Assessment of Global Resettlement Needs for Refugees in 1993
- Author: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR); Resettlement Section, Division of International Protection
- Document source:
-
Date:
1 September 1992
Introduction
1. Over the past three years, major changes in the international landscape have had a pronounced impact on the nature, magnitude and requirements for resettlement. The end of the Cold War in general and the resolution of long-running, often related, conflicts in a number of regions in particular, have created the possibilities for Angolan, Afghan, Cambodian and Central American refugees, among others, to return home voluntarily. At the same time resurgent nationalism and ethnic or clan conflicts are generating new outflows of refugees from former Yugoslavia and Somalia.
2. In our Global Assessment for 1992, and in the 42nd Session of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner's Programme, as well as in other fora, we have alerted governments and NGOs to the implications of the velocity of change not to mention the volatility of conflicts in certain regions which require rapid adaptation to new realities. In brief, in contrast to the '80s where resettlement requirements were largely similar from year to year, we have entered a period where resettlement needs may significantly differ from year to year, or even from month to month.
3. As forecasting becomes more and more difficult we must call on Governments for flexible quotas, rapid response and provision of contingency reserves to adequately address emerging needs. In recent Global Assessments and in our ongoing dialogue with resettlement partners, we have drawn attention to the traditional obstacles the Office faces in meeting its annual requirements which may be summarized as follows:
a) very limited number of countries providing annual quotas for refugees, i.e. only 10 countries of now 170 Member States of the U.N. regularly establish and announce yearly quotas;
b) limited number of places available for UNHCR designated requirements in some annual quotas given the percentage of places reserved by receiving countries for special interest groups, processed independently of UNHCR;
c) blurring of the distinction between refugees promoted for resettlement by UNHCR versus persons who often do not face the same protection problems or who more appropriately should be classified as immigrants ;
d) impact on governmental receptivity to resettlement from abroad in the wake of mass migratory movements, i.e. direct arrivals at frontiers;
e) narrow interpretation of the 1951 Convention on refugee status vis-à-vis refugees recognized under the UNHCR Mandate.
4. We are pleased to note while the above impediments continue to pose problems, some of UNHCR's principal resettlement partners have responded favourably to the Office's request for resettlement assistance adapted to the realities of the '90s. One major resettlement country has significantly raised its annual quota, and along with several other countries, provided for admission of unassigned nationalities. Furthermore, several governments and NGOs have made experienced staff available at short notice for joint resettlement processing. The Office hopes that this co-operation will in time become a general practice among resettlement countries.
5. It must be restated that international protection and resettlement remain closely linked and resettlement is normally pursued, as a last resort when neither voluntary repatriation nor local integration is possible. The Office's conditions for resettlement are tied to the provision of legal and/or physical protection or humanitarian protection as illustrated in the paradigm on the following page.
6. In this context, it is of paramount importance that Governments and NGOs understand that in any given year UNHCR only seeks resettlement for a minute fraction of the overall refugee population for whom it is responsible, in fact less than 1 percent of the worldwide refugee population. In our Global Assessment forecast for 1992, projected needs, including contingency places, totalled 62,000 for a global refugee population currently estimated at 18 million. In 1990 and again in 1991, the Office experienced a considerable shortfall in meeting its basic needs as indicated in the chart below.
7. For 1993, UNHCR's basic resettlement requirements are forecast at 72,000 worldwide plus some 3,000 contingency places depending on developments in certain regions.
8. As this document goes to press, the attention of many countries remains focused on the unfolding tragedy in former Yugoslavia. At the International Meeting on Aid to Victims of the Crisis in former Yugoslavia held on 29 July 1992 in Geneva, the Office expressed the view that given the nature of the conflict a flexible system of temporary protection in countries in the region is the most appropriate response to the emergency situation and would help to encourage return as the most desirable solution to the refugee problem. This position does not exclude that some particularly vulnerable groups may require temporary refuge outside the immediately affected region. There also may be instances depending on the evolution of developments where permanent resettlement could be envisaged.
