The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established in 1950 with the intention of helping the millions of European refugees who had fled their homes as a result of the Second World War. It works on the basis of the basic human right to seek asylum. The main goal of UNHCR is to provide a safe refuge for those who have fled violence, war, persecution or disaster at home; its directive has expanded over the years to ensure the protection of all displaced persons, including those who are internally displaced.

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Given the unfortunate conditions in the Arab States including political instabilities, crises, and humanitarian aid gaps; UNHCR plays a role of significance in creating an atmosphere of better stability and assistance for refugees in the region. Due to the war in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, the Arab region alone hosts 53 percent of the refugee population worldwide and 67 percent of the total forcibly displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR works closely with the League of Arab States (LAS) in promoting access to safety and protection from refoulment and they work towards enhancing legislative frameworks. As there are millions of people displaced from their home countries and forced to flee to another, UNHCR is one of the main bodies that keep in touch with human lives in the Arab World.