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.

Primarily due to recent or ongoing armed conflicts throughout the region, Latin America and the Caribbean have unique and complicated displacement dynamics. While the region does not host as many refugees as some other regions such as the Middle East, it is still enduring various problems. Particularly, ongoing armed conflicts, political instabilities, and the vulnerability of asylum seekers. UNHCR plays a vital role in promoting international protection and stability for refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers across the region. UNHCR protects displaced populations through facilitating efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees and asylum seekers affected by violence, persecution, and environmental disasters. As the displacement issues in the region continue to grow, UNHCR remains vital for safeguarding the rights and dignity of displaced populations.