Geneva is a global center for international humanitarian affairs and migration, hosting a number of prominent organizations such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). It is also the birthplace of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (ICRC, IFRC).
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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, was created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. As humanitarian crises become more complex, UNHCR has expanded the number and type of organizations it works with.
In Albania, UNHCR works closely with the Police Directorate for Asylum and Migration to strengthen access to asylum and the provision of safeguards during status determination procedures, in particular access to information and legal representation. Access to territory and asylum procedures, the issuance of documentation, and the drafting of a National Action Plan for asylum in line with international and EU standards are among the priorities of Albania’s cooperation with UNHCR.
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The International Organization for Migration
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. With 173 member states, 8 other states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is committed to promoting human and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM provides services and advice to governments and migrants and helps ensure regular migration management, promotes international cooperation on migration issues, helps find practical solutions to migration problems, and works to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need; including refugees and internally displaced persons.
In December 2018, UN Member States adopted the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) at an Intergovernmental Conference in Marrakesh. The document, known as the “Marrakesh Compact on Migration”, was subsequently formally endorsed by the UN General Assembly. Following a comprehensive consultation process, the UN Secretary General decided to establish the UN Network on Migration to support the implementation, follow-up and review of the GCM. The Network will ensure effective, timely and coordinated system-wide support to Member States. The secretariat of the UN Network on Migration is housed in IOM and the Director General of IOM serves as the Network Coordinator.
Albania submitted in November 2020 a national voluntary report on the implementation status of GCM for 2019-2020.
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The International Committee of the Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), established in 1843, is at the origins of the Geneva Conventions and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The ICRC directs and coordinates international humanitarian activities in armed conflict and other violent situations. The ICRC is an independent, neutral organization that provides protection and humanitarian assistance to victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. The organization takes action in response to emergencies and at the same time promotes compliance with international humanitarian law and its implementation.
Albania is a party to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 (ratified on 27 May 1957) and the Additional Protocols of 10 June 1977 (ratified on 16 June 1993).
The Albanian Red Cross is a voluntary humanitarian association operating independently based on the basic principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Movement and ICRC.
The Albanian Red Cross, a voluntary humanitarian association, operating independently in accordance with the basic principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Movement, is part of the International Federation (IFRC). It is also the main partner of ICRC/IFRC in the country, as seen in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit Albania on 26 November 2019.
