The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced its support for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

In June and July 2011, all 300 Rezidor hotels in operation across Europe, Middle East and Africa will collect monetary donations from employees and guests for refugees from Libya who found shelter in Tunisia and Egypt.

“The violence in Libya has forced more than 800,000 people to flee the country – many of them are now waiting in Tunisia and Egypt for urgent help,” said Rezidor president Kurt Ritter.

“We would like to make a collective impact, support the UNHCR’s emergency assistance and contribute to a quick recovery of the Tunisian and Egyptian markets for tourism.

UNHCR works in close co-operation with the Tunisian and Egyptian governments, the Red Crescent and the International Organisation for Migration – the agency has established transit camps for refugees from Libya, and provides emergency shelter, food assistance, water and sanitation. UNHCR is also involved in the repatriation of third country nationals fleeing Libya and brings migrant workers back to their home countries.

“The campaign is a strong and engaging call to action,” added UNHCR deputy high commissioner Alexander Aleinikoff.

“We hope that many guests and employees at Rezidor’s hotels will be inspired to reach out to those forced to flee harrowing circumstances in Libya.”

The Rezidor Hotel Group supports UNHCR within the scope of an industry leading and award winning Responsible Business Programme.

Rezidor was one of the first international hotel groups to implement a companywide initiative focusing on health & safety for guests and employees, on respect for social and ethical issues within the company, and on a reduced negative impact on the environment.

In 2010 and 2011, Rezidor was named as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. Rezidor’s Radisson Blu- and Park Inn hotels in Egypt and Tunisia regularly support local and regional charity organizations and help their respective communities socially as well as economically.