The Republic of Korea is one of UNHCR's key government partners, supporting our work to protect and assist forcibly displaced people around the world — refugees, returnees, stateless and internally displaced persons. As a member of the governing Executive Committee (ExCom) since 2000, the Republic of Korea has since reliably supported UNHCR’s mandate.
The Republic of Korea's contributions to UNHCR have proven essential in delivering humanitarian assistance, protection, and solutions to those most in need. Its consistent, often multi-year financial support directly sustains UNHCR’s activities on the ground, saving lives, responding to new emergencies, and offering sustainable solutions to those in protracted situations worldwide.
The Republic of Korea is also a strong advocate for the principles foundational to the Global Compact on Refugees and the 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals, supporting activities in the areas of education, livelihoods, self-reliance, development, and peaceful coexistence in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The Republic of Korea sets an example of strengthening the humanitarian-development nexus through the robust partnership between the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UNHCR.
Additionally, several Korean nationals contribute their expertise to UNHCR’s workforce in various functional roles and areas where assistance is most needed.
18% of the contribution was softly earmarked and unearmarked
The impact of the Republic of Korea as a donor
Korean support makes a real difference for war-affected and displaced people in Ukraine and refugees in Poland and Hungary
The Government of the Republic of Korea has contributed $14.1 million to critical humanitarian, protection and recovery programmes by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in Ukraine, Poland and Hungary. This funding will help UNHCR provide crucial assistance and services to people forced to flee and affected by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
UNHCR welcomes the Republic of Korea’s contribution of USD 3 million for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh
UNHCR welcomes the generous contribution of USD 3 million from the Republic of Korea through the Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis. This timely contribution will strengthen UNHCR’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and protecton for the Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and on Bhasan Char.
Korean support across the globe