9. In assessing such special humanitarian needs, UNHCR would apply existing criteria for some categories of urgent protection cases and vulnerable groups:
- persons facing acute risk to their life or safety, where no alternative protection can be ensured;
- medical cases, for whom adequate treatment cannot be arranged locally;
- women-at-risk;
- physically or mentally disabled.
10. A number of States have already indicated their willingness to receive such groups. The Office is in close contact with those Governments and will advise them on any developments indicating the need to resort to such measures, including the possibility at a later stage that UNHCR requirements may exceed offers from Governments.
11. It must not be forgotten that the conflict raging in Somalia bears similarities to what is happening in former Yugoslavia. Given the tragic situation in Somalia and very difficult situation in Kenya which presently hosts some 300,000 Somali refugees, we call on governments to consider sympathetically all resettlement submissions of Somalis received from UNHCR.
RESETTLEMENT NEEDS BY REGION OF ORIGIN
MIDDLE EASTERN AND SOUTH WEST ASIAN REFUGEES
PROJECTED NEEDS - 39,760 persons
Overview and Principal Issues
12. As readers of past Global Assessments will note, for the first time in over a decade, resettlement requirements in South East Asia have been surpassed by needs in another region, namely the Middle East. This development is due to the decision taken by UNHCR in March 1992 motivated by protection considerations to complement regional resettlement of Iraqis from Saudi Arabia with extra regional resettlement. This decision follows almost a year of exploring possibilities for voluntary repatriation with appropriate safeguards as well as prospects for local integration for this population. As neither of these alternative durable solutions has proven feasible, UNHCR had to resort to resettlement. At the time of writing, mid 1992, assuming the status quo in both countries it appears that UNHCR will have to resettle, albeit over a several year period, some 28,000 Iraqis from Saudi Arabia.
13. The other major resettlement population of Middle Eastern refugees is in Turkey. More details on these two resettlement groups as well as requirements in other countries in the region are presented in the text that follows. Basic requirements for the resettlement of persons originating from the region are forecast at 39,760. Governments are requested to plan for an additional 1,500 places, as a contingency, depending on developments in Kuwait.
Iraq
14. Since September 1991, when UNHCR assumed responsibility for Al Tash Camp, some 15,000 Iranians have returned to their country of origin. The present camp population in Al Tash totals 22,000 persons. There are expected to be a small number of compelling cases which require resettlement. The needs in Iraq are estimated at 700 places for Iranians in 1993.
Islamic Republic of Iran
15. Iran continues to host one of the world's largest refugee populations. Government estimates put the total number of refugees in the country at more than 3 million. Of this total, over two-thirds are Afghans who have begun to return home following developments in 1992. The rest are Iraqis. Iran grants temporary asylum and many refugees are integrated in the country and have access to employment and social services. The international community complements Government assistance to refugees in need. In view of the above, resettlement needs from Iran are minimal. As has been the practice in the past, resettlement will be limited to security cases, vulnerable groups and family reunion. Needs for 1993 are estimated at 200 persons.
Jordan
16. In May 1991, the Iraqi Government lifted the ban on travelling abroad for its citizens. Consequently, tens of thousands of Iraqis entered Jordan, with the intention of proceeding to third countries. At the same time UNHCR started processing claims of Iraqis applying for refugee status. The examination of individual claims continues to indicate that most applicants left their country of origin for reasons other than those which would require the granting of refugee status. Given the nature of problems in the region, the Jordanian authorities are very sensitive to the presence of Iraqi refugees in their country. Iraqis recognized as refugees under the UNHCR Mandate are granted temporary residence for up to 6 months, enabling UNHCR to process their resettlement applications. If a durable solution is not found within the above time limit, their stay becomes illegal, and their protection is difficult to ensure.
