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Since the Resettlement Handbook was produced in 1996, it has been used by hundreds of UNHCR staff and partners to help hundreds of thousands of refugees start new lives in new countries. It is an indispensable tool for an indispensable solution. Indeed, as the resilience of conflict causes voluntary repatriation opportunities to remain mired in two-decade lows, and with countries heavily burdened by hosting large numbers of refugees reluctant to expand possibilities for local integration, resettlement has grown even more vital as a durable solution. At the same time it continues to serve its longstanding role as a mechanism for protecting individuals. It does so by removing particular individuals from situations of risk, but also by demonstrating the availability of a solution without which refugees may undertake highly precarious journeys to find safety and opportunity. Resettlement is a partnership activity. Without the generosity, commitment and expertise of States, NGOs and others, it could not take place. Similarly, this comprehensive revision of the Resettlement Handbook, the first since 2004, has only been possible through consultations and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders. As the reference text for UNHCR’s resettlement work, we have made a special effort to update the Resettlement Handbook to reflect the changing nature of displacement (to urban and other non-camp settings) and the importance of using resettlement strategically. The Handbook sets out standardized methodologies for identifying resettlement needs and expediting resettlement processing, including the use of Emergency Transit Facilities. It provides a wide sampling of relevant soft law, such as Excom Conclusions on Women and Girls at Risk, Children at Risk, Refugees with Disabilities and Protracted Refugee Situations. It sets out much more fully the specific needs of vulnerable groups and reinforces the centrality of age, gender and diversity appropriate approaches to all UNHCR’s resettlement and protection efforts. Additional emphasis is also placed on preserving the integrity of the resettlement process and anti-fraud procedures. While the number of States with ongoing resettlement programmes has risen to 25, the number of places available is still significantly outstripped by refugees in need of them. The Handbook includes helpful advocacy information for practitioners and supporters seeking to expand the number of resettlement opportunities. On this and virtually every other issue relevant to resettlement, the Handbook provides good practice guidance. Nothing makes a more compelling case for resettlement than seeing it done right.

UNHCR Resettlement Handbook

Resource Key: DPNRNNR3

Document Type: Report

Creator:

Author:

  • UNHCR

Creators Name: {mb_resource_zotero_creatorsname}

Place: Geneva

Institution: UNHCR

Date: July 2011

Language:

Since the Resettlement Handbook was produced in 1996, it has been used by hundreds of UNHCR staff and partners to help hundreds of thousands of refugees start new lives in new countries. It is an indispensable tool for an indispensable solution. Indeed, as the resilience of conflict causes voluntary repatriation opportunities to remain mired in two-decade lows, and with countries heavily burdened by hosting large numbers of refugees reluctant to expand possibilities for local integration, resettlement has grown even more vital as a durable solution. At the same time it continues to serve its longstanding role as a mechanism for protecting individuals. It does so by removing particular individuals from situations of risk, but also by demonstrating the availability of a solution without which refugees may undertake highly precarious journeys to find safety and opportunity. Resettlement is a partnership activity. Without the generosity, commitment and expertise of States, NGOs and others, it could not take place. Similarly, this comprehensive revision of the Resettlement Handbook, the first since 2004, has only been possible through consultations and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders. As the reference text for UNHCR’s resettlement work, we have made a special effort to update the Resettlement Handbook to reflect the changing nature of displacement (to urban and other non-camp settings) and the importance of using resettlement strategically. The Handbook sets out standardized methodologies for identifying resettlement needs and expediting resettlement processing, including the use of Emergency Transit Facilities. It provides a wide sampling of relevant soft law, such as Excom Conclusions on Women and Girls at Risk, Children at Risk, Refugees with Disabilities and Protracted Refugee Situations. It sets out much more fully the specific needs of vulnerable groups and reinforces the centrality of age, gender and diversity appropriate approaches to all UNHCR’s resettlement and protection efforts. Additional emphasis is also placed on preserving the integrity of the resettlement process and anti-fraud procedures. While the number of States with ongoing resettlement programmes has risen to 25, the number of places available is still significantly outstripped by refugees in need of them. The Handbook includes helpful advocacy information for practitioners and supporters seeking to expand the number of resettlement opportunities. On this and virtually every other issue relevant to resettlement, the Handbook provides good practice guidance. Nothing makes a more compelling case for resettlement than seeing it done right.

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