Adam Pilarski

Challenges to the early development of the UNHCR

1/28/14
Loescher Ch. 2-4, focusing on Ch. 3, 4
What do you think were the biggest challenges that the UNHCR faced in these early
administrations? Be sure to think about BOTH international pressures and institutional
constraints.
Some of the biggest challenges confronting the UNHCR in its earlier years were:
1. A lack of credibility and respect from major world-players such as the United States.
2. An overabundance of refugees from the destitution of WWII throughout Europe.
3. A dire lack of funding and operational scope-mostly at the hands of its very founders. Indeed,
the institution was barred from any programs of material assistance.
4. Nations with conflicts of interest with the UNHCR, such as the United States, gave generous
grants to other organizations, such as the USEP and the ICEM.
How did the UNHCR manage to become so successful in the face of these challenges? Pick
one example of their successful strategy and describe it.
One of the ways in which the UNHCR overcame the challenges listed above was by making
appeals to private corporations, as evinced by the Ford Foundation. Indeed, at a time when they
were deprived of the necessary wherewithal for their operations, they sought to align their
interests with the Ford Foundation. Given that the latter had aimed to stimulate local
involvement in housing, agriculture, and vocational training, NGOs were quick to apply these
immediate goals to a refugee population in dire need. In establishing a symbiotic relationship
with private industry, rather than relying on aid from other governments, the UNHCR
demonstrated the paramount pragmatism which preserved its interests in other times of need.
How did they close the refugee camps in Europe?
1. By passing a set of resolution which gave the UNHCR more bandwidth in addressing the
needs of preexisting refugees.
2. The High Commissioner's procurement of the wherewithal to relocate and ultimately close the
camps altogether.
3. The High Commissioner's authority was broadened in ambit so that he may sufficiently
"provide assistance to all refugees under his mandate, in whatever part of the world they might
be."
4. The establishment of a "World Refugee Year." This garnered commitment from member
nations to the resettlement of Europe's refugees.

Why werent the Hungarian refugees left in camps?

Hungarian refugees were resettled rather than left in camps at the behest of the US and other
Western governments. Given that the many would-be revolutionaries sought solace in Austria, a
buffer zone between the West and the Iron Curtain, it was feared that their presence would
undermine political stability. Thus, the UNHCR, with broad support, swept in to resettle the
many refugees.