Resettlement Handbook

Resettlement under UNHCR auspices is geared primarily to the special needs of refugees under the Office's mandate whose life, liberty, safety, health or other fundamental human rights are at risk in the country where they sought refuge. It is also considered a durable solution, in particular circumstances, for refugees who do not have immediate protection concerns. The decision to resettle a refugee is normally taken, with priority, when there is no alternative way to guarantee the legal or physical security of the person concerned. In light of this, the common description of resettlement as a "last resort" should not be interpreted to mean that there is a hierarchy of solutions and that resettlement is the least valuable or needed among them. For many refugees, resettlement is, in fact, the best - or perhaps, only - alternative.