A&O Shearman: pioneering corporate leadership in global emergency response
A&O Shearman become the first corporate partner to support UK for UNHCR’s Emergency Fund
23.10.24
In a bold step to support global humanitarian efforts, A&O Shearman has become the first long-term corporate partner of UK for UNHCR’s Emergency Fund. Building on their longstanding commitment to UNHCR’s emergency response since 2017, this new five-year partnership marks a significant milestone in private sector support for refugees.
The Emergency Fund was created to address the growing need for flexible, sustainable funding that allows UNHCR to respond rapidly to emergencies, wherever they arise. With the number of displaced people reaching unprecedented levels in 2023, and the increasing crises unfolding in 2024, A&O Shearman’s leadership sets an inspiring example of how corporate partnerships can help close the gap between rising needs and limited resources.
As the first corporate partner to make a multi-year commitment to the Emergency Fund, A&O Shearman’s support will help UNHCR to be the first on the ground when new crises unfold – and remain there for as long as necessary. Their dedication to long-term solutions, specifically for underfunded and out of the spotlight emergencies, ensures that people forced to flee can receive the protection and assistance they need.
Emma Cherniavsky, Chief Executive, UK for UNHCR, said: “At a time of rising conflict and displacement around the world, this commitment and support from A&O Shearman to the Emergency Fund will be life-changing for refugees, and we are truly grateful.”

Angelina, a mother of eight and an IDP living in Malakal walks home with a bunch of firewood. Angelina and her family was displaced by floods and travelled on a makeshift boat from Old Fangak to Makalal. At the IDP site, Angelina sells firewood to fellow IDPs and locals to make ends meet. © UNHCR/Samuel Otieno
In addition to their financial contribution, A&O Shearman has also extended their expertise by providing pro bono legal support to Refworld, UNHCR’s global law and policy database. Refworld is an essential resource for decision makes in asylum cases, and A&O’s ongoing case law reviews plays a critical role in ensuring that the innovative tool remains an up to date, authoritative tool for governments, judges and UNHCR staff make life-changing decisions for refugees and stateless individuals.
Iris van der Heijden, Protection Research & Information Officer, UNHCR HQ said: “UNHCR relaunched its Refworld database earlier this year and one of its major improvements is thanks to AOS’ support on the case law summaries that are now published alongside a judicial decision. Thanks to their support, users can now make a preselection of cases to be studied further due to the summaries provided by AOS, which save users a lot of time and increases the likelihood of finding more relevant sources.”
As we face an era of escalating emergencies, A&O Shearman’s leadership exemplifies how the private sector can make a profound impact. Their commitment to both flexible funding and pro bono legal support reflect a forward-thinking approach to corporate social responsibility and sets a new standard for how businesses can drive meaningful change. By creating partnerships built on shared value, A&O Shearman is helping to address some of the biggest challenges of our time, and we invite others from the private sector to join them.
To learn more about the Emergency Fund and how you can support refugees, contact us at [email protected]
To read more about the new partnership, please visit this webpage.