UNHCR has called for a significant increase in resettlement opportunities, estimating that over the next three to five years more than 805,000 refugees will need resettling in third countries. New crises continue to displace more people while old conflicts are failing to be resolved. Voluntary returns are at their lowest level in two decades.

More than 80 per cent of the world's refugees live in developing countries where many cannot remain safely and have no possibility of integration. For many refugees, resettlement in a third country is the only way to find lasting safety and a new and permanent home. Voluntary repatriation remains the preferred solution among refugees but persistent conflict or fear of persecution often prevents people from returning.

At present, around 90% of those who are re-settled are accepted by the United States, Canada and Australia. Under the United Kingdom's Gateway resettlement programme, the UK takes 750 refugees per year via UNHCR resettlement referrals.

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