UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award 2026: Nominations Open for Global Heroes Supporting Refugees and Displaced Communities

The nomination process for the prestigious UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award 2026 is officially open, giving individuals, groups, and organizations worldwide the opportunity to recognize outstanding humanitarian efforts dedicated to protecting refugees, internally displaced people, and stateless communities.

Established in 1954, the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award is one of the most respected humanitarian awards in the world. It celebrates people and organizations who demonstrate exceptional commitment, courage, and action in defending the rights and improving the lives of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, violence, or other crises.

Every year, the award highlights remarkable stories of humanitarian leadership and recognizes those who go beyond ordinary efforts to provide protection, assistance, and hope to displaced populations around the world.

About the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award

The award was created by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to honor individuals, groups, and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions toward supporting refugees, internally displaced people, and stateless individuals.

Named after Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian explorer, scientist, diplomat, and humanitarian who became the first High Commissioner for Refugees under the League of Nations, the award continues his legacy of protecting people affected by displacement.

Since its establishment, the award has recognized inspiring humanitarian figures and organizations that have made significant contributions to:

• Protecting displaced communities
• Promoting refugee rights
• Delivering emergency assistance
• Supporting long-term solutions for displacement
• Strengthening humanitarian responses globally

Who Can Be Nominated for the 2026 Nansen Refugee Award?

The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award welcomes nominations for:

1. Individuals

   People who have demonstrated exceptional personal commitment, leadership, and action in supporting refugees, internally displaced people, or stateless communities.

2. Groups and Community Organizations

   Local groups, volunteer networks, and community-led initiatives making a meaningful difference in the lives of displaced people.

3. Organizations and Institutions

   Non-governmental organizations, humanitarian institutions, and other organizations contributing significantly to refugee protection and assistance.

Nominees may come from any part of the world, and the award recognizes impact regardless of nationality, background, or location.

What Makes a Strong Nominee?

A strong candidate for the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award is someone who has demonstrated:

• Exceptional humanitarian service
• Long-term commitment to refugee protection
• Innovative approaches to solving displacement challenges
• Courage in responding to humanitarian emergencies
• Meaningful improvements in the lives of displaced communities
• Leadership in advocating for vulnerable populations

The award seeks to recognize people and organizations whose work represents hope, resilience, and dedication to humanity.

Why the Nansen Refugee Award Matters

Forced displacement remains one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian challenges. Millions of people worldwide are affected by conflict, persecution, disasters, and instability.

The Nansen Refugee Award helps shine a spotlight on individuals and organizations working to address these challenges by:

• Recognizing humanitarian excellence
• Inspiring others to support displaced communities
• Highlighting innovative solutions
• Celebrating people who protect human dignity
• Encouraging global action on refugee issues

Through this recognition, UNHCR continues to amplify the voices and efforts of those working on the front lines of humanitarian response.

2026 Nomination Timeline and Deadline

The nomination period for the 2026 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award opened on:

29 April 2026

Nominations will remain open until:

Tuesday, 23 June 2026 at midnight CET

Anyone who knows an inspiring individual, group, or organization making a difference for refugees, internally displaced people, or stateless communities is encouraged to submit a nomination before the deadline.

Click here for more and to apply

About UNHCR

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is a global organization dedicated to protecting refugees, forcibly displaced people, and stateless individuals. UNHCR works worldwide to provide protection, emergency assistance, and long-term solutions for people affected by displacement.

The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award reflects this mission by celebrating individuals and organizations whose actions help create safer, more inclusive, and more supportive environments for displaced communities.

Click here for more global award opportunities