Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2015 will be conferred to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
- Decision has been taken by the International jury of the prize, headed by Vice President Hamid Ansari.
- Award is given to the office of UNHCR in recognition of its “immense contributions” in assisting millions of refugees who have fled their houses and for working under difficult circumstances to bring about changes to reduce the flow of refugees.
UNHCR aka UN Refugee Agency mandated to protect and support refugees at the request of a government or the UN itself and assists in their voluntary repatriation and resettlement to a third country. Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and seek lasting solutions to their plight.
- Formation 14 December 1950
- Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
- Head – Antonio Guterres
The UNHCR has won two Nobel Peace Prizes, one in 1954 and then in 1981.
About Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace
The prize is accorded annually to individuals or organisations in recognition of creative efforts toward promoting international peace, development and a new international economic order, ensuring that scientific discoveries are used for the larger good of humanity, and enlarging the scope of freedom.
- The prize carries a cash award of Rs 25 lakh and a citation.
- It was first awarded in 1986 to Parliamentarians for Global Action.
- On 2014 it was conferred on Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
