Unhcr 2014 by Bob Matthews

UNHCR Projected Global Resettlement Needs Restricted Distribution 19th Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement Geneva: 1-3 July 2013

2014

UNHCR Projected Global Resettlement Needs

Restricted Distribution 19th Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement Geneva: 1-3 July 2013 Layout & Design: BakOS DESIGN

Contents Maps ................................................................................................................................6 Approximate resettlement capacity of States for 2014 ............................................................................................... 6 UNHCR projected global resettlement needs by country of asylum ........................................................................... 8 UNHCR projected global resettlement needs by country of origin ........................................................................... 10

Introduction .................................................................................................................... 12 Global overview of UNHCR resettlement achievements in 2012, operational challenges and strategic directions for 2013-2014 ..................................................................................................................... 13 UNHCR resettlement submissions and departures 2012-2013 ................................................................................ 14 UNHCR projected global resettlement needs and capacity for 2014 with the region of refugeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; country of asylum ................................................................................................................................. 15 Projected Global Resettlement Needs and Capacity for 2014.................................................................................. 15 Effective implementation of the strategic use of resettlement ................................................................................... 16 Reception and integration of resettled refugees ....................................................................................................... 16 Resettlement in the European Union........................................................................................................................ 17 Resettlement management ..................................................................................................................................... 17 Resettlement training ............................................................................................................................................... 18 Strategic directions 2013-2014 ................................................................................................................................ 19

Africa ..............................................................................................................................20 Africa Overview .................................................................................................................................................... 21 Map - Africa: UNHCRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total resettlement capacity for 2014 by country of asylum................................................... 22 Africa: 2014 Projected needs and targets ................................................................................................................ 24 Central Africa and the Great Lakes ................................................................................................................... 27 Burundi ............................................................................................................................................................... 28 Cameroon ........................................................................................................................................................... 30 Democratic Republic of the Congo ..................................................................................................................... 32 Gabon ................................................................................................................................................................. 34 Republic of the Congo ........................................................................................................................................ 36 Rwanda............................................................................................................................................................... 38 United Republic of Tanzania ................................................................................................................................ 40 East and Horn of Africa ....................................................................................................................................... 43 Regional Resettlement Unit ................................................................................................................................. 44 Chad ................................................................................................................................................................... 46 Djibouti ................................................................................................................................................................ 50 Eritrea ................................................................................................................................................................. 52 Ethiopia ............................................................................................................................................................... 54 Kenya .................................................................................................................................................................. 58 2

Somalia ............................................................................................................................................................... 62 Sudan ................................................................................................................................................................. 64

Southern Africa .................................................................................................................................................... 71 Regional Resettlement Unit ................................................................................................................................. 72 Angola................................................................................................................................................................. 74 Botswana............................................................................................................................................................ 76

Introduction

Uganda ............................................................................................................................................................... 66

Malawi................................................................................................................................................................. 78 Mozambique ....................................................................................................................................................... 80 Namibia............................................................................................................................................................... 82 South Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, Lesotho, Swaziland ..................................................................................... 84 Zambia................................................................................................................................................................ 86 Zimbabwe ........................................................................................................................................................... 88 West Africa............................................................................................................................................................ 91 Regional Resettlement Unit................................................................................................................................. 92 Côte d’Ivoire ........................................................................................................................................................ 94 Ghana ................................................................................................................................................................. 96 Liberia ................................................................................................................................................................. 98 Nigeria .............................................................................................................................................................. 100 Republic of Guinea............................................................................................................................................ 102 Togo.................................................................................................................................................................. 104 Africa: Media Spotlight...................................................................................................................................... 106

Americas ......................................................................................................................108 Americas Overview ............................................................................................................................................ 109 Map - Americas: UNHCR’s total resettlement capacity for 2014 by country of asylum............................................110 The Americas: 2014 Projected global needs ...........................................................................................................111 The Americas.......................................................................................................................................................113 Caribbean States, Dominican Republic, Cuba ...................................................................................................114 Costa Rica .........................................................................................................................................................118 Ecuador ............................................................................................................................................................ 120 Panama............................................................................................................................................................. 122 Venezuela.......................................................................................................................................................... 124 The Americas: Media Spotlight ........................................................................................................................ 126

Asia .............................................................................................................................. 128 Asia Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 129 Map - Asia: UNHCR’s total resettlement capacity for 2014 by country of asylum ................................................... 130 Asia: 2014 Projected global needs ......................................................................................................................... 132 South Asia ........................................................................................................................................................... 135 India .................................................................................................................................................................. 136 Nepal ................................................................................................................................................................ 138 Sri Lanka ........................................................................................................................................................... 140 East Asia and the Paciﬁc ................................................................................................................................... 143 China (including Hong Kong SAR) and Mongolia............................................................................................... 144 Indonesia .......................................................................................................................................................... 148 Malaysia ............................................................................................................................................................ 150 Paciﬁc Islands Region, Papua New Guinea ....................................................................................................... 153 Thailand ............................................................................................................................................................ 156 Central Asia......................................................................................................................................................... 159 Kazakhstan ....................................................................................................................................................... 160 Kyrgyzstan ........................................................................................................................................................ 162 Tajikistan ........................................................................................................................................................... 164 Turkmenistan .................................................................................................................................................... 166 South-West Asia ................................................................................................................................................. 169 Islamic Republic of Iran ..................................................................................................................................... 170 Pakistan ............................................................................................................................................................ 172 Asia: Media Spotlight..........................................................................................................................................174

Europe.......................................................................................................................... 176 Europe Overview ................................................................................................................................................ 177 Map - Europe: UNHCR’s total resettlement capacity for 2014 by country of asylum .............................................. 178 Europe: 2014 Projected global needs .................................................................................................................... 181 Eastern Europe ................................................................................................................................................... 183 Azerbaijan ......................................................................................................................................................... 184 Russian Federation ........................................................................................................................................... 186 Ukraine.............................................................................................................................................................. 190 South-Eastern Europe ....................................................................................................................................... 193 Malta................................................................................................................................................................. 194 Turkey ............................................................................................................................................................... 196 Europe: Media Spotlight.................................................................................................................................... 198

Middle East and North Africa ........................................................................................200

Map - MENA: UNHCRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total resettlement capacity for 2014 by country of asylum ............................................... 202 MENA: 2014 Projected global needs...................................................................................................................... 205 Middle East ......................................................................................................................................................... 207 Regional Resettlement Unit............................................................................................................................... 208

Introduction

MENA Overview.................................................................................................................................................. 200

Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia ........................................................................................................... 210 Iraq.................................................................................................................................................................... 212 Israel ................................................................................................................................................................. 214 Jordan............................................................................................................................................................... 216 Kuwait............................................................................................................................................................... 218 Lebanon............................................................................................................................................................ 220 United Arab Emirates ........................................................................................................................................ 222 Syrian Arab Republic......................................................................................................................................... 224 Yemen............................................................................................................................................................... 226 North Africa......................................................................................................................................................... 229 Egypt ................................................................................................................................................................ 230 Libya ................................................................................................................................................................. 232 Mauritania ......................................................................................................................................................... 234 Morocco ........................................................................................................................................................... 236 MENA: Media Spotlight ..................................................................................................................................... 238

UNHCR Headquarters, Geneva, Case Processing Unit ................................................. 242

Annexes .......................................................................................................................245 Annex 1: Standardized methodology in identifying and estimating the number of refugees in need of resettlement and UNHCR capacity........................................................................................................ 246 Annex 2: UNHCR Projected Global Resettlement Needs 2014 ............................................................................. 248 Annex 3: UNHCR Global Resettlement Statistical Report 2012 ............................................................................ 259

Approximate resettlement capacity of States for 2014* Exclusively for internal UNHCR use

ARCTIC OCEAN

FINLAND

ICELAND NORWAY DENMARK

UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND IRELAND

BELGIUM

SWEDEN

NETHERLANDS GERMANY CZECH REPUBLIC

CANADA FRANCE

HUNGARY

ROMANIA BULGARIA

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA PORTUGAL

SPAIN Mediterranean Sea

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN Gulf of Mexico

Caribbean Sea

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN

BRAZIL

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

60,000 PARAGUAY

30,000

URUGUAY CHILE

6,000

Approximate total capacity

Printed: 06 June 2013

ARGENTINA

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

Introduction

Sources: UNHCR, Global Insight digital mapping ÂŠ 1998 Europa Technologies Ltd.

WorldMap_Resettlement_TotalCapacity2013_A3LC.WOR

FFF III CCC SSS SSS

Field Information and Coordination Support Section

FINLAND

SWEDEN

ANDS RMANY CZECH REPUBLIC GARY

ROMANIA

Black Sea

BULGARIA Caspian Sea

JAPAN

Mediterranean Sea

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN

Arabian Sea

Bay of Bengal

INDIAN OCEAN

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND

* The figures represented reflect both the number of individual places allocated for UNHCR's resettlement submissions as well as submissions through other channels under States' regular and/or special programmes. mapping@unhcr.org

UNHCR projected global resettlement needs by country of asylum Exclusively c us e y for o internal te a UNHCR U C use

ARCTIC OCEAN

UKRAINE

Black

MALTA SYRIAN ARAB REPUB Mediterranean Sea

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

LEBANO

MOROCCO

ISRAEL LIBYA EGYP

Gulf of Mexico

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN

MAURITANIA

REP. OF CHAD

Caribbean Sea

SUD GUINEA

COSTA RICA

CÔTE D'IVOIRE

PANAMA

TOGO

NIGERIA

GHANA

BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA LIBERIA

CAMEROON U RWANDA

GABON ECUADOR REP OF THE CONGO

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

DEMOCRATIC REP. OF THE CONGO BURUNDI

ANGOLA

SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

ZAMBIA

NAMIBIA

ZIMBA BOTSWANA

200,000 100,000

20,000

Total projected resettlement needs

Printed: 06 June 2013

SOUTH AFRICA

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

WorldMap_Resettlement_AD_A3LC.WOR

Introduction

FFF III CCC SSS SSS

Field Information and Coordination Support Section

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

UKRAINE KAZAKHSTAN

MONGOLIA

Black Sea KYRGYZSTAN AZERBAIJAN

Caspian Sea

TURKEY

TURKMENISTAN

TAJIKISTAN

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC erranean Sea

ISRAEL

CHINA

IRAQ

LEBANON

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN JORDAN KUWAIT

IBYA

PAKISTAN NEPAL

EGYPT

SAUDI ARABIA INDIA UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

ERITREA P. OF CHAD

YEMEN Arabian Sea

SUDAN ETHIOPIA

Bay of Bengal

MALAYSIA

SOMALIA

UGANDA

THAILAND

DJIBOUTI

KENYA

RWANDA DEMOCRATIC REP. OF THE CONGO BURUNDI

INDONESIA

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

UNITED REP.OF TANZANIA MALAWI NGOLA ZAMBIA

MIBIA

ZIMBABWE

MOZAMBIQUE

INDIAN OCEAN

BOTSWANA

SOUTH AFRICA

mapping@unhcr.org

UNHCR projected global resettlement needs by country of origin Exclusively c us e y for o internal te a UNHCR U C use

ARCTIC OCEAN

Black

SY Mediterranean Sea

STATE OF PALESTIN

NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN Gulf of Mexico

MALI HONDURAS

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN

EL SALVADOR

SUDA

SENEGAL

Caribbean Sea

REP. OF CHAD

BOLIVARIAN REP. OF VENEZUELA

SOUTH S SIERRA LEONE COLOMBIA

TOGO CENTRAL AFRICAN REP.