17. In 1993, the resettlement needs for refugees from the Middle East in Jordan are estimated at 200.
Saudi Arabia
18. There are approximately 28,000 refugees in Saudi Arabia located in two camps, Artawiyah and Rafha. As of mid 1992, regional resettlement solutions had been found for about 1,500 persons and the Office hopes that up to 5,000 persons will be resettled within the region. In May 1992, for protection reasons, UNHCR commenced international resettlement processing from the camps concerned as a complement to regional resettlement endeavours. To date, resettlement efforts have focused on priority groups for resettlement, i.e. security cases, vulnerable groups, former military officers, families as well as other categories meriting special attention. Bearing in mind the magnitude of the resettlement needs in Saudi Arabia, burden sharing between receiving countries is indispensable. Several Governments have already commenced resettlement processing from Saudi Arabia and movements from the country started in July 1992. Including those for whom a regional solution is foreseen, an estimated 28,000 Iraqi refugees will require resettlement. While citing this figure for 1993, UNHCR is aware that given the dimensions of the resettlement population, it will require several years to complete this operation.
Kuwait
19. UNHCR's presence in Kuwait is still a relatively recent development with all the related problems normally associated with establishing a satisfactory protection mechanism in a complex situation. UNHCR continues to promote the regularization of the stateless population and assist Palestinians as best it can within the limits of its Mandate. As can be imagined, the situation of Iraqis in Kuwait remains difficult and it is for this population that resettlement is envisaged. Precise statistics on the overall Iraqi population are not available. Local estimates put the number of Iraqi nationals at between 3,000 and 4,000. While UNHCR continues to work towards local integration for this group, the situation remains tenuous. We thus call upon governments to plan for some 1,500 places as a contingency pending developments.
Other Countries in the Middle East
Lebanon
20. The Government policy towards refugees remains restrictive with attendant problems of possible expulsion and/or prolonged detention. The refugee population is mainly composed of Iraqis for whom UNHCR expects that 200 places will be needed in 1993.
Syria
21. The refugee population totals about 6,500. Approximately 5,000, mainly Iraqis, are accommodated in El Hol camp. Resettlement is mainly sought for those living outside the camp, and who face serious security problems or belong to the vulnerable group category. The needs for 1993 are forecast at 70 persons.
22. Given the nature of immigration laws in several other countries in the region coupled with non-accession to the 1951 Convention and 1967 Protocol, refugees may be subject to deportation or forcible return. UNHCR forecasts the need for a total of some 80 places for other countries in the region, many of which will involve emergency resettlement.
Middle Eastern and South West Asian Refugees in Europe
Cyprus
23. Resettlement remains the only available solution for refugees in Cyprus. In principle, temporary residence is granted on a case by case basis on the condition that UNHCR pursues resettlement. Needs in 1993 are forecast at 40 persons.
Greece
24. Refugees recognized by the Greek Authorities under the Convention may remain in Greece, those recognized by UNHCR under its Mandate are only tolerated. They have no prospect for local integration. While UNHCR continues its efforts to improve the protection situation for Mandate cases in Greece, the Office is still compelled to seek resettlement for refugees, i.e. security cases, vulnerable groups and longstayers. The requirements for 1993 are forecast at 2,000 persons, principally Iraqis and Iranians.
Turkey
25. Turkey still plays host to some 20,000 refugees of the more than 60,000 who entered the country in 1988, as a result of chemical bombing attacks on Kurdish villages in Iraq. This group is still accommodated in centres in Mus, Diyarbakir and Mardin. There are also some 8,000 Iraqis remaining in the country from the refugee population who arrived after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Half of this latter group are accommodated in Silopi. The remainder are dispersed in Ankara, Istanbul and other cities. In addition to Iraqis, a number of Iranians continue to seek asylum in Turkey.
26. In 1993, including family reunion cases, UNHCR foresees the need for the resettlement of 7,400 persons from Turkey, comprising principally Iraqis.
