USA for UNHCR Seeks Nominations for the 2023 Gene Dewey Refugee Award

USA for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is seeking nominations for the Gene Dewey Refugee Award to recognize an individual who has demonstrated visionary leadership and extraordinary dedication to help people forcibly displaced from their homes. 

The award is named for Arthur “Gene” Dewey, in recognition of his leadership and lifetime commitment to serving and protecting refugees. Gene Dewey is a co-founder of USA for UNHCR and a former UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees. In the 1980s, Dewey served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary in the State Department’s Bureau for Refugee Programs and was subsequently named a United Nations Assistant Secretary-General.

Last year’s honoree was Nery Santaella, a former refugee and founder of Voices of Venezuela. Her work to end the spread of misinformation and educate refugees about their rights exemplifies the leadership, compassion and excellence that the Gene Dewey Refugee Award represents.  

Criteria

Nominees should display courage, selflessness, sacrifice and humility in their work on behalf of refugees and others forced to flee their homes. The ideal nominee:

• Shows through work and actions, an extraordinary commitment to participating in or promoting activities that benefit refugees and forcibly displaced people; promote greater awareness and understanding of their plight; and as a result, have had a direct positive impact in their lives.
• Displays selfless commitment to the forcibly displaced beyond normal duties and responsibilities. 
• Exhibits compassion and concern for refugees and displaced people.
• Advocates for refugees and displaced people and promotes understanding and respect for them.
• Displays tenacity in standing with refugees and forcibly displaced and stateless people.

Go to the Gene Dewey Refugee Award submission form to submit your nomination. Your submission should include:

• Rationale as to why nominee deserves this award
• Evidence of humanitarian accomplishments
• Two references
• Name and contact information of who submitted the nominee
• Note: During the selection process, we will confirm that the nominee is willing to be featured in materials related to the event such as video, blog, etc.

All submissions are due by September 13, 2023.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact submissions@usaforunhcr.org

About USA for UNHCR

USA for UNHCR helps and protects refugees and people displaced by violence, conflict and persecution. Supporting UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency – and its partners, we provide lifesaving essentials including shelter, water, food, safety and protection. Around the world, we help refugees survive, recover and build a better future. Together, we give refugees the hope they deserve, restore their dignity and help them rebuild their lives.

Established by concerned American citizens, USA for UNHCR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, visit www.UNrefugees.org.