♤ UNHCR is governed by the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

♤ The High Commissioner is responsible for the direction and control of UNHCR. Elected by the UN General Assembly for a five year term.

♤ The UNHCR Executive Committee approves the agency's biennial programmes and the corresponding budget. These are presented by the High Commissioner, who is appointed by the UN General Assembly.

♤ Its mandate is defined by the 1950 UNHCR Statute. In 2003, the General Assembly extended the organization's mandate "until the refugee problem is solved." The High Commissioner reports annually to ECOSOC and the General Assembly on the work of UNHCR.