LIBERIA CÔTE D'IVOIRE

SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN

200,000 100,000

20,000

Total projected resettlement needs Printed: 06 June 2013

SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN

REP. OF THE CONGO

DEMOCRATIC REP. OF THE CONGO

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

WorldMap_Resettlement_OD_A3LC.WOR

Introduction

FFF III CCC SSS SSS

Field Information and Coordination Support Section

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Black Sea

UZBEKISTAN Caspian Sea

TAJIKISTAN

SYRIAN ARAB REP. Mediterranean Sea

ISLAMIC REP. IRAQ

STATE OF PALESTINE

CHINA AFGHANISTAN BHUTAN

OF IRAN

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN

PAKISTAN MYANMAR

ERITREA

SUDAN

YEMEN

. OF CHAD

Arabian Sea Bay of Bengal

ETHIOPIA SOUTH SUDAN SRI LANKA

RAL AFRICAN REP.

DEMOCRATIC REP. OF THE CONGO

SOMALIA UGANDA RWANDA BURUNDI

INDIAN OCEAN

mapping@unhcr.org

Introduction

Global overview of UNHCR resettlement achievements in 2012, operational challenges, and strategic directions for 2013-2014 Intensifying humanitarian crises, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, have dominated the news about refugees in 2012-2013. However, ongoing resettlement of tens of thousands of refugees to States that voluntarily offered them a durable solution brought new hopes and new lives to many in the midst of crisis. Almost 70,000 refugees were provided with a new permanent home, and a chance to rebuild their lives through resettlement in 2012. This included the resettlement of thousands of refugees who have spent decades in camps or insecure urban situations, as well as refugees facing acute protection risks. In 2012, the doubling of the number of resettlement places offered by Australia, and the announcement that Belgium would establish a resettlement programme, were positive outcomes of UNHCR’s ongoing work with States to expand the resettlement base, and increase the number of resettlement places. Germany, Hungary and Spain also received the first arrivals under their recently established regular resettlement programmes. The number of annual quota places for UNHCR submissions now stands at approximately 86,000. However, resettlement needs continue to vastly outnumber the number of places made available by States. For 2014, global resettlement needs are estimated at 691,000 persons, without considering the possible resettlement needs generated by the massive outflow of refugees from the Syrian Arab Republic into neighbouring countries. UNHCR will issue a separate flash appeal addressing the acute needs of this refugee population once it has adequately assessed the resettlement needs on the ground. Contingency plans are also in place for possible larger-scale resettlement of refugees from the Syrian Arab Republic if such is required by the deteriorating protection situation in the immediate region. Overall, UNHCR continues to advocate for States to increase their available quotas, and be responsive to UNHCR priorities and appeals. Before introducing the projected global resettlement needs and UNHCR’s submission targets per regional and country operations for 2014, this chapter reviews UNHCR’s resettlement activities in 2012-2013, highlighting progress and challenges as well as statistics and trends in resettlement submissions and departures. The chapter goes on to discuss several aspects of UNHCR’s key resettlement activities, including efforts to advance the strategic use of resettlement; the enhancement of reception and integration of resettled refugees; and developments in the European Union (EU). It then turns to UNHCR’s ongoing efforts to strengthen resettlement management including the management

of emergency resettlement, fraud prevention and control, coordination and partnerships. Finally, the strategic directions of the Resettlement Service in 2013-2014 are discussed.

Resettlement departures increased by 12 per cent in 2012, enabling some 70,000 refugees to ﬁnd a new safe home. However, this departure level still represents more than a 10 per cent shortfall from the number of globally available places (some 80,000).

UNHCR resettlement submissions and departures 2012-20131

Increased departures can be attributed to a number of factors. Successful efforts were made by States to expedite security clearances and to interview refugees in inaccessible areas through videoconferencing. As a result, more than 13,500 Iraqi refugees departed for resettlement including 3,300 from Syrian Arab Republic. Overall, departures of refugees from Iraq increased by 56 per cent from 2011. IOM and UNHCR jointly established a cross-border departure platform utilizing Beirut as exit point, for refugees accepted for resettlement from Syrian Arab Republic.

In 2012, UNHCR presented over 74,800 refugees to States for resettlement consideration. The main beneficiaries were refugees from Myanmar (some 22,100), Iraq (10,800), Bhutan (9,900), Somalia (7,200), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (6,500). These refugee groups have been the top five since 2008, although the order has shifted. Malaysia continued to be the asylum country from where the largest number of refugees were submitted (some 15,800) followed by Nepal (10,000), Turkey (7,900), Thailand (7,300) and Kenya (3,200). Submissions from Turkey and Malaysia increased by 22 and 15 per cent respectively since 2011. Conversely, submissions from both the Syrian Arab Republic and Kenya decreased by more than 70 per cent, mainly due to the inability of resettlement partners and UNHCR to access refugee populations for safety and security reasons (Syria decreased by 74 per cent, Kenya by 70 per cent). Looking at submissions by region of asylum, more than half of all submissions were made from Asia and the Pacific region (51 per cent). Slightly less than a quarter of all submissions (21 per cent) were made from Africa, overtaking submissions from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region (14 per cent). Women and girls at risk represented more than 11 per cent of submissions, surpassing for a second consecutive year the 10 per cent target set to implement the Executive Committee Conclusion No. 105 (2006).2 Over four-fifths of submissions were made under three submission categories: Legal and/ or Physical Protection Needs (47 per cent), Lack of Foreseeable Alternative Durable Solutions (23 per cent), and Survivors of Violence and/or Torture (14 per cent). The resettlement of refugees from Bhutan, one of the most protracted refugee situations in Asia, reached a major milestone in April 2013, with 100,000 people submitted for resettlement from Nepal to third countries since the start of the programme in 2007. Nearly 80,000 of them have commenced a new life in eight different countries. The global average acceptance rate of UNHCR submissions by resettlement countries was 88 per cent, a decrease from the 93 per cent in 2011, and a return to the same level as in 2009 (88 per cent). While acceptance rates for refugees from Bhutan and Myanmar remained particularly high (98-99 per cent), some other nationalities presented significantly lower acceptance rates, such as 64 per cent acceptance rate for Colombian refugees.

The introduction provides rounded ﬁgures for ease of reading. For further details on resettlement ﬁgures, please refer to Annex 3 of this publication.

Available from http://unhcr.org/conclusions

The departure rate of Somali refugees is slowly recovering from the low levels in 2011, with 6,600 resettlement departures in 2012. However, UNHCR remains concerned with the overwhelming number of Somali pending cases in the resettlement processing pipeline for a prolonged period of time. The 2013 first quarter resettlement figures available to UNHCR show positive trends, with more than 21,200 submissions, a 30 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2012. The upward trend has been witnessed across regions, except for MENA where a 44 per cent decrease was observed. With increased staff capacity and technical support provided by the HQ-based Task Force on Africa, more than 4,700 submissions were made out of Africa during the first quarter, an increase of 140 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2012. Resettlement departures during the first quarter of 2013 increased ten per cent compared to 2012, with some 14,500 departures. UNHCR continues to closely monitor its submission levels to ensure UNHCR’s 2013 resettlement targets will be met and available resettlement places fully utilized.

Response to the Syria emergency The number of Syrian refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries to escape intensified fighting passed the 1.6 million mark at the end of May 2013. While continuing to provide emergency protection and assistance to Syrian refugees, UNHCR launched a strategy to enhance the use of resettlement as a protection tool and durable solution for the increasing numbers of vulnerable and traumatized Syrian refugees in the MENA region. UNHCR also prepared contingency plans for largerscale resettlement in the event that such is required by the protection situation in the region. In parallel to a resettlement programme for Syrian refugees during 2013, UNHCR is also promoting the use of humanitarian admission for the most vulnerable Syrian refugees from the MENA region to third safe countries in 2013. This is critical for securing the immediate protection and rapid departure of refugees with urgent and compelling needs while the resettlement programme is in its initial phase of implementation. 5,000 places for humanitarian admission had been offered by Germany by mid2013, and UNHCR was actively seeking similar commitments from other States.

UNHCR estimates the global resettlement needs to be at around 691,000 persons, including the resettlement needs of refugees in a protracted situation where resettlement is envisioned over a period of several years. This represents a 20 per cent decrease of the estimates reported in the previous year (859,300 persons). The decrease is mainly the result of a revision of the estimates in large, protracted refugee situations such as Pakistan, Turkey and Yemen. Due to the fluid and rapidly evolving situations surrounding the Syrian Arab Republic, the current publication does not include a projection of the resettlement needs of Syrian refugees. UNHCR intends to release a separate flash appeal addressing the acute needs of finding solutions for this refugee population once it has adequately assessed the resettlement needs on the ground. By that time, it will also review and upgrade its total global resettlement needs assessment. The decrease in the total global resettlement needs reflects the assessment of the total resettlement needs and a more conservative approach to multiyear planning based on current refugees’ profiles in need of resettlement. While the total resettlement needs in Africa and the Americas remained similar to those reported in 2012, resettlement needs in Asia and Europe saw a significant decrease. This trend also reflects the gradual phase out of largescale resettlement operations in Thailand and Nepal following the successful completion of multi-year resettlement operations. The table in this section illustrates the gap between global resettlement needs and UNHCR’s capacity to address them. For the 2014 projections, as in previous years, UNHCR has applied a standard methodology to estimate the capacity of Country Offices to process cases for resettlement according to identified resettlement needs. Instead of providing both global resettlement needs and resettlement needs in a given programme year, the 2014 projections focus on realistic 2014 targets. The 2014 projections therefore highlight the gap between UNHCR’s yearly target and its core staff capacity.

