Established in 1954, the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award honours individuals, groups and organizations who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect refugees, as well as internally displaced and stateless people.
In 2022 the Global Laureate was Dr. Angela Merkel, the Former Federal Chancellor of Germany. Under her leadership, Germany welcomed more than 1.2 million refugees and asylum seekers in 2015 and 2016, at the height of the conflict in Syria and amid deadly violence in other places.
The Selection Committee cited her leadership, courage and compassion in ensuring the protection of hundreds of thousands of desperate people, as well as her efforts to find viable long-term solutions for those seeking safety.
In addition, four regional winners were honoured for their tireless work to protect refugees and help them integrate into society.
The nomination period for the 2023 awards runs until midnight CET on 17 March 2023. If you know of an inspiring candidate, please submit your nomination now.
The 2023 global laureate will receive a commemorative medal and a monetary prize of US$100,000 to be reinvested in the humanitarian initiatives for which they are being recognized. Several regional winners will receive a smaller monetary prize to further their humanitarian work.
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