UNHCR and Austria share a long common history. Austria has been part of the UNHCR Advisory Committee since 1951 and has been a founding member of the UNHCR Executive Committee since its establishment in 1958. Moreover, in 1956, UNHCR and Austria joined hands for the first time to provide urgent assistance to people seeking asylum in Austria in the context of the Hungarian Revolution, collaborating closely to provide emergency relief, temporary shelter, and other assistance to refugees in need.
Today, the partnership has further strengthened, with Austria being home to around 280,000 protection holders (by mid-2023).
UNHCR and Austria are also key partners in the implementation of Austria’s new Humanitarian Aid Strategy, focusing on joint priority areas, such as protection and assistance to forcibly displaced people, support to those in protracted humanitarian crises and those affected by climate disasters, as well as people with specific vulnerabilities and protection needs (such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, unaccompanied children, LGBTI+ people, etc.).
In 2023, Austria generously contributed over USD 27 million to UNHCR’s response in support of vulnerable refugees and asylum-seekers around the world, including in Afghanistan and the region, Ukraine and the region (Moldova), the Syria situation (Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye), countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Sudan, and the region).
Austria’s support enabled UNHCR to provide protection services to the most vulnerable, including survivors of gender-based violence, children and women at risk, and persons with disabilities, distribute urgently needed core relief items in emergency situations, provide cash-based assistance to address basic needs, provide shelter assistance, among other things. Austria’s contributions also helped UNHCR to work closely with local partners, including NGOs and authorities, and build their capacity.
Finally, Austria is supporting UNHCR with vital unearmarked funding, helping the Agency to respond quickly to emergencies, support underfunded crises, and prepare for the unpredictable.
34% of the contribution was softly earmarked and unearmarked
The impact of Austria as a donor
A New Start: An 18-month long journey from hurt to healing
After their flight to western Ukraine with only two suitcases containing the most necessary belongings, Lavra and Anton found temporary shelter in an apartment in Uzhhorod. The place had very poor air circulation, and Anton’s medical condition, already weakened by lung problems, deteriorated significantly.
Austrian support across the globe