Former Yugoslavia
27. Due to the prevailing situation in former Yugoslavia, it is extremely difficult to forecast needs in 1993. However, if the situation should stabilize, influxes which UNHCR has known in the past would be likely to resume. Basic requirements are estimated at 50 places for refugees of Middle East origin.
Other Countries in Europe
28. A total of 50 places are projected for other countries in Europe.
Middle Eastern and South West Asian Refugees in Asia India
29. Refugees recognized under the UNHCR mandate are not permitted officially to remain in India on a permanent basis. Although many refugees have been able to stay in India for a protracted period of time, the status of these persons remains fragile. Resettlement requirements focus on Iranians and Iraqis. 280 resettlement places are needed in 1993, 240 for Iranians and 40 for Iraqis.
Pakistan
30. Non-Afghan refugees are considered as illegal aliens, tolerated by the Pakistani authorities on the condition that they be resettled. Since 1991, the Iraqi population has been significantly reduced. In order to avoid generating movements from Iran to Pakistan of Iraqis seeking resettlement who already enjoy asylum in Iran, Iraqis arriving after May 1989 are considered ineligible for resettlement. UNHCR promotes the return of such persons to Iran and assists those concerned. The non-Afghan population now centers on Iranians. In 1993, places required for Iranians in Pakistan are estimated at 400.
Other Countries in Asia
31. In South-East Asia, non-Indo-Chinese refugees are considered as illegal immigrants, often threatened by arrest, detention and even expulsion. Thus, a certain number of refugees from the Middle East recognized under the UNHCR Mandate may require resettlement, at times on an emergency basis. In 1993, resettlement is foreseen for 90 persons.
EAST AND SOUTH EAST ASIAN REFUGEES
PROJECTED NEEDS - 21,180 persons
Overview and Principal Issues
The Comprehensive Plan of Action (CPA)
32. During the first six months of 1992, UNHCR offices reported a total of only 52 new boat arrivals in the region. Should this trend persist, status determination procedures for the present post-cut-off date population are expected to be completed in the course of 1993 in most of the countries in the region, excepting Hong Kong, and requirements for different durable solutions streamlined accordingly.
33. During the first two years of the three year timeframe foreseen for the completion of the resettlement of the pre-cut-off date refugees, resettlement processing far exceeded the set targets with the departure of 44,488 (90.4%) of the population during this period. However, in the third year, resettlement was much reduced with a total of 3,073 (6.2%) departures.
34. In April 1992, a Fourth Technical Meeting on Resettlement under the CPA was convened in Hong Kong to discuss resettlement issues relating principally to the remaining pre-cut-off date population. Participating governments agreed to apply a maximum degree of flexibility in their joint efforts to review the remaining caseload. Governments which had not yet met their resettlement pledges were requested to intensify their efforts to fulfill their commitments. Despite concerted efforts the regionwide pre-cut-off date population still numbered 2,426 of whom 875 remained without a resettlement offer on 30 June 1992, the end of the three year period envisaged for the resettlement of this population of longstayers. As an increasing proportion of refugees provisionally accepted for resettlement tend to receive negative final decisions while others are repeatedly found ineligible for resettlement under the immigration/refugee legislation of various governments, little actual progress is being made to clear the residual population.
35. As of end June 1992, the regionwide post-cut-off date population awaiting refugee status determination totalled 53,510 and 17,974 post-cut-off date refugees had been accepted and/or departed while 5,714 awaited resettlement offers.
36. The regional distribution of the pre- and post-cut-off date refugee populations awaiting resettlement offers as of 30 June 1992 was as follows:
37. Although the agreed three year period to finalize the resettlement of pre-cut-off date refugees expired on 30 June 1992, ongoing efforts by governments are still required in order to attain appropriate solutions for the remaining caseload. Governments are also urged to give special consideration to longer-staying refugees within the post-cut-off date population, to provide sufficient number of quota places and in general to expedite the processing in order to avoid the build-up of another longstayer population.