The breakdown by region of asylum is provided in column (A), whereas column (B) shows the total number of persons deemed by UNHCR to be in need of resettlement, including populations where resettlement is envisioned over a period of several years. Multi-year planning for resettlement has become an important feature of UNHCR’s strategy to holistically address the resettlement needs and mobilize support from resettlement countries. Drawing from this number (234,570 cases / 690,915 persons), column (C) indicates the number of persons UNHCR plans to prioritize and submit in 2014 (35,500 cases / 94,113 persons). This is UNHCR’s 2014 submission target. Protection needs as well as indications from resettlement states of specific solutions strategies will be taken into account in prioritizing resettlement interventions. While the number provided in column (C) is equivalent to UNHCR’s total capacity inclusive of affiliate workforce,3 column (D) indicates the number of persons the Office is equipped to process for resettlement with existing core staff capacity only (20,258 cases / 49,281 persons). The difference between columns (C) and (D) is indicative of UNHCR’s capacity shortfall to meet its 2014 submission targets. It is estimated that without support from the affiliate workforce, UNHCR will be able to process resettlement applications for only 52 per cent of refugees requiring resettlement submissions in 2014.

Introduction

Projected Global Resettlement Needs and Capacity for 2014

The afﬁliate workforce refers to consultant, deployees and other temporary staff.

UNHCR projected global resettlement needs and capacity for 2014 with the region of refugees’ country of asylum A. Region of Asylum

Africa The Americas

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target) in 2014

D. UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

88,455

340,267

11,124

37,466

4,581

16,457

8,445

30,288

624

2,114

271

889

116,204

265,447

15,786

36,833

10,131

19,899

Europe

10,136

21,075

4,561

9,050

2,658

5,385

Middle East & North Africa

11,330

33,838

3,405

8,650

2,617

6,651

234,570

690,915

35,500

94,113

20,258

49,281

Asia & the Paciﬁc

Grand Total

Effective implementation of the strategic use of resettlement

Reception and integration of resettled refugees

Since 2009, resettlement countries and UNHCR have rolled out the strategic use of resettlement in an increasing number of priority refugee situations following consultations during the Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement (ATCR) and the Working Group on Resettlement (WGR) processes. The targeted intake of refugees around multi-year commitments by a larger group of resettlement countries can help leverage protection and solutions outcomes for refugees not beneﬁting from resettlement. Their self-reliance and integration efforts in the host country may be furthered, and the protection environment may be improved. In 2012, the ATCR/WGR process agreed to establish Contact Groups for the resettlement of Colombian resettlement and resettlement of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. The former is chaired by both New Zealand and Uruguay, whereas the latter led by Australia. Contact Groups for resettlement of Bhutanese from Nepal and Afghans from Iran continued their activities under the dynamic chairmanships of Canada and Sweden.

Resettlement goes far beyond the relocation of refugees to a third state; it involves a process of being received and integrated within a new society. In order for resettlement to be a durable solution, resettlement States must offer refugees the support and opportunities they require to facilitate their integration. The measure of effective resettlement is not only how many refugees in need of resettlement have access to this solution each year, but also how well they are received and supported in the process of becoming full participants in their new communities.

The establishment of Contact Groups, each with a particular responsibility for a designated priority situation, has been recognized as a good practice and effective vehicle to advance the implementation of the strategic use of resettlement in that situation. The Contact Group allows for a collaborative approach involving different resettlement countries and UNHCR, which normally includes dialogue with the host country and other relevant resettlement partners. Based on a multilateral and multi-year commitment, the members of the Contact Group ensure greater predictability and sustainability of the resettlement effort and allow for the strengthening of protection mechanisms and livelihood strategies to the beneﬁt of larger numbers of refugees in the host country. In 2012 UNHCR introduced its multi-year plan to increase the resettlement of refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) up to 50,000 submissions over a ﬁve year period. So far, nine resettlement countries have expressed interest in supporting the up scaling of Congolese (DRC) resettlement ad have started selecting sub quota, a step forward to address this protracted refugee situation. The USA also accepted the designation of 10,000 Congolese (DRC) refugees from the former Mudende camp in Rwanda for P2 group processing.

States, NGOs and UNHCR continue to share guidance and good practices related to receiving and integrating resettled refugees through the ATCR and WGR processes, and other collaborative means to assist new resettlement States in building the foundations for a resettlement programme. UNHCR encourages the on-going efforts to establish common benchmarks and criteria to assess and measure integration outcomes. In 2012, UNHCR Europe also launched a project to review the current situation of refugee integration in Europe; including a review of the literature, policy, available services, and evaluating methods related to the integration of (resettled) refugees. UNHCR has recognized the need to set guidelines for the preparations required for a State to begin resettling refugees, and the beneﬁt of encouraging established States to regularly review and improve their resettlement programmes. In response, UNHCR has recently released a short guide, “The Integration of Resettled Refugees: Essentials for Establishing a Resettlement Programme and Fundamentals for Sustainable Resettlement Programmes.”

Resettlement management

IOM, ICMC Europe and UNHCR continued to enhance practice cooperation between relevant stakeholders in EU Member States through the continued implementation of the EU-funded project “Linking-In EU Resettlement”. The project culminated in the establishment of the European Resettlement Network in the case of 2012, which aims at facilitating cooperation and knowledge sharing among resettlement policy makers and practicioners in resettlement and integration of resettled refugees. The main tool of the European Resettlement Network is the website: www.resettlement.eu, which provides an overview of resettlement in Europe, and a database for good practices. An online forum / community of practice is also being developed, and it is expected that webinars and videoconferencing facilities will also be offered.

Policy and procedural guidance

In addition to the organization of a number of multi stakeholder conferences in emerging resettlement countries, the European Resettlement Network organized a roundtable meeting in December 2012 with partners engaged, or in helping refugees to access the labour market. Representatives from the business sector, including large corporations such as Manpower and Accenture, governments, NGOs and refugees from across Europe attended. The meeting provided an ideal forum to share good practices, challenges and partnerships among private companies, NGOs and public employment services that have been engaged in supporting refugees in their quest for employment in Europe. Following the successful completion of the “LinkingIn EU Resettlement” project at the end of 2012, IOM, ICMC Europe and UNHCR embarked on the implementation of another EU-funded project, “Strengthening the response to emergency resettlement needs”. Key components of this new project include support to the Emergency Transit Centres (ETCs) in Romania and Slovak Republic, UNHCR’s capacity in coordinating and monitoring the effective use of emergency resettlement places, a media campaign around emergency resettlement, and further enhancement of the European Resettlement Network to improve responsiveness to emergency resettlement needs.

In 2013 UNHCR issued the French and Spanish translations of the 2011 UNHCR Resettlement Handbook in order to ensure that French and Spanish-speaking resettlement partners have easy access to the handbook’s content, and to the online resources linked to the handbook.

Introduction

Resettlement in the European Union

Building on previous years’ efforts to enhance harmonization of standards and practices in identification and resettlement processing, UNHCR developed four operational guidance documents: (1) Resettlement Assessment Tool: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex refugees; (2) Resettlement Assessment Tool: Refugees with Disabilities; (3) Operational Guidance Note on Conducting Resettlement Interviews through videoconferencing; and (4) Operational Guidance Note: Best Interests Assessments (BIAs) for Children being Resettled with Only One Parent. Access and emergency response mechanisms In 2012-2013, the Emergency Transit Facilities (ETFs) in Timisoara, Humenne, and Manila were being used to bring refugees to safety before they could reach their final country of resettlement. The ETFs are used not only in emergency situations, but also where resettlement countries have difficulty accessing refugee populations concerned such as in the Syrian Arab Republic, Eritrea or Yemen, thereby requiring refugees to be moved for purpose of further processing. Groups transferred on a regular basis on behalf of a number of resettlement countries include Afghan women and girls at risk from Islamic Republic of Iran, Somali refugees from Eritrea and Iraqi refugees from Syrian Arab Republic. A careful selection process is carried out by UNHCR ensuring that those benefiting from temporary relocation are persons recognized as refugees that meet the UNHCR resettlement policies. These policies are designed to ensure that attention is focused on individuals who are most in need. Over 1,400 refugees have been evacuated to the ETFs since their inception in 2008/2009. Mitigating risks in resettlement Ensuring the integrity of resettlement processing remains UNHCR’s priority. Several measures were taken to implement the 2012-2013 Resettlement AntiFraud Plan of Action which was adopted by UNHCR in response to the recommendations made by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) audit of UNHCR’s anti-fraud controls in Registration, Refugee Status Determination and Resettlement in 2011. Staff and partner organization compliance with the antifraud guidelines has been improved. An electronic inventory tool of fraud event proGres Lite is being rolled out, as an interim measure until proGres Version 4 is developed in 2014. There are also ongoing training initiatives such as the development of a new Learning Programme to enhance in-depth interviewing and investigation skills for UNHCR anti-fraud focal points in the field.

Resettlement training

Coordination and partnerships

The Resettlement Learning Programme (RLP) launched in 2009 saw the completion of its first round of global roll-out following the conclusion of sessions benefiting operations across Asia and Latin America regions in 2012-2013. The RLP in 2014 will target operations involved in the resettlement of Congolese (DRC) refugees in Africa, as well as operations in MENA region. The first e-learning module “Managing an Effective Resettlement Operation” is among the most successful e-learning modules available on UNHCR’s “Learn and Connect” platform. As the second in a series, UNHCR is developing an e-learning module “Identification of Resettlement Needs and Submission Categories” to be launched in the course of 2013.

The ATCR/WGR process, chaired by Australia in 20112012 and Canada in 2012-2013, remained the principal forum for consultation and collaboration among States, NGOs, service providers, local community and UNHCR staff. For the ﬁrst time refugees adhered to the 2012 ATCR not just as speakers but also as members of country delegations. Also, to promote resettlement as a durable solution and protection tool, representatives from local communities and the private sector have been invited to share good practices in supporting refugee resettlement. A system to ensure continuity of issues between Chairs has been consolidated, and the ATCR secure website has been enhanced with a repository of good practices in cultural orientation amongst others.

