The newly-appointed UNHCR Representative in Nepal, Kevin J. Allen, presented his Letter of Credentials to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamal Thapa.

 Allen, an American national, arrived in Nepal on 18 June 2016 to take up his new assignment as UNHCR Representative in Nepal.

“He began his career with the UN Refugee Agency in 1999. Since then Mr. Allen has served in a number of countries including Tajikistan, Japan, Afghanistan, Mexico, Kenya and the United States,” said a press release issued by UNHCR.   

Before coming to Nepal, he served as the UNHCR Representative in Tajikistan.

Upon assuming office, Allen said, “The Government and people of Nepal have a proud tradition of protecting those who are forced to flee persecution and war. I look forward to working with the Government and UNHCR partners to continue this important work, in a spirit of collaboration and compassion.” 

Allen holds a doctorate degree in International Public Law from Georgetown University Law Center and a postgraduate degree in International Affairs from the University of Chile.

 Since late 2007, UNHCR has helped more than 103,000 refugees from Bhutan start new lives in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. UNHCR also carries out a range of other protection and assistance program for over 15,500 Bhutanese refugees in two camps in eastern Nepal (Beldangi and Sanischare).

UNHCR’s work in Nepal also includes providing support to some 15,000 Tibetan refugees and a number of urban refugees from diverse nations, as well as improving access to citizenship certificates for eligible Nepalis.