38. The total resettlement needs for refugees originating from East and South-East Asia are projected at 21,180.
Resettlement Needs
Vietnamese
39. The projected needs for Vietnamese as detailed in Annex 3 are based on the carryover to 1993 of the present pre- and post-cut-off date refugee populations estimated to remain without resettlement offer at the end of 1992 and projected status determination rates in 1993. The overall resettlement needs for this caseload are estimated to number 12,360, located principally in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand for the post-cut-off date and in Hong Kong for the pre-cut-off date refugees.
40. The Committees for Special Procedures established in the region to recommend solutions for the unaccompanied minors and vulnerable adults are expected to have finished the documentation on this caseload during the course of 1992. A total of some 300 unaccompanied minors are estimated to remain in need of resettlement offers in 1993.
41. A small group of Vietnamese, totalling 28 persons, given temporary asylum in the People's Republic of China merit special consideration. This group consists of 16 persons, all ethnic Vietnamese, who have been accommodated in the Fang Cheng Refugee Centre since 1979 and who are the longest staying refugees in the region pending a durable solution. Another group of 12 Vietnamese in a similar situation has been accommodated in Wengchang Reception Centre on Hainan Island for over three years.
Laotians
42. As voluntary repatriation continues to be pursued for the Laotians, UNHCR promotes resettlement mainly for vulnerable groups. Family reunification in third countries for the Highlanders will continue to be facilitated from Thailand and the total resettlement places required are estimated at 8500 (300 for the Lowland and 8200 for the Highland Lao), largely for family reunification in the USA and other resettlement countries.
Cambodians
43. The ongoing repatriation operation has ruled out the needs for resettlement of the Cambodians except for a minute number of this group consisting of a carryover of refugees suffering from serious medical conditions, estimated to total 30 persons.
Other refugees from South and East Asia
44. Given the non-accession to the 1951 Convention and/or 1967 Protocol as well as the restrictive immigration laws of a number of countries both in the region and in many other parts of the world, other refugees originating from the region will continue to need resettlement. UNHCR forecasts the needs to total some 290 places, mainly for refugees from Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
AFRICAN REFUGEES
PROJECTED NEEDS - 10,730 persons
Overview and Principal Issues
45. Over the past few years, international resettlement requirements for African refugees have focused on refugees originating from, and predominantly located in, the Horn of Africa, Sudan and Kenya. The situation in 1993 remains much the same with 75% of the continent's projected resettlement population situated in this general area.
46. In the Horn of Africa prospects for repatriation have dimmed somewhat owing to an upsurge in civil violence, the breakdown of law and order and the destruction of social and economic infrastructures in certain sectors of countries concerned. In many respects problems of civil strife and clan warfare prevailing in Somalia are comparable to the situation in Yugoslavia where massive numbers of persons have sought safety in other countries. In Ethiopia while some progress has been made in repatriation, conflicts between the new Government and different liberation groups complicate the process. The expected mass return to Eritrea has not yet materialised as no agreement has been reached with the Provisional Government of Eritrea on an organised repatriation programme.
47. In West Africa the refugee situation is still characterized by the continuing presence of numerous Liberian refugees being offered temporary asylum in neighbouring countries. A peaceful and lasting solution to the Liberian crisis has yet to be reached. The present political and security situation in Liberia precludes any significant voluntary repatriation from the 655,000 Liberian refugees who still remain outside their country.
48. Repatriation programmes for refugees in southern Africa have reduced the number of places required for this region.
49. UNHCR's projected basic resettlement needs for African refugees in 1993 are estimated at some 10,730 places. Governments are requested to plan for an additional 1,500 contingency places in Kenya in particular for Somali refugees depending on developments in this war-torn country.
Horn of Africa and the Sudan
50. In the Sudan the number of refugees requiring resettlement remains, in relative terms, substantial. The majority of the group foreseen for resettlement comprises family reunion cases for the USA and Canada. Needs are estimated at 3,000.