As part of its multi-year plan of action to ramp up the resettlement of Congolese (DRC) refugees, UNHCR conducted a week-long training focusing on the enhancement of the quality of resettlement submissions of Congolese (DRC) refugees in Nairobi in May 2013. The training benefited resettlement staff from Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and southern Africa who are involved in preparing Congolese (DRC) cases for resettlement. The training aimed at bolstering the capacity of staff to effectively and expeditiously prepare quality resettlement submissions for this refugee population in sufficient numbers to meet the agreed annual targets. Topics addressed included interviewing survivors of trauma and assessing credibility; ensuring integrity, quality, and efficient processing through fraud awareness and prevention; incorporating best interests assessments to strengthen resettlement submissions; and effective writing to enhance the quality of both standard and abridged Resettlement Registration Forms (RRFs). The training was the product of a collaborative effort between UNHCR and resettlement partners, as presentations and workshop sessions were facilitated by UNHCR staff and consultants, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), and the Canadian and Australian High Commissions in Nairobi. Similar training will be replicated in other regions, such as South-West Asia.

The importance of partnerships in resettlement activities cannot be over-stressed. Partnerships have increased in importance in the current operational context where UNHCR needs to respond to multiple emergency refugee situations with limited resources. Resettlement deployment schemes operated by ICMC and RefugePoint continue to be invaluable to boost UNHCR’s resettlement processing capacity and to address increasing needs to assess best interests of children in the resettlement process. PRM also made available, on a rolling basis, six short term consultants from its Refugee Support Center in Nairobi in support of boosting processing capacity of UNHCR resettlement operations in Africa. Cooperation with IOM is indispensable in ensuring expeditious resettlement departures and family reuniﬁcation, in particular where exit logistics and procedures face challenges. The USA (Refugee Processing Center), IOM and UNHCR are in the process of developing a tripartite data sharing system to move towards automating the resettlement process.

Strategic directions 2013-2014

• promote resettlement as an integral component of comprehensive protection and solutions strategies, ensuring that durable solutions are applied in a complementary manner to maximize solutions opportunities for a higher number of refugees; • enhance the scale and responsiveness of the global resettlement scheme to ensure that refugees in need are provided with available resettlement opportunities through continuing efforts to broaden the resettlement base by promoting the enlargement of established resettlement quota and the establishment of new programmes; • call upon resettlement countries to apply ﬂexible selection criteria which are responsive to UNHCR priorities, including openness to receiving refugees who are recognized under UNHCR’s broader mandate; • promote further simpliﬁcation of resettlement procedures to increase effectiveness while ensuring the integrity of the process; encourage resettlement countries to accept the global templates for abridged RRFs in the largest possible number of operations to support expeditious resettlement processing;

• capacitate field operations through provision of field-oriented guidance, practical training and operational tools, as well as strategic deployments of affiliate workforce; • increase the acceptance rates of resettlement cases, in particular for dossier cases, through preparation of quality Resettlement Registration Forms (RRFs) and permanent dialogue with resettlement countries;

Introduction

The Resettlement Service will:

• intensify support to new and emerging resettlement countries to establish sustainable resettlement programmes through creative collaboration among all relevant stakeholders and sharing of good practices; • enhance linkages between the ATCR/WGR process and other multilateral fora such as the Annual NGO Consultations and ExCom to ensure all relevant stakeholders and partners are engaged in resettlement issues of common concern.

• ensure that the globally available resettlement places are fully utilized through effective management of UNHCR’s submissions and processing pipeline in close coordination with resettlement partners, notably in regard to UNHCR dossier submissions of emergency, urgent and medical cases; • mobilize resettlement countries’ multi-year commitments to current and emerging priority refugee situations designated for the strategic use of resettlement, and monitor progress against short, mid and longer-term objectives; • call upon the international community’s support to augment the capacity of the pool of emergency resettlement places and ensure its effective management, as well as explore evacuation options as life-saving measures for individual refugees and those in large-scale emergencies; • continue to maximize the available places in the ETFs by strict planning of movement, close monitoring of stay arrangements and to ensure that processing times are reduced to the extent possible; • further implement the plan of action on resettlement fraud prevention and control in line with the recommendations of the OIOS, with focus on development of training programmes, specialized training delivery, and global roll-out of an electronic inventory of fraud occurrences;

Africa

Trends in 2012

Burundi

submissions from Africa totalled 15,710 refugees. This represents a decrease from 22,267 submissions in 2011 and 24,062 in 2010. Refugees submitted for resettlement from Africa in 2012 originated from more than 27 different countries of origin. Departures from Africa increased slightly with 11,342 refugees departing in 2012 (compared to only 10,431 persons in 2011, but 14,865 in 2010).1

Cameroon Democratic Republic of the Congo Gabon Republic of the Congo Rwanda United Republic of Tanzania

East and Horn of Africa Chad Djibouti Eritrea Ethiopia Kenya

AFRICA

Central Africa and the Great Lakes

The ﬁve main countries of origin for refugees submitted for resettlement included: Democratic Republic of the Congo (42 per cent2 of submissions in 2012 compared to 18 per cent in 2011 and 14 per cent in 2010); Somalia (28 per cent of submissions in 2012 compared to 58 per cent in 2011 and 62 per cent in 2010); Eritrea (11 per cent of submissions in 2012 compared to 7 per cent in 2011 and 2010); Ethiopia (5 per cent of submissions in 2012 compared to 10 per cent in 2011 and 5 per cent in 2010); and Sudan (5 per cent submissions in 2012 compared to 2 per cent in 2011 and 5 per cent in 2010).

Somalia Sudan Uganda

Southern Africa Angola Botswana Malawi Mozambique Namibia South Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, Lesotho, Swaziland Zambia Zimbabwe

West Africa Côte d’Ivoire Ghana Liberia Nigeria Republic of Guinea Togo

Submissions were made to 13 resettlement countries. The USA continued to receive the majority of the submissions (59 per cent), followed by Canada (17 per cent), the United Kingdom and Australia (each 6 per cent), and Sweden and Norway (each 5 per cent). The reason for the decrease in submissions out of Africa is primarily due to the completion of largescale group/expedited resettlement processing, which ended in 2011, and the lack of accessibility to populations in Dadaab, Kenya, which used to comprise 10,000 submissions. To compensate for the decrease, UNHCR introduced a Mudende P2 group proposal in Rwanda for the USA, which came into effect at the end of 2012 and is expected to increase submission numbers in 2013. Evidently, individual identiﬁcation and processing of resettlement cases do not produce the high level of submissions that group processing does. Resettlement countries are reluctant to continue processing larger numbers of Somali refugees on a group basis. The introduction of the abridged RRF and more feasible Best Interests Assessment and Best Interests Determination requirements will help accelerate some submissions, but the effects remain to be seen. Furthermore, persistent access problems to Somali refugees in Eritrea and Kenya and to Eritrean refugees in east Sudan have limited the out-processing capacities of resettlement countries and have required the introduction of innovative processing methodologies.

Over 40,000 refugees already submitted for resettlement from countries in the east and horn of Africa sub-region are waiting for departure as a result of lengthy security clearance requirements applied by some countries.

UNHCR submitted 6,983 DRC refugees for resettlement during 2012, compared to 3,935 DRC refugee submissions in 2011 and 3,354 submissions in 2010.

FFF III CCC SSS SSS

UNHCR’s total resettlement capacity for 2014 by country of asylum*

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

Exclusively for internal UNHCR use

Mediter ra

nean Se a

d Re a Se

MALI

SUDAN R EP. OF CHAD

NIGER

ER ITR EA

SENEGAL GAMBIA BUR KINA FASO

GUINEA-BISSAU

Gulf

DJIBOUTI

of Ad

GUINEA SIER R A LEONE

BENIN

CÔTE D'IVOIR E

ETHIOPIA

NIGER IA

TOGO

LIBER IA

SOUTH SUDAN

GHANA

CENTR AL AFR ICAN R EPUBLIC SOMALIA

CAMER OON UGANDA

EQUATOR IAL GUINEA SAO TOME AND PR INCIPE

KENYA

R WANDA GABON

R EPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

DEMOCR ATIC R EPUBLIC BUR UNDI OF THE CONGO

INDIAN OCEAN UNITED R EPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

ATLANTIC OCEAN MALAWI

COMOR OS

ANGOLA ZAMBIA

MOZAMBIQUE MADAGASCAR ZIMBABWE

NAMIBIA

BOTSWANA

SWAZILAND SOUTH AFR ICA LESOTHO

20,000

10,000

2,000

UNHCR's estimated total resettlement capacity

** UNHCR UNHCR total total resettlement resettlement capacity capacity includes includes core core staffing staffing and and affiliate affiliate workforce. workforce. Printed: 06 June 2013

mapping@unhcr.org

ContinentMaps_ResettlementCapacity2011_A3.WOR

Field Information and Coordination Support Section

UNHCR has identified a number of referral and outprocessing challenges related to resettlement in Africa, including in the enhancement of DRC refugee resettlement. Processing of individual RRFs is a timeconsuming exercise, and required documentation in support of the resettlement of unaccompanied or separated children and medical cases is not always easily available. In an effort to expedite resettlement processing, UNHCR introduced the global use of a new abridged RRF, as approved and further guided by the USA. UNHCR is requesting that other resettlement countries also accept the abridged RRF. Moreover, concerted efforts need to be made to identify additional group/expedited processing scenarios in Africa. Identifying resettlement cases remains a challenging task due to poor registration data. While the data re-verification and profiling exercise for DRC refugees in Rwanda was successfully completed in 2012, such exercises have been ongoing in Burundi and Uganda in mid-2013 and are expected to commence in Tanzania in the second half of 2013. Efforts have been undertaken during the 2013 and 2014 country operation planning exercises to ensure the availability of required numbers of protection, registration, and resettlement staff and sufficient support staff, thereby allowing resettlement staff to concentrate on resettlement processing and less on the identification of refugees for resettlement. Access problems to Somali refugees in the Dadaab refugee camp and in Eritrea have been a further challenge. In addition to the ongoing temporary relocation of Somalis in Dadaab to other sites in Kenya and Somalis in Eritrea to Evacuation Transit Facilities, UNHCR continues to advocate for the increased use of videoconferencing and an increased quota for case processing on a dossier basis.

