On March 18, in the Senate Hall of the University of Rzeszów, a letter renewing the agreement on cooperation in refugee assistance and solutions was signed. The signatories included Professor Adam Reich, Rector of the University of Rzeszów, and Kevin J. Allen, Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Poland.

As part of the Regional Initiative of Excellence Project, researchers from the University of Rzeszów established cooperation with UNHCR in 2024.

"This is a continuation of our fruitful collaboration, which benefits both our partners and the University. It is of great significance to us, especially in light of the events unfolding just beyond our border," said Professor Adam Reich.

UNHCR’s Mission and Role

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established after World War II with the mission of assisting 1.2 million refugees in returning to their home countries. Today, UNHCR coordinates the activities of organizations within the Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP) for Ukraine in Poland, most of which are Polish entities. The agency also supports the Polish government in ensuring access to territory, legal status and documentation, and fundamental refugee rights.

"On the day we sign this agreement, the extension of our cooperation is not solely about Ukraine and its refugees. Globally, 125 million people are displaced—forced to flee their homes, seeking asylum and safety elsewhere," emphasized Kevin J. Allen.

Scope of Cooperation

Under the renewed agreement, the University of Rzeszów and UNHCR will collaborate on refugee assistance and solutions, including:

• Raising awareness and engaging the academic community through participation in information events, public awareness campaigns, exhibitions, and commemorative events focused on refugee protection, humanitarian solutions, international refugee law, and human rights.
• Developing new academic content related to refugee protection, stateless persons, and internally displaced individuals as part of existing or newly created courses, master’s programs, summer schools, and other academic initiatives.
• Supporting research activities and public dialogue to improve protection mechanisms, policy solutions, and public policies for refugees, particularly in the Podkarpackie region.
• Encouraging student and young professional involvement in refugee protection and solution-oriented initiatives through programs implemented and/or supported by UNHCR and its partners in Podkarpacie and across Poland.
• Promoting gender equality and supporting underprivileged groups, particularly women and ethnic minorities among refugees, by offering internships and scholarships.

The renewed agreement reaffirms the commitment of both institutions to humanitarian efforts and the practical application of academic expertise to address global challenges.

photo: Michał Święcicki