51. For Djibouti we envisage resettlement for some 40 persons in the course of 1993.
52. The total projected resettlement population for this region is put at 3,050 persons, to include 10 places that could be needed for resettlement from Ethiopia.
Kenya and Other East African Countries
53. Since mid-1991, Kenya has been confronted with an overwhelming number of refugee arrivals. There are presently 370,000 refugees in the country. In common with many other African countries Kenya affords asylum to those seeking refuge and international resettlement needs represent a minuscule proportion of the overall refugee population. It is important to note that most of the refugee population in Kenya meet OAU rather than traditional 1951 Convention refugee criteria. Given the relatively modest number of persons foreseen by UNHCR for resettlement vis-à-vis the overall refugee population, we hope that resettlement countries will be receptive to cases submitted by UNHCR.
54. The main groups targeted for resettlement in Kenya are Somalis and Ethiopians, with smaller numbers of Sudanese, Zaireans, Rwandese and Ugandans. The projected number of basic requirements for Kenya for 1993, are estimated to number 5,000 persons, including a significant percentage of family reunion cases for the United States and other resettlement countries. Of this number it is expected that some 800 persons will fall within the vulnerable group category.
55. Given the nature of the caseload and dynamics of the situation in Kenya, UNHCR has reinforced its resettlement operation in Kenya with the appointment of an officer specialized in vulnerable groups. As more deserving cases may be identified we request governments as a contingency to provide for the possible admission of an additional 1,500 persons principally within the vulnerable group category.
56. For Rwandese refugees the Office hopes that by the end of 1992, voluntary repatriation will be implemented in line with the plan of action of the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration in February 1991. Total needs for Rwandese throughout the region, except for Kenya, are indicated at 100.
57. In Rwanda itself, a group of some 780 Burundi refugees granted temporary asylum since 1988 is the cause for concern as UNHCR has thus far been unable to find a permanent home for these persons in the region.
58. In other countries of the region a total of 120 is forecast for refugees of different nationalities.
59. For the entire region we estimate basic resettlement needs for 1993 for some 6,000 persons, with the addition of 1,500 contingency places in Kenya.
Central and West Africa
60. While a programme of largescale repatriation remains to be implemented recent developments in Liberia have resulted in an extreme drop in movements from Liberia to neighbouring countries of asylum. A total of 875 resettlement places is projected to cover needs in West Africa in 1993, which includes 790 Liberian refugees mainly for family reunification in the USA. In Central Africa 15 places are anticipated for compelling protection related cases.
61. Resettlement for these two regions is forecast at 890.
North Africa
62. The countries of North Africa continue to pursue a tolerant policy towards asylum-seekers and refugees. Needs are therefore estimated for a limited number of 50 persons.
Southern Africa
63. Irrespective of problems encountered the prospect of largescale repatriation movements enables us to project only minimum requirements for this region in 1993 which are estimated at 140 places for various nationalities.
African Refugees outside Africa
64. Whilst the overwhelming majority of African refugees have found asylum in neighbouring countries, some African refugees have sought asylum outside the continent in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
65. In several countries in South East Asia, strict immigration laws are applicable to all non-Indochinese refugees who, if found without valid documents, are apprehended and subject to detention and prosecution, if not deportation. Resettlement, in these circumstances, is the only option available. In other countries, while the authorities display a more tolerant attitude towards refugees, these persons are in principle granted only temporary residence and their status therefore remains fragile.
66. In the Middle East region, particularly the United Arab Emirates, asylum is not granted to any refugees. If found without valid papers, they are detained as illegal immigrants and are faced with deportation.
67. In certain countries in Europe, despite improvements in the overall situation of refugees, resettlement is still pursued as a durable solution for UNHCR Mandate refugees. In Greece, local integration is not possible, as refugees do not have access to legal employment and many are faced with the risk of deportation. Similarly, in Italy, resettlement continues to be a necessity albeit for a diminishing number.