Strengthening the protection environment To strengthen coordination between operations in the ﬁeld, sub-regions, and Headquarters, and with the objective of increasing resettlement submissions out of Africa, a Task Force, chaired by the UNHCR Africa Bureau and supported by the Resettlement Service, was established in the summer of 2012 at the request of the High Commissioner. The Task Force is addressing key resettlement operations, such as Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and the southern Africa region, for the increased resettlement of DRC refugees; Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, for the continued resettlement of Somali refugees; Sudan, for the resettlement of Eritrean refugees; and Chad, for the resettlement of refugees from the Central African Republic and Darfur.

AFRICA

Addressing challenges

Expedited processing modalities, the resolution of logistical challenges in reaching refugee populations, and the boosting of stafﬁng capacity will be critical to meeting the resettlement needs and reaching the targets in 2014. Resettlement remains of utmost importance in all refugee operations in Africa, although its direct impact on advancing other durable solutions in countries of asylum remains challenging to measure. Priority will continue to be given to addressing protracted refugee situations by promoting comprehensive durable solutions strategies, which are embedded in overall protection strategies and consider all three durable solutions as appropriate. The implementation of the Comprehensive Strategies and Ceased Circumstances Cessation Clause for Angolan, Liberian, and Rwandan refugees has paved the way for the voluntary repatriation and local integration of these populations.

Limited child protection and Best Interests Assessment capacity for a large number of unaccompanied or separated refugee children pose anther signiﬁcant challenge. Selected operations in Africa continue to be supported by resettlement and child protection experts deployed through ICMC, and a special project to strengthen Best Interests Assessment and Best Interests Determination capacity will be implemented by RefugePoint as of mid-2013 with Norwegian funding. In early 2013, UNHCR also issued an Operational Guidance Note on Best Interests Assessments for Children being resettled with Only One Parent.3

The Operational Guidance Note: Best Interests Assessments for Children being Resettled with Only One Parent has been developed to provide guidance for resettlement and other protection staff in fulﬁlling the requirement for a Best Interests Assessment (BIA) in the situation of refugee children being considered for resettlement with just one parent without sole custody and where the other parent cannot be reached. This requirement was introduced in the 2011 Field Handbook for the Implementation of UNHCR BID Guidelines, and incorporated in the UNHCR Resettlement Handbook.

East and Horn of Africa

2014 Projected needs and targets

In the East and Horn of Africa sub-region, the protracted refugee situations continue to affect most severely Somali refugees (in particular in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Kenya), Eritrean refugees (in particular in the east of Sudan), and DRC refugees in Uganda.

Sub-regional Overviews Central Africa and the Great Lakes In the Central Africa and Great Lakes sub-region, 35,700 Burundians and 11,200 Rwandans returned in 2012. Compelling cases of Burundian4 and Rwandan refugees exempted from cessation will be submitted for resettlement in 2013/2014. Further priority will be given to the DRC refugees in the Great Lakes region and southern Africa, many of whom live in protracted camp situations in neighbouring countries. Facilitation of voluntary return to more stable parts of the DRC will be maintained5; however, resettlement has been increasingly sought for DRC refugees living in protracted refugee situations and originating from eastern DRC due to the on-going conﬂict, systematic human rights violations, and volatile security conditions in North/South Kivu and Province Orientale. UNHCR registered 45,854 new arrivals from the DRC in 2012 alone. In line with the common sub-regional approach to the increased resettlement of refugees from eastern DRC, and to enhance durable solutions, a multiyear plan of action6 was initiated in 2012 for these protracted refugee situations and will continue to be implemented in Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and the southern Africa region. By the end of 2012, the USA agreed to process out of Rwanda 10,000 DRC refugee survivors of the Mudende camp massacre under the P2 group submission programme. During the ﬁrst half of 2013, UNHCR more than doubled the projected resettlement needs of DRC refugees compared to previous year’s planning (56,630 DRC refugees for 2013, compared to 23,373 refugees for 2012 and 17,236 for 2011) and further increased the projected resettlement needs of DRC refugees to 65,638 in 2014.

The protracted refugee situation in Kenya continues to be approached as a priority situation for the strategic use of resettlement mainly for Somali and now also DRC refugees. The majority of Somali refugees have been faced with prolonged waiting periods for resettlement acceptances and departures. Moreover, the deteriorating security situation in the Dadaab camp, which has placed limitations on resettlement countries, such as the ability to conduct resettlement interviewing, led to a sharp decline of submissions from Kenya in 2012 (3,287 submissions in 2012 compared to 10,518 submissions in 2011 and 9,878 submissions in 2010). As a result, UNHCR has revised its strategy and is now limiting submissions to individual protection cases. To overcome the lack of access to Dadaab, videoconferencing7 was introduced, and refugees were relocated to the USfunded relocation centre in Kakuma refugee camp or to the IOM transit centre in Nairobi for resettlement processing. At the same time, while acknowledging that conditions in south and central Somalia are not yet conducive for facilitating, let alone promoting, large-scale voluntary repatriation, UNHCR has taken measures to ensure that ongoing spontaneous returns are taking place in safety and with dignity. In some countries, such as Kenya, Return Help Desks have been established to provide those who express their intention to return with updated information on the situation inside Somalia. 4

35,357 Burundian refugees repatriated from ex-Mtabila camp in Tanzania with the assistance of UNHCR.

71,900 DRC refugees returned in 2012, 46,800 of whom repatriated with UNHCR assistance.

In the context of a multi-year plan, UNHCR has proposed to submit a total of at least 50,000 DRC refugees from the east out of the Great Lakes region (at least 10,000 each out of Burundi and Rwanda between 2012 and 2015/16, and 15,000 out of Uganda and 15,000 out of Tanzania between 2014 and 2017/18).

Videoconferencing with refugees in Dadaab camp/Kenya has been carried out so far by Australia, Canada, Sweden, and the UK.

Africa: 2014 Projected global needs A. Region of Asylum

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target) in 2014

D. UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Central Africa & Great Lakes

10,247

43,648

2,849

11,517

1,185

5,297

East & Horn of Africa

70,846

272,271

6,449

19,675

2,708

8,902

Southern Africa

5,451

18,655

1,546

5,440

496

1,805

West Africa

1,911

5,693

280

834

192

453

Africa Total

88,455

340,267

11,124

37,466

4,581

16,457

Resettlement of Sudanese/Darfuri refugees on an individual basis out of the east of Chad resumed in 2013 following the ofﬁcial agreement of the Government of Chad in January 2013. Resettlement processing of DRC refugees out of Uganda was challenged by some 40,000 new DRC arrivals and the simultaneous implementation of a registration data re-veriﬁcation exercise, which will now serve as a base for increased submissions of Congolese (DRC) refugees from the country in the coming years.

Southern Africa In the Southern Africa sub-region, the refugee situation has remained stable, as there have not been signiﬁcant inﬂuxes of refugees. Opportunities for local integration and voluntary repatriation continue to be pursued, although they have been limited in most operations following the invocation of the cessation clause and the return of the Angolan refugees. Resettlement has gained prominence in comprehensive solutions planning and initiatives geared towards securing solutions for protracted refugee populations such as in Zambia. The ability for refugee populations in a protracted situation to attain an acceptable degree of self-reliance is often undermined by strictly enforced encampment policies and a lack of available integration prospects.

West Africa In the West Africa region, UNHCR proactively pursues comprehensive durable solutions strategies to capitalize on remaining options for resolving several protracted refugee situations. Most of these refugee situations are comprised of large groups of refugees who cannot or do not wish to repatriate. Local integration in West Africa remains limited in spite of existing regional frameworks, such as the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, Residence, and Establishment of the ECOWAS.8 This has proven to be an important mechanism for achieving solutions through local integration, for example for the Sierra Leonean and Liberian refugees who were exempted from cessation of refugee status. During 2012, some 72,700 refugees from Côte d’Ivoire returned home, among them 7,900 with UNHCR assistance, while some 100,000 Ivorian refugees remain in exile.

AFRICA

Eritrean refugees in eastern Sudan have been declared a protracted priority situation since 2008. Enhanced resettlement of Eritrean refugees out of Sudan took off following the approval by resettlement countries of a Concept Note in October 2011 (outlining a multi-year resettlement plan) and by the Government of Sudan in mid-2012.

The Mali crisis, which has all the indications of becoming a protracted refugee situation, has thus far led to the flight of around 200,000 refugees. Resettlement will be pursued as part of the implementation of comprehensive durable solutions strategies for Malian refugee communities. UNHCR is increasing its efforts to enhance its protection capacity in the region, with particular emphasis on the identification of refugees with specific needs, in light of boosting traditionally low resettlement numbers from the region. UNHCR maintains its advocacy for an increased quota for dossier submissions in order to address the small, mixed, and mainly urban refugee populations in the sub-region.

Consistent with efforts in the Great Lakes subregion to upscale the resettlement of DRC refugees, resettlement submissions of DRC refugees will continue to increase from the southern Africa subregion in 2014. Resettlement is a key protection tool to address the needs of survivors of xenophobic violence in South Africa and vulnerable refugees unable to cope with hardships in countries of asylum. Resettlement is carefully balanced against other on-going durable solutions efforts, particularly the voluntary repatriation and sustainable re-integration efforts for Angolan, Burundian, and Rwandan refugees as part of the comprehensive solutions strategies and invocations of the cessation clauses for these populations.

ECOWAS: Establishment of the Economic Community of West African States

Rwanda 3,000

Cameroon 350

Burundi

Democratic Republic of the Congo

2,700

Tanzania

637

Gabon

4,520

100

Republic of the Congo 210

LEGEND:

Country Name UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (persons)

Burundi ........................................................................................................................................................................ 28 Cameroon .................................................................................................................................................................... 30 Democratic Republic of the Congo .............................................................................................................................. 32 Gabon.......................................................................................................................................................................... 34 Republic of the Congo ................................................................................................................................................. 36

Central Africa and the Great Lakes

Rwanda........................................................................................................................................................................ 38 United Republic of Tanzania ......................................................................................................................................... 40

Historial Trends of UNHCR’s planned submissions 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Burundi

é 200

é 250

é 350

é 1,000

é 2,700

Cameroon

ê 50

é 500

ê 350

ê 250

é 350

Democratic Republic of the Congo

é 380

ê 290

ê 94

é 100

é 637

Gabon

ê0

é 500

è 500

ê 100

è 100

Republic of the Congo

é 300

é 360

ê 240

ê 121

é 210

Rwanda

ê 150

é 2,900

ê 1,200

é 2,400

é 3,000

Tanzania

ê 1,000

è 1,000

ê 980

é 1,520

é 4,520 27

Burundi Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 25,713 Congolese (DRC), 325 Rwandan, and 7 refugees of other nationalities living in the camps of Bwagiriza, Gasorwe, Musasa, and the site of Butare, and 15,636 Congolese (DRC), 103 Rwandan and 29 refugees of other nationalities in the urban area of Bujumbura. These populations were recognized by the Republic of Burundi under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, and the national law. There are also 299 individuals living in a refugee-like situation, namely Burundian spouses of refugees or children born from a Burundian father but left under the care of the refugee mother. Of the total refugee population registered by the Government in Burundi, 9,769 were women, 8,000 were men, and 24,044 were children. 478 were women and girls at risk, and 132 were unaccompanied or separated children. 8,400 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 9,400 in 2014.

Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 38

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

6.5

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban – 15,636 / camp - 25,713)

41,349

Rwanda (urban – 103 / camp – 325)

428

Various (urban – 29 / camp – 7)

Total refugee population

41,813

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban - 5,475 / camp - 210)

5,685

Rwanda (urban)

417

Various (urban)

Total asylum-seeker population

6,130

Individuals in a refugee-like situation

299

Total persons of concern

48,242

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Burundi is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, it has entered the following reservations to the 1951 Convention: wage-earning employment (Article 17), public education (Article 22), and freedom of movement (Article 26). Burundi considers these rights as recommendations, and not legally binding, but strives towards achieving them. In practice, Burundi bestows on these rights to refugees. Burundi is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Burundi are governed under law 1/32 of 13 November 2008 on asylum and protection of refugees in Burundi. The national institution for asylum is called the National Agency for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless (ONPRA). First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) and appeals are conducted by ONPRA. Current RSD procedures meet international standards with a functioning independent appeal instance body, individual hearings, and corresponding quality assessments of asylum claims. UNHCR also has an observer role during the asylum procedure. UNHCR is working with the Government of Burundi to improve these procedures by providing training to strengthen the capacity of government ofﬁcials. Although Burundi entered a reservation to the freedom of movement in the 1951 Convention, there is no encampment policy in Burundi. However, refugees in Burundi, in line with UNHCR’s policy, cannot settle near the borders of their countries of origin. Detention is not used for migration-related offenses. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees and no asylum-seekers in detention for migrationrelated offenses. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were two reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees in Burundi have the right to primary education and health assistance on the same basis as nationals, and similar to foreigners for secondary

Conﬂict and serious violations of human rights of civilians in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continue to cause displacement and new refugee arrivals. As a result, Congolese (DRC) refugees have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return. Burundi will apply the cessation clause for the Rwandan refugees, and UNHCR has been promoting their voluntary repatriation.

The Office is also prioritizing women and girls with specific vulnerabilities in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs. UNHCR’s partners for health are involved in the preidentification of medical resettlement cases, and the partners for the prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence and child protection are also involved in the pre-identification of cases through the use of the Heightened Risk Identification Tool (HRIT). Congolese Refugees from the DRC will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. In line with the common subregional approach to the increased resettlement of refugees from the eastern parts of DRC, and to enhance durable solutions, Burundi will submit a total of 10,000 Congolese refugees between 2012 and 2016. This will also allow for strengthening and widening the protection environment in Burundi.

Central Africa and the Great Lakes

and university education. Refugees have the right to work and beneﬁt from the most favourable treatment accorded to foreigners for liberal professions. In practice, employment policies grant preferences to nationals, and land scarcity, high unemployment rates, and modest prospects for naturalization limit selfreliance for refugees. While the protection situation is generally favourable, there continue to be instances of sexual and gender-based violence and protection risks for persons with high-level political proﬁles due to the complex geo-political nature of the region. Therefore, refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Burundi, although many refugees have been in the country for prolonged periods of time.

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 1,500 persons in 2014, based on current staffing levels. There are currently three core staff and two affiliate workforce staff, including one IUNV Associate Resettlement Officer and one ICMC deployee (Level 2), devoted to individual counselling and resettlement case processing and review.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 An estimate based on the protracted situation of the majority of refugees from the DRC and the specific protection needs of refugees listed in UNHCR’s proGres database were used in 2012 to identify the total resettlement needs. Based upon this assessment and the future outcome of the forthcoming verification exercise in 2013, it is expected that 2,700 Congolese (DRC) refugees could be identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to their date of arrival (particularly protracted refugee situations) and specific needs and profiles.

In order to meet the submissions of 2,700 persons planned for 2014, the Ofﬁce needs the current stafﬁng to be maintained and will additionally need one GL6 Resettlement Associate, two GL4 Resettlement Assistants, two ICMC deployees (Level I), one Best Interests Determination specialist, and support missions from the Regional Support Hub.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: • delay in the start of the veriﬁcation exercise (commenced in March 2013 instead of 2012); • limited UNHCR core resettlement staff, including for Best Interests Assessments/Determinations.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Democratic Republic of the Congo Various Total

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

2,000

10,000

540

2,700

300

1,500

300

2,060

10,300

540

2,700

300

1,500

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Cameroon Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 98,969 Central African, Nigerian, and Chadian refugees living in rural areas and in a camp; of which 8,007 refugees of Central African, Nigerian, Chadian, and other nationalities were living in urban areas in Yaoundé and Douala. All refugees in Cameroon have been recognized by UNHCR, under UNHCR’s mandate, the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Urban refugees have been recognized on an individual basis, while refugees in rural areas have been recognized on a prima facie basis.

Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT)

Among the total refugee population registered by UNHCR in Cameroon, there are 1,228 women and girls at risk and 153 unaccompanied or separated children. 5,000 new arrivals are expected in 2013. New arrivals in 2014 are still difﬁcult to predict in view of the unstable situation in Central African Republic (CAR), the country of origin of the majority of refugees in Cameroon.

Best estimate 39

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

0.3

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern Refugee population

01.01.13

persons 92,094

(urban - 4,851 / rural - 87,243)

Nigeria (rural)

3,220

Chad (urban - 1,473 / camp - 499)

1,972

Rwanda (urban)

830

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban)

456

Côte d’Ivoire (urban)

108

Various (urban)

289

Total refugee population

98,969

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Central African Republic (urban)

1,551

Chad (urban)

518

Guinea (urban)

251

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban)

234

Côte d’Ivoire (urban)

211

Senegal (urban)

129

Rwanda (urban)

101

Various (urban)

131

Total asylum-seeker population

3,126

Total persons of concern

102,095

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Cameroon is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Cameroon is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Cameroon are governed under law no. 2005/006 of 27 July 2005. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) and appeals are conducted by UNHCR. There are no legal restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Cameroon. Detention is sometimes used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry. As of 1 January 2013, there was no record of registered refugees or asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offenses. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees have the rights to legal residence, primary education, public health care, and employment in Cameroon. Upon recognition, adult refugees receive from UNHCR a refugee identity card and family composition attestation which entitle them to legal residence, public education, and public health care. All refugee children, like Cameroonian children, have the right to free primary education in public schools. Despite the fact that refugees should, in principle, enjoy all their basic rights, they face harsh living conditions as well as major difficulties in finding employment. Their limited incomes mainly come from the informal job market and are often insufficient to reach self-reliance. The job market in general offers limited opportunities and is highly competitive as employers usually prefer to hire nationals. Therefore, the majority of refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Cameroon.

resettlement in 2014. If the Office receives two missions of two weeks each by the Regional Office in Dakar and a GL 4 Resettlement Assistant, as requested, the Office could submit 350 persons in 2014. The number of submissions could be further increased, should the Office also receive an ICMC resettlement deployee for three to six months.

Central Africa and the Great Lakes

The large majority of refugees in Cameroon come from CAR where the security situation is still volatile. Therefore, CAR refugees have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity at the moment. UNHCR continues to monitor the situation, particularly in the north of the country, and currently advises against return. UNHCR facilitated the voluntary return of approximately 1,500 Chadian refugees who had been residing in Langui refugee camp since 2008, and it continues to do so for urban Chadian refugees.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Specific needs codes in proGres and participatory assessments were used in 2013 to identify the total resettlement needs. 350 refugees were identified for submission in 2014 mainly based on specific needs and vulnerabilities. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to large family size, protracted stay in the country of asylum, and specific needs, such as female-headed households and women and girls at risk. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: Refugees are not easily reachable (lack of phone contacts, high mobility due to job searches). They often lack mandatory documentation such as civil registry documents (mainly birth certificates). There are also a number of complex family composition and child custody issues. Finally, resettlement staff are involved in multiple protection and clerical tasks. The Office has hired a psychologist who regularly receives refugees in need of support (mainly survivors of violence and torture and women and girls at risk) and has trained staff from UNHCR and partners on the identification of resettlement cases, in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs. Social workers of UNHCR’s partner are also referring cases of women at risk following counselling sessions and field visits. With the current two core resettlement staff, the Office has the capacity to submit 250 persons for

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Central African Republic

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

200

800

300

200

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Chad

Various Total

230

920

350

250

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Democratic Republic of the Congo Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state

facie basis by the DRC Government according to national legislation Loi no. 021/2002 du 16 octobre 2002 portant statut des réfugiés en République Démocratique du Congo, or prior to that law under UNHCR’s mandate. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR in the DRC, 15,171 were women, 12,989 were men, and 36,949 were children. No exact record of women at risk and unaccompanied or separated children is available. Several thousand new arrivals, mainly from the Central African Republic, are expected in 2013 and 2014.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Rwanda (urban – 351 / rural - 50,385)

50,736

Burundi (urban – 797 / rural - 8,571)

9,368

Sudan (urban – 44 / rural - 2,461)

2,505

Central African Republic (urban – 33 / rural - 1,658)

1,691

Republic of the Congo (urban – 135 / rural – 597)

732

Various (urban)

Total refugee population

65,109

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Burundi

862

Rwanda

748

Republic of the Congo

125

Various

Total asylum-seeker population

1,826

Total persons of concern

66,935

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 50,385 Rwandan refugees, 8,571 Burundian refugees, 2,461 Sudanese refugees, 1,658 Central African refugees, and 597 Congolese (COB) refugees living in rural areas. Of the Rwandan refugees living in rural areas, an estimated 43,000 refugees were living in inaccessible parts of the country. 1,437 refugees of various nationalities were living in urban areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These populations were recognized an individual or prima 32

The DRC is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, with no reservations. The DRC is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in the DRC are governed under the Loi no. 021/2002 du 16 octobre 2002. The national institution for asylum is called la Commission nationale pour les réfugiés. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by this body, and appeals are conducted by a specialized Commission de recours. Current RSD procedures do not yet fully meet international standards because the Government of the DRC took over the RSD from UNHCR only in the beginning of 2012. UNHCR is working with the Government of the DRC to improve these procedures by providing training to both members and staff of the Commission nationale pour les réfugiés and the Commission de recours. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within the DRC. Detention is not used for migration-related offences. There were no known cases of refoulementt in the previous year. The refugee law accords to refugees the same rights as nationals with regard to education, health, work, and social assistance. In practice, this means that refugees ﬁnd themselves living under the same precarious conditions as DRC citizens do, with few jobs available and limited access to land. Wide-spread animosity among the DRC population, especially towards Rwandan refugees, seriously limits the prospects for local integration for these refugees. Therefore, most refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in the DRC. While possibilities for repatriation in safety and dignity are in principle available for some nationalities (Rwanda, Burundi), and repatriation of Rwandan refugees is ongoing, almost none of the other main refugee populations (Burundi, Sudan) show an interest in voluntary repatriation. Refugees of other nationalities are reluctant to repatriate until political changes occur in their countries of origin.

