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Resettlement
A New Beginning in a Third Country
Some refugees cannot go home or are unwilling to do so because they will face continued persecution. Many are also living in perilous situations or have specific needs that cannot be addressed in the country where they have sought protection. In such circumstances, UNHCR helps resettle refugees in a third country as the only safe and viable durable solution. Of the 10.5 million refugees of concern to UNHCR around the world, only about 1 per cent are submitted by the agency for resettlement.
Only a small number of states take part in UNHCR resettlement programmes. The United States is the world's top resettlement country, while Australia, Canada and the Nordic countries also provide a sizeable number of places annually. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of countries involved in resettlement in Europe and Latin America.
The resettlement country provides the refugee with legal and physical protection, including access to civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights similar to those enjoyed by nationals. It should allow for refugees to become naturalized citizens.
In 2011, UNHCR submitted the files of some 92,000 refugees for consideration by resettlement countries. By nationality, the main beneficiaries of UNHCR-facilitated resettlement programmes were refugees from Myanmar (21,300), Iraq (20,000), Somalia (15,700) and Bhutan (13,000). Ten per cent of all submissions were for women and girls at risk, the highest percentage of the last six years.
In the same year, almost 62,000 individuals departed to 22 resettlement countries with UNHCR's assistance. The largest number of resettled refugees left from Nepal (18,150), followed by Thailand (9,570) and Malaysia (8,370). Resettlement is a life-changing experience. It is both challenging and rewarding. Refugees are often resettled to a country where the society, language and culture are completely different and new to them.
Providing for their effective reception and integration is beneficial for both the resettled refugee and the receiving country. Governments and non-governmental organization partners provide services to facilitate integration, such as cultural orientation, language and vocational training as well as programmes to promote access to education and employment.
Integration Handbook: Refugee Resettlement
A relevant handbook on the reception and integration of resettled refugees.
Resettlement Handbook
A key reference in elaborating resettlement criteria and developing approaches to policy.
Resettlement Policy and Practice
UNHCR Executive Committee and Standing Committee documents on resettlement.
- Progress report on resettlement June 2012
- Progress report on resettlement May 2010
- Note on International Protection June 2009
- Progress Report on Resettlement June 2008
- Progress Report on Resettlement June 2006
Resettlement Procedures
Chart on case identification and determination process
Projected Global Resettlement Needs
Provides an overview of progress and challenges, in addition to trends in refugee resettlement. It is prepared annually by UNHCR and introduces the projected global resettlement needs and capacity for the next year.