68. Estimated resettlement needs for this group in 1993 total 600 places.
EUROPEAN REFUGEES
PROJECTED NEED - 200 persons
From Former Yugoslavia
69. Please refer to page 5 of the Introduction of the Global Assessment.
Other European Refugees
70. We forecast the need for 200 places for Albanian refugees accommodated in Belgrade.
LATIN AMERICAN REFUGEES
PROJECTED NEEDS - 150 persons
71. Within the framework of the CIREFCA Concerted Plan of Action emphasis continues to be placed on durable solutions for Central American refugees within the region. Extra regional resettlement is required only as an exceptional measure for security reasons, mainly for a few Salvadorians and for family reunification of various nationalities.
72. UNHCR resettlement needs for South and Central American refugees are forecast at 150.
VULNERABLE GROUPS
DISABLED, MEDICALLY-AT-RISK AND VICTIMS OF TORTURE/VIOLENCE
PROJECTED NEEDS - 1,250 cases/4,600 persons
Overview and Principal issues
73. As of mid 1992, 412 cases, involving 1,648 persons, had yet to receive a resettlement offer. As all special programme places available for the above mentioned group in 1992 had been filled by this point, the overwhelming majority will be carried over into 1993. The table below provides a breakdown of this group by region of origin and health condition as of mid 1992.
74. In 1992, Sweden almost doubled its annual refugee resettlement quota from 1,250 to 2,000 places and offered in addition 1,250 places for resettlement needs directly linked to the Gulf crisis. As a result, the number of places reserved for vulnerable groups under their regular quota increased from 100 to 200. This generous offer is of great importance in the resettlement of the most needy refugees.
75. In addition, through close cooperation among the US Government, NGOs, other concerned associations and institutions, and UNHCR, special procedures for processing and placement of vulnerable groups in the USA have been initiated and are being implemented on a pilot basis. Both refugees suffering from health conditions and women-at-risk will benefit from this programme.
76. We are also pleased to report that it has been possible to assign a regional resettlement officer for vulnerable groups of refugees to Kenya, who will cover a number of East African countries. This development increases the capacity of the office to respond to the resettlement needs of vulnerable refugees in this region.
77. In addition to the foregoing, UNHCR has secured the services of a doctor in Turkey to undertake the systematic identification, examination and medical documentation of priority cases in camps as well as in urban areas. We hope that this reinforcement will enhance our response capacity to vulnerable refugees and improve resettlement processing.
78. UNHCR forecasts that some 1,250 cases totalling 4,600 persons will need resettlement in 1993. It should be recalled that the registration and classification of the Iraqi population in Saudi Arabia and of Somalis in Kenya are still in progress.
Middle Eastern and South West Asian Refugees
79. UNHCR projects resettlement needs for 620 cases/2,480 persons of Middle Eastern and South West Asian origin. They are mainly Iraqis and Iranians located in practically all regions of the world, with a high proportion naturally in the Middle East. Emergency resettlement will be needed for refugees stranded in some Middle Eastern and East Asian countries not signatory to the 1951 Convention or who signed it with reservations.
80. The vast majority of these projected resettlement needs comprise victims of torture and persons suffering from physical disabilities and/or organic diseases, many of whom are accommodated in Saudi Arabia. In Turkey, among the Iraqi Kurd refugee population, there are persons suffering from the effects of chemical bombing mainly characterized by congenital malformations and/or neurological, respiratory, gynaecological disorders or vision problems, and other war related disabilities.
Africa
81. The second largest resettlement population among vulnerable groups are Africans, 370 cases comprising 1,480 persons, the overwhelming majority of whom are Somalis in Kenya and to a lesser extent Ethiopians in the Sudan and Kenya.
82. With regard to Somali refugees, the Office has experienced problems in securing resettlement. UNHCR strongly appeals to the international community for a positive response.
83. Within the Somali population , in addition to victims of torture and persons with physical disabilities and/or other diseases, there is a new type of case emerging characterized by a combination of torture and war related disabilities. When compared to previous years we note a recrudescence of trauma among both children and adults.