Central Africa and the Great Lakes Newly arrived refugees from Central African Republic at a transit centre in northern Democratic Republic of the Congo. © UNHCR / G. Casteele / April 2013

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 refugees throughout the DRC, with difficult access (distances, bad roads). The Office has also reviewed case files of urban refugees in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014.

The best estimate and Heightened Risk Identiﬁcation Tool (HRIT) methodologies were used throughout the year 2012 to identify the total resettlement needs. HRIT assessments take place on a continuous basis for urban refugees; a special HRIT mission was conducted for rural Congolese refugees (COB) in 2010. 40 Rwandan refugees who arrived in the DRC around 1994 as unaccompanied or separated children and a group of 597 Congolese refugees (COB) in a protracted situation were identiﬁed as in need of resettlement.

The Office will have extremely limited capacity to complete RRFs in 2014. There are currently no core staff and no affiliate workforce devoted to resettlement counselling and resettlement case preparation and review. In order to meet the submissions of 637 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need extensive support from the Regional Support Hub in the form of support missions and additional workforce.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: the absence of resettlement staff in the regional representation in the DRC; and the dispersal of

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Republic of the Congo

316

597

316

597

Rwanda

356

637

356

637

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Gabon Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 1,663 refugees, comprising 994 from Chad, 317 from the Republic of the Congo (COB) and 352 refugees of other nationalities. Given that there is no encampment policy in Gabon, the majority of refugees have chosen to live in urban areas (90 per cent) while the remaining resides in rural areas. These populations were mainly recognized on an individual basis by the Government of Gabon under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees or the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa and under the national law. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR in Gabon, 421 were women, 804 were men, and 438 were children. 60 were women and girls at risk, and there were no unaccompanied or separated children. 50 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 30 in 2014.

1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 31

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Chad*

994

Republic of the Congo**

317

Various

352

Total refugee population

1,663

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo***

1,257

Chad

877

Various

246

Total asylum-seeker population

2,380

Total persons of concern

4,043

Chadians live in Libreville (547 refugees and 242 asylumseekers), Franceville (143 refugees and 324 asylum-seekers), Koulamoutou (103 asylum-seekers) and various other locations (304 refugees and 208 asylum-seekers).

** Congolese (COB) refugees live in Libreville (211) and various other locations (106). *** Congolese (DRC) asylum-seekers live in Libreville (727), Franceville (306) and various other locations (224).

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Gabon is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, with no reservations. Gabon is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Gabon are governed under the “Loi 5/98 du 05 mars 1998 portant statut de réfugié en République Gabonaise”. The national institution for asylum is called the National Commission for Refugees (NRC). First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the Eligibility Sub-Commission of the NRC, and appeals are conducted by the Appeals Board. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards because as of 2009 there have been no eligibility sessions at the NRC or appeals at the Appeals Board, except for an exemption session for certain persons from the Republic of the Congo. A total of 61 exemption applications have been pending re-examination by the Appeals Board since 2011. Rejected asylum-seekers do not receive written and justified notifications. UNHCR is working with the Government to improve these procedures by advocating the restructuring of the NRC. Due to this situation, there is a backlog of 2,380 registered asylum-seekers awaiting decisions on their asylum applications. There are no formal restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Gabon. However, refugees and asylum-seekers faced difficulties with regard to movement as their documents are often not renewed on time, due to the fact that NRC is only present in Libreville. Also, their documents are not recognized by some law enforcement officials especially those at check points resulting in some arrests, for which UNHCR regularly intervenes. Detention is used for migration-related offences, such as irregular entry or overstay. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees and asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offenses. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: the Office has very limited capacity to identify cases and complete RRFs with current core protection staff. The refugees are scattered in nine provinces of Gabon while UNHCR is present only in Libreville with a small team. The proGres database has not been updated since 2005 (last verification). The Office will conduct a profiling exercise in 2013 during which persons with specific needs including women and girls at risk will be identified (a UNHCR partner would then assess their needs) in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by a UNHCR partner.

Local integration is achieved through acquisition of residency permits or through limited access to naturalization. The conditions to acquire a residency permit are almost inaccessible to refugees as many of them do not meet the conditions, e.g. proof of employment. A residency permit costs USD 1,000 (which must be renewed every two years at a cost of USD 300 for persons aged 16 and above), therefore, most refugees have very limited or no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Gabon.

Refugees from Chad and the DRC will benefit from multi-year resettlement planning. Refugees from Chad are in a protracted situation (approximately 20 years) and those from the DRC are protracted asylum-seekers (7-8 years of asylum without an RSD decision). It is estimated that some 100 individuals from the DRC who have yet to have their asylum application assessed may have resettlement needs. As of 2013, the Office with the support of the Regional Office in Kinshasa plans to accelerate the RSD process by providing support to the Government. In cases of emergency for those with urgent protection needs, the Office will undertake mandate RSD on an exceptional basis.

The Ofﬁce is exploring the possibility of a legal framework for voluntary repatriation of refugees from Chad. Prospects for voluntary return will depend on intention proﬁling exercise planned in 2013 and improved security in potential areas of return. Some refugees from Chad and those from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

Central Africa and the Great Lakes

Refugees have the same rights as Gabonese citizens with regard to education, registration fees for school and university, as well as access to basic social services, according to national legislation. However, it also stipulates that in terms of employment refugees will be treated in the same manner as foreigners who must have, among other things, a work permit issued by the Ministry of Employment as well as a residency permit. The cost of health care in Gabon is very high due to a recent implementation of a health insurance that, despite pledges made by authorities as a result of UNHCR advocacy, does not yet incorporate all groups of vulnerable people including refugees. The scattering of refugees and the scarcity of health facilities also make access to primary health care and essential medicines difﬁcult.

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 45 persons in 2014. There is currently one core staff and no affiliated workforce, devoted to resettlement counselling and resettlement case preparation and review. In order to meet the submission of 100 persons planned for 2014, the Office will additionally need support missions from the Regional Support Hub in Nairobi (quarterly basis) for identification, completion of RRFs and submission to resettlement countries.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 The Heightened Risk Identification Tool (HRIT) and profiling have been used to identify the total resettlement needs. 65 Chadian refugees and 35 from other nationalities will be identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to legal and physical protection needs, women and girls at risk, and those without local integration prospects. Special attention will be also given to survivors of violence and/or torture and refugees with medical needs.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Chad

Various

150

Total

225

100

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Republic of the Congo Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 98,455 refugees living mainly in the north-eastern part of the country (Likouala and Cuvette) with a small number (4,460 refugees) residing in urban centers (Brazzaville and Pointe Noire). The vast majority of the Congolese (DRC) and Rwandan populations were recognized on prima facie basis by the Republic of the Congo (COB) under the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR and the Government, 22,419 were women, 21,234 were men, 27,505 were girls and 27,297 were boys. 2,537 were women and girls at risk, and 253 were unaccompanied or separated children. If the area in the DRC which neighbours the COB remains calm, only a very small number of refugees are expected to arrive in 2013 and 2014.

Protection environment and prospects

Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 48

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

0.2

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban – 494 / rural - 88,930)

89,424

Rwanda (urban - 3,751 / rural - 4,653)

8,404

Angola (urban)

322

Central African Republic

116

Various

189

Total refugee population

98,455

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban)

2,588

Rwanda

221

Chad

161

Central African Republic

136

Various

213

Total asylum-seeker population

3,319

Others of concern*

980

Total persons of concern

102,754

* Angolan refugees whose refugee status ceased; children with one Congolese parent, hence entitled to Congolese nationality, and children without birth certiﬁcate.

for durable solutions The Republic of the Congo is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. COB is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in COB are governed under several laws, decrees, and orders, and there is no comprehensive refugee law. The Congolese Constitution of 20 January 2002 recognizes the right to seek asylum in Article 15 and the supremacy of international and regional instruments over domestic laws in Article 184. Act No. 23-96 of 06 June 1996 lays down the conditions for entry, stay, and exit of foreigners and contains general provisions on refugees in its Chapter III. The national institutions for asylum are called the National Refugee Assistance Committee (CNAR), created in 1999. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) interviews are conducted by CNAR, and decisions are taken by the Eligibility Commission. Appeals are conducted by the Refugee Appeals Commission. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards because of the absence of a national legal framework and significant delays in obtaining decisions. UNHCR is working with the Government of COB to improve these procedures by providing training, materials, and technical support to CNAR. Officially, refugees can travel freely within the country; however, refugees travelling from their place of permanent residence to another district and holding documents registered in another area are often victims of arbitrary arrest during identity checks by local authorities and are obliged to pay fines in order to be released. Refugees who move permanently to a new area outside of the capital city are requested to inform the local authorities, but no formal permission to relocate is required. Refugees who wish to live in the capital city and are in need of support or assistance are required to obtain formal permission from CNAR to live there. Permission is rarely refused if there is a valid reason to move. Most refugees who can support themselves can live without a problem in COB whether or not they have informed CNAR.

The speciﬁc needs codes in the proGres database and participatory assessments were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 114 DRC refugees from the DRC, 90 refugees originating from Rwanda exempted from the cessation clause, and six refugees of other nationalities were identiﬁed for submission in 2014.

