measurable outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can be nominated for the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award?
Individuals, groups, and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to supporting refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless people may be nominated.
Who can submit a nomination?
Anyone can nominate a qualified candidate for the award.
What types of work are recognized?
The award recognizes humanitarian actions that directly benefit displaced and stateless populations and address significant displacement challenges.
How many references are required?
Each nomination must include three strong references who can verify the nominee’s achievements and impact.
Can organizations be nominated?
Yes. Eligible organizations working to protect and support displaced populations can be nominated.
Are UNHCR employees eligible for nomination?
No. Current and former UNHCR employees are not eligible for nomination.
What makes a strong candidate?
Strong candidates demonstrate exceptional commitment, measurable impact, innovation, leadership, and meaningful contributions to displaced and stateless communities.
Conclusion
The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award honors extraordinary humanitarian efforts that improve the lives of refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals. By recognizing impactful action, innovation, and long-term commitment, the award highlights individuals and organizations that are making a meaningful difference in addressing global displacement challenges.
A successful nomination should clearly demonstrate impact, dedication, leadership, and measurable outcomes while being supported by strong references and compelling evidence of humanitarian achievement.
For more information, visit UNHCR.