East and South East Asian Refugees
84. The third largest group in this vulnerable group category comprises some 250 cases, 600 persons of South East and East Asian origin, the majority of whom are Vietnamese with physical disabilities and/or diseases. A minority suffer from psychosocial disorders and mental retardation.
85. Please refer to Annex 6, for the breakdown of the Projected Needs by Region of Origin and Health Condition.
Conclusion/Recommendations
86. Given the aforementioned resettlement needs for vulnerable groups matched against a limited number of relevant resettlement places, we strongly recommend that refugees presenting stabilised disabilities, not costly medical conditions, and asymptomatic torture victims are accepted under regular quota places. This will preserve the very limited special programme places for severe cases. As places available under special programmes in 1993 will comprise at best 350 cases unless resettlement countries agree to implement this recommendation, a very large number of the most needy refugees will remain unassisted. In any event, UNHCR field staff will endeavour, local circumstances permitting, to obtain information on and describe all health problems in the course of identification and documentation of cases.
WOMEN-AT-RISK
PROJECTED NEEDS - 380 cases/1,090 persons
Overview and Principal Issues
87. As of mid 1992, some 170 cases totalling 510 persons required resettlement. Please refer to the table below for a breakdown of the population pending resettlement.
88. The regional resettlement officer for vulnerable groups posted in Kenya will also handle the resettlement of women-at-risk from a number of countries in the region. It is therefore expected that increased attention will be paid to the protection and resettlement of the women-at-risk in this region. The same can be said for Turkey, given the presence of a medical doctor to review cases concerned.
89. In addition, three regional coordinators for refugee women are posted in various field offices and contribute to the identification, protection, assistance and referral of cases. Training courses are planned to further enhance the office's resettlement capacity for this important group.
90. It is expected that in 1993 a total of 380 cases of women-at-risk totalling some 1,090 persons will require resettlement. Once a refugee woman is classified at risk, resettlement should be offered as a matter of priority. As for refugees with health conditions, those stranded in countries not signatory to the Convention, or signatory to it with reservations, will need resettlement on emergency grounds. It should also be borne in mind that in certain religious and cultural environments, women alone are at risk.
Africa
91. The large majority of women-at-risk, 215 cases, approximately 645 persons, are Ethiopian and Somali. The former are located principally in Sudan and the latter in Kenya. Many have suffered from sexual abuse and other forms of violence in their countries of origin and/or in camps and urban areas in their countries of first asylum. This is particularly true for the Somali refugee women, exposed to the risk of serious psychosocial destabilisation due to traumatic experiences.
South East Asia
92. The second largest group in this category are Vietnamese victims of violence in South East Asia. It is expected that some 80 cases, 190 persons, will need resettlement in 1993.
Middle East and South West Asia
93. We forecast 70 cases, 210 persons, in the Middle Eastern and South West Asian refugee population, many of whom will have to be resettled on an emergency basis.
Latin America
94. In Latin America, resettlement of refugee women-at-risk follows the same pattern as that of the larger groups, i.e., resettlement is undertaken regionally rather than extra-regionally. It is projected that a small number of some 15 cases, 45 persons, will need international resettlement in 1993.
95. Please refer to Annex 7, for the breakdown of Projected Needs by Region of Origin and Region of Asylum.
Conclusion/Recommendation
96. UNHCR continues to introduce improvements for the expeditious resettlement of women-at-risk.
97. Some countries offer generous resettlement opportunities for this most vulnerable category. Others, however, through the application of stringent refugee determination and selection criteria, and/or slow processing, make the task of resettlement of this group a complicated process.
98. UNHCR has also noted that resettlement applications are often turned down because the candidates present psychological or behavioural problems as a result of the violence sustained, although the special programmes for refugee women-at-risk were created specifically to respond to the needs of such cases, both in terms of admission and post-admission care.
99. The office appeals for special flexibility and accelerated processing for this deserving group.
Disclaimer: © UNHCR