Deadline: 29-Jun-2026
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is inviting applications from qualified organizations to strengthen protection, inclusion, and durable solutions for refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and other displaced populations in Argentina. The initiative focuses on legal protection, access to asylum procedures, socioeconomic inclusion, self-reliance, access to public services, and voluntary return support.
About the Opportunity
The UNHCR Call for Expression of Interest aims to improve protection outcomes and long-term inclusion for refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and other forcibly displaced individuals living in Argentina.
The initiative seeks to strengthen cooperation among government institutions, civil society organizations, refugee-led organizations, and humanitarian actors to ensure that displaced populations can access their rights, essential services, and sustainable solutions.
Argentina remains an important destination country within regional migration and displacement movements and has established legal frameworks that support refugee protection, statelessness determination, and rights-based migration governance.
Focus Areas
Durable Solutions
The initiative supports durable solutions that help displaced persons achieve long-term stability and protection, including:
- Local integration
- Socioeconomic inclusion
- Reintegration support
- Resettlement opportunities
- Voluntary return assistance
- Community participation and inclusion
Protection Interventions
Activities may include:
- General protection services
- Legal assistance and counselling
- Documentation support
- Case management services
- Protection monitoring
- Community-based protection initiatives
Asylum and Statelessness Procedures
Priority actions include:
- Improving access to asylum procedures
- Supporting fair and efficient refugee status determination
- Strengthening statelessness identification and determination processes
- Legal orientation and information services
- Capacity building for protection actors
Legal Pathways and Admission Routes
The programme seeks to:
- Expand complementary admission pathways
- Strengthen legal migration options
- Facilitate family reunification processes
- Improve access to regularization mechanisms
- Promote protection-sensitive migration pathways
Basic Needs and Public Services
Support may focus on improving access to:
- Healthcare services
- Education
- Housing
- Social protection systems
- Documentation services
- Public assistance programs
Socioeconomic Inclusion and Self-Reliance
The initiative encourages activities that promote:
- Employment opportunities
- Skills development
- Livelihood support
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial inclusion
- Economic self-sufficiency
Background and Context
Argentina has established a strong legal and institutional framework for refugee protection and migration governance.
National legislation and policies are aligned with international human rights standards and support:
- Refugee protection
- Statelessness determination
- Rights-based migration governance
- Access to public services
- Inclusion and integration efforts
Most displaced populations in Argentina live in urban areas, particularly in and around Buenos Aires.
Despite these protections, many refugees and asylum seekers continue to face challenges related to:
- Documentation and legal status
- Formal employment opportunities
- Access to housing
- Social protection coverage
- Economic inclusion
- Long-term integration
Support for Venezuelan Nationals
The initiative also addresses challenges faced by Venezuelan nationals residing in Argentina.
Many individuals experience:
- Difficulties obtaining official documentation
- Limited access to consular services
- Challenges with legal status regularization
- Barriers to family reunification
- Obstacles to formal employment
These factors can affect long-term integration and access to rights and services.
Voluntary Return Support
The programme recognizes that some displaced individuals may choose to voluntarily return to their countries of origin.
Support may include:
- Information and counselling services
- Return preparedness activities
- Assessment of return conditions
- Reintegration planning
- Coordination with relevant stakeholders
All return processes should be:
- Voluntary
- Safe
- Informed
- Dignified
Who Can Apply?
UNHCR is seeking qualified organizations capable of delivering protection and inclusion services, including:
- Civil society organizations
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Refugee-led organizations
- Community-based organizations
- Humanitarian actors
- Protection-focused service providers
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Relevant technical expertise
- Experience working with displaced populations
- Operational capacity in Argentina
- Ability to coordinate with government and community stakeholders
- Capacity to deliver protection and inclusion programming
Expected Outcomes
The initiative aims to achieve:
Protection Outcomes
- Improved access to protection services
- Increased access to asylum procedures
- Better legal assistance and documentation support
- Enhanced safeguarding of refugee rights
Inclusion Outcomes
- Greater access to public services
- Improved social inclusion
- Increased employment and livelihood opportunities
- Stronger community participation
Durable Solutions Outcomes
- Sustainable local integration
- Expanded legal pathways
- Improved self-reliance
- Better support for voluntary return processes
Why This Initiative Matters
Argentina continues to play a significant role in responding to regional displacement and migration challenges.
While legal protections exist, many displaced people still face barriers that affect their ability to fully participate in society. Strengthening access to services, employment, documentation, and protection mechanisms can help refugees and asylum seekers achieve greater independence, dignity, and long-term stability.
By supporting coordinated action among governments, civil society organizations, and refugee-led groups, this initiative contributes to more sustainable and inclusive solutions for displaced populations.
How Organizations Can Participate
Step 1: Review the Call for Expression of Interest
Assess whether your organization has experience in refugee protection, inclusion, legal assistance, or durable solutions programming.
Step 2: Identify Relevant Intervention Areas
Select activities aligned with UNHCR priorities, such as:
- Protection services
- Legal assistance
- Socioeconomic inclusion
- Access to public services
- Voluntary return support
- Community-based initiatives
Step 3: Develop a Partnership Proposal
Describe:
- Target populations
- Proposed activities
- Expected outcomes
- Implementation approach
- Coordination mechanisms
- Monitoring and evaluation plans
Step 4: Demonstrate Organizational Capacity
Provide evidence of:
- Technical expertise
- Previous project experience
- Partnerships and networks
- Financial and operational capacity
Step 5: Submit the Expression of Interest
Submit all required documentation according to UNHCR application requirements and deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main objective of this initiative?
To improve protection, inclusion, and durable solutions for refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and other displaced populations in Argentina.
2. Which populations will benefit?
Refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, Venezuelan nationals facing protection challenges, and other forcibly displaced individuals.
3. What are durable solutions?
Durable solutions include local integration, reintegration, resettlement, and voluntary return that allow displaced individuals to rebuild stable and sustainable lives.
4. Does the initiative support legal assistance?
Yes. Improving access to asylum procedures, documentation, legal pathways, and protection services is a key priority.
5. Is socioeconomic inclusion part of the programme?
Yes. Employment, livelihoods, self-reliance, and economic inclusion are major focus areas.
6. Does the initiative support voluntary return?
Yes. It supports informed, voluntary, safe, and dignified return processes for individuals who choose to return to their countries of origin.
7. Who can apply?
Qualified NGOs, civil society organizations, refugee-led groups, community organizations, and other eligible partners with relevant expertise and operational capacity.
Conclusion
The UNHCR Call for Expression of Interest in Argentina seeks partners that can strengthen refugee protection, improve access to rights and services, and support durable solutions for displaced populations. Through coordinated efforts focused on legal protection, inclusion, self-reliance, and voluntary return, the initiative aims to create sustainable pathways toward safety, dignity, and long-term integration for refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons living in Argentina.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
