The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
The Office of the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, ensures that the UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees is complied with. Every foreign national has the right to contact the UNHCR, and it may attend asylum hearings.
The UN Refugee Agency is headed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This post has been held by António Guterres since 15 June 2005. He was confirmed in this office in April 2010, and his mandate was extended by a further five years.
Guaranteeing the Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees
The headquarters of the UN Refugee Agency are in Geneva. There is a representation in Berlin (Wallstraße 9-13, 10179 Berlin) and a branch in Nuremberg in the same building as the Federal Office's headquarters (Frankenstraße 210, 90461 Nuremberg).
Presence at hearings
The UN Refugee Agency has the right to be present when hearings for asylum-seekers are being held by the Federal Office. In carrying out its duties, it may also examine the decisions made by the Federal Office, and the reasons for these. Asylum-seekers may contact the UN Refugee Agency.
The UN Refugee Agency is also involved in further training for employees working on asylum cases at the Federal Office.
