The role of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has central to its mandate the protection and promotion of the rights of refugees and others of concern to the High Commissioner. In collaboration with its partners (government, other United Nations agencies and funds, international, regional and NGOs), UNHCR recognises and supports in a number of countries, the mine clearance programmes and MRE projects and associated humanitarian activities that are linked to refugee return and reintegration. 

Coordination: The UNHCR is actively involved and represented in the different coordination mechanisms established by UNMAS, governments, donors and other partners at the global and national levels, such as the MACC, IACGMA , SCMA and MASG. UNHCR participation in global mine action efforts is coordinated by the Emergency Security Service and UNHCR Office in New York. UNHCR country offices coordinate and undertake mine action efforts at country level in coordination with the UNCT with the support of the Regional Bureau at the Headquarters. 

Programme management and project implementation: Consistent with its capacities and priorities at country level, UNHCR focuses on the development and implementation of MRE and where necessary mine clearance projects and associated activities. UNHCR priority is for the safe and sustainable return of refugees to places of origin ensuring freedom of movement within the return area. UNHCR ensures MRE is provided to refugees who are returning to amine contaminated area prior to their departure from the asylum country to allow them to make informed choices for safe returns. UNHCR coordinates its activities with UNMAS, UNICEF and MACC in the affected communities. Generally speaking following the identification of humanitarian needs, UNHCR supports the following types of activities with its partners:

 • Monitoring and evaluating UNHCR-led MRE programmes and projects. 

• Monitoring the humanitarian impact of mines and ERW.

• Developing and implementing public information campaigns, education and training projects and community liaison projects, specifically aimed at refugee or returnee populations. 

• Supporting hazardous area marking projects.

 • In exceptional circumstances, supporting the implementation of mine and ERW clearance projects in support or repatriation and reintegration of refugees. 

Capacity development: In all of its work, UNHCR seeks to build the capacity of its local and international partners to undertakeeffective mine action projects in support of refugee programmes. Working closely with UNICEF and UNMAS, UNHCR works to develop effective mechanisms to coordinate MRE projects, and in exceptional circumstances provides material support for mine clearance projects. Standards and quality management: The UNHCR supports UNMAS and UNICEF in the development of national and international MRE policy, tools and techniques, guidelines and standards. 

Advocacy and information management: The UNHCR is an active advocate for the promotion of a total ban on anti-personnel landmines, the elimination of weapons that have indiscriminate effects, the development of legal instruments in relation to ERW and protection of the rights of women and children affected by armed conflict. 

Mainstreaming: The UNHCR works closely with UNICEF in ensuring that national governments integrate MRE into refugeeschool curricula, emergency education programmed and life-skills training. UNHCR advocates a particular focus on gender in MRE and victim assistance.

 Resource mobilisation and management: The UNHCR participates in the development of the Portfolio of Mine Action Projects and participates in the Resource Mobilisation Contact Group, the MASG and other donor coordination mechanisms. Principally, UNHCR raises its financial resources through its Annual Global Appeal, Emergency Appeals, Consolidated Appeal Processes, through National Committees and bilateral contributions made to Headquarters, country and regional offices. UNHCR concentrates on the mobilisation of resources for MRE and mine clearance projects. Funds and other resources are managed and dispersed by UNHCR country offices through partnership and service agreements identified in the Country Operations Plan or emergency operations