Making a bequest to the UN Refugee Agency is a simple yet tremendously effective way to help refugees.

Anyone, regardless of their financial means, can leave something to the UN Refugee Agency in their will.

At the UN Refugee Agency, we encourage everyone to consider their estate plans carefully and then write a valid will. In our work, we understand the concerns of property, as many refugees are forced to leave all of their belongings when they flee. Without a valid will, your assets will be administered by the state (referred to as an intestate will) and it is unlikely that your wishes will be either known or recognized.

If you would like to bequest a gift to UNHCR, there are three principle mechanisms, as follows:

• a specific bequest names a specific item (or asset value) to be given to UNHCR;
• a percentage bequest designates what percentage of an asset (or estate) is to be given to UNHCR as a beneficiary;
• a residual bequest leaves all or a portion of what is left in the estate after the specific and percentage bequests have been distributed and after all fees and taxes on the estate have been paid.

Contact UNHCR or your lawyer for specific wording to ensure your wishes are clearly understood. In some cases, you need not re-write your will; you can add a codicil to include a specific change.

It is not necessary to notify the UN Refugee Agency that you have included a bequest in your will. However, if we are aware of your plans, we welcome the opportunity to thank you for your future gift, and to keep you informed of our current work.