Despite the lack of comprehensive refugee legislation, refugees have the right to work, health care, education, and employment and do not face major human rights issues apart from being subject to arbitrary arrest when traveling within the country.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: dispersal of refugees in local communities and difﬁculties in accessing them; delays in RSD decisions; and an undetermined number of Rwandan refugees exempted from the cessation clause.

Though refugees have the right to work, there are very limited employment opportunities due to the country’s emergence from a period of serious disturbances and conﬂicts. Moreover, preference is generally given to Congolese (COB) citizens. In the North, where refugees often outnumber the national population, tensions arise over the competition for natural resources.

In addition to identification by UNHCR staff, the Office has also increased the involvement of partners (medical and community services) in the identification and referral of resettlement cases in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of the resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. Cases are identified by partners through refugee reception hours or interactions with refugees during planned activities. Cases are then referred to UNHCR protection staff using a standardized form.

Citizenship is limited to children who were born in COB and is sometimes possible for refugees married to Congolese (COB) citizens. For other refugees, obtaining citizenship ﬁrst requires that an individual presents a passport with a valid visa for COB. This is challenging, particularly for refugees with limited income and individuals who come from countries that do not provide access to national passports in COB (i.e. Rwanda and Angola). Therefore, many refugees, in particular those living in urban areas have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in COB.

Central Africa and the Great Lakes

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR’s submission

To UNHCR’s knowledge, detention is not used for migration-related offenses. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees and asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offenses. UNHCR is granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year.

The Ofﬁce will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 210 persons in 2014. There is currently one core staff (Resettlement Associate) and one afﬁliate workforce (IUNV) staff devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review.

Throughout 2013 and 2014, voluntary repatriation will continue to the Equator province for DRC refugees currently living in the north-eastern part of COB, due to the large numbers of refugees who would like to return. There is limited interest from DRC refugees from outside of the north-eastern part of COB to return. The cessation clause for Rwandan refugees is expected to be declared by the Government of COB in 2013. UNHCR will continue to promote voluntary repatriation to Rwanda, but it is anticipated that only a few will choose this option; therefore, UNHCR will continue to advocate for their local integration. It is expected that approximately 200 refugees from Rwanda will beneﬁt from exemption from the cessation clause.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Rwanda Various Total

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

150

450

114

182

546

210

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Rwanda Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place

2,282 were women and girls at risk, and 3,055 were unaccompanied or separated children. Following renewed hostilities in the DRC in April 2012, 19,989 refugees arrived during the ﬁrst wave of the refugee inﬂux (27 April to 31 October 2012), and 11,443 have been received so far in the second wave (November 2012 to March 2013). The number of arrivals has averaged 100 per day since April 2012.

proGres database in place

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 24

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo

57,857

Various

355

Total refugee population

58,212

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban)

1,445

Various

Total asylum-seeker population

1,476

Total persons of concern

59,688

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 58,212 refugees in Rwanda. Of these, 15,877 refugees live in the Kiziba Camp, 13,987 in Gihembe, 11,443 in Nyabiheke, 14,668 in Kigeme camp and 540 at the Nkamira Transit Center. A total of 1,697 are urban refugees. The overwhelming majority of the refugee population consists of 57,857 Congolese (DRC). In addition, UNHCR has registered 333 Burundian, and two dozen refugees of other nationalities. The camps host predominantly Congolese (DRC) refugees while the small portion of mixed nationalities is urban. The camp populations were recognized on a prima facie basis while the urban populations were recognized on an individual basis by the Government of Rwanda under the 1951 Convention. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR and the Government of Rwanda, 16,025 are women, 9,837 are men, and 32,350 are children. 38

Rwanda is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, with no reservations. Rwanda is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Rwanda are governed under Law No: 34/2001 and No: 29/2006 on Refugees. The national institution for asylum is called the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR). First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the National Council for Refugees (NRC), and appeals are conducted by the High Court. Current RSD procedures meet basic international standards. A review of the refugee legislation was conducted, and UNHCR actively provided comments. The amendments to the 2001 and 2006 laws have yet to be finalized, though UNHCR is confident that positive changes will be made. The current NRC members were nominated in 2012 and received RSD training from UNHCR. The processing and adjudication of asylum applications remains lengthy. UNHCR has been requested to perform an observer role, but this has yet to be fully instituted in practice. UNHCR is working with the Government of Rwanda to improve these procedures by conducting training for the members of the NRC, the judiciary, and police departments. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Rwanda. Detention is used for migration-related offences. As of 1 January 2013, there was one registered refugee in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees have the right to freedom of movement, employment, and other services similar to other foreign nationals in Rwanda. Most jobs available to refugees involve casual labour and domestic work. The lack of economic and professional prospects for refugees impedes the achievement of financial independence and self-sufficiency. The ability to absorb the refugee population through naturalization is presently not seen as a possibility. Therefore, refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Rwanda. According to the results of an intentions survey conducted during the verification exercise in 20112012, 93 per cent of the Congolese (DRC) refugees indicated an unwillingness to return to the DRC. The vast majority cited concerns related to insecurity and ethnic violence. These reports and views are

A local aid worker ﬁxes the roof of a house on the main street of Kiziba camp. Established in December 1996, the camp covers an area of 28 hectares, divided into 10 neighbourhoods. Shelters are built using wooden poles, mud and plastic sheeting.

corroborated by objective country of origin information and by the testimonies of an inﬂux of refugees following renewed hostilities, which began in April 2012. To accommodate the new arrivals, a new camp was opened in June 2012, and it hosted 14,668 refugees as of December 2012. As a result, Congolese refugees from the Eastern DRC have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Profiling, protection assessments, and specific needs codes in proGres were used during the 2011-2012 verification exercise (conducted jointly with the Government of Rwanda, World Food Programme, and other partners) to identify resettlement needs. Having already submitted 2,250 Congolese (DRC) refugees in 2012 and planning to submit at least 2,400 in 2013, UNHCR will be submitting at least 3,000 individuals in 2014 and 3,000 individuals in 2015 through group and individual submissions. In line with the common sub-regional approach to the increased resettlement of refugees from the eastern parts of the DRC, and to enhance durable solutions, Rwanda will submit a total of 10,000 Congolese refugees between 2012 and 2015. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to length of stay and vulnerabilities identified through the specific needs codes. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: The Best Interests Determination (BID) processing capacity is low, and there is a large number of unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) requiring BIDs. The data regarding refugees frequently changes which slows the process as changes to data need to be agreed upon with the Government

of Rwanda. The Office has limited core resettlement staff and will continue to require extensive support from deployment schemes (resettlement and BID deployees). The Regional Support Hub has secured a partnership with the Refugee Support Centre to ensure quarterly deployments to the operation in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs. UNHCR’s partners in the health sector identify medical cases; two of their staff members attended training in Nairobi to enhance their case identification skills.

Central Africa and the Great Lakes

Refugees from the Eastern DRC will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. This follows the results of the re-registration exercise where a group of 11,000 survivors of the 1997 Mudende camp massacre were identified as in need of resettlement, being survivors of violence and/or torture. The United States Government has designated this group for group processing. Resettlement of this group will help in managing population numbers, improve physical living conditions, allow for better provision of services in the camps, and create additional protection space. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 3,000 persons in 2014. There are currently six core staff and five affiliate workforce staff, including one RSC and four ICMC deployees, devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 3,000 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need to maintain the current core staffing. The operation will also continue to require IUNV, ICMC, and RSC deployments in 2014 and missions from the Regional Support Hub.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo

3,800

13,300

857

3,000

342

1,200

Total

3,800

13,300

857

3,000

342

1,200

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

United Republic of Tanzania Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

Refugee Problems in Africa, and the national 1998 Refugees Act. Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR in Tanzania, 23,732 were women, 21,160 were men, and 56,129 were children. A total of 894 were women and girls at risk, and 1,717 were unaccompanied or separated children. 5,000 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 5,000 in 2014.

UNHCR owns proGres database

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

4.5

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban – 3 / camp – 63,327)

63,330

Burundi (settled in villages – 22,227 / camp – 4,248 / old settlements – 8,867 / rural – 1)

35,343

Somalia (settlement)

2,103

Various (urban – 3 / camp – 242)

245

Total refugee population

101,021

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban – 101 / camp – 305 / rural - 51)

457

Burundi (urban – 7 / camp – 2 / rural - 21)

Various (urban)

Total asylum-seeker population

514

Total persons of concern

101,535

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 63,327 Congolese (DRC), 4,248 Burundian and 242 refugees of other nationalities living in Nyarugusu camp as well as 8,867 Burundian refugees in old settlements and 22,227 in villages in the Kigoma area, and 2,103 Somali refugees in Chogo settlements. The majority of these populations have been recognized on a prima facie basis by the Government of Tanzania and by UNHCR under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, UNHCR’s mandate, the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of

Tanzania is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Tanzania has not entered any formal reservations to the 1951 Convention, but it has placed limitations to the right to work and freedom of movement, Article 24 and 26. Tanzania is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Tanzania are governed under the 1998 Refugees Act. The National Eligibility Committee (NEC) is convened by the Director of the Refugee Services Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the NEC, and appeals are conducted by the Minister for Home Affairs. The current RSD procedures generally meet international standards. Nevertheless, UNHCR is working with the Government of Tanzania to improve the RSD procedures by developing the capacity of NEC members through trainings and workshops. The Government of Tanzania is in the process of reviewing the Refugee Act, the Immigration Act, and the Citizenship Act. The Government of Tanzania has also indicated an interest in formulating an urban refugee policy in 2013. There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Tanzania. The Government of Tanzania enforces a strict encampment policy, and refugees can only move out of the camp if individual travel permits are granted. Detention is used for migration-related offenses, including irregular entry into the country. Asylum-seekers arriving in mixed migratory flows are treated as irregular migrants and are exposed to strict penalties and detention. Persons of concern leaving designated areas without authorization and identity documents are also at risk of detention. UNHCR will support the Government of Tanzania in including relevant refugee protection mechanism during the drafting process of the new Detention Act. It also continues its efforts to build the capacity of border officials and generally improve asylum procedures. As of 1 January 2013, there were approximately 380 refugees and some 200 asylumseekers detained for migration-related offences, mainly Somalis and a few Ethiopians. UNHCR is regularly granted access to prisons and detention centres. There were no reported cases of refoulement in 2012. Refugees have the rights to education and health care within their designated areas, and outside these areas when in possession of travel permission from the authorities. The 1998 Refugee Act stipulates that refugees are allowed to work if they are granted

will be identified according to their year of arrival, place of origin, and individual protection needs. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: The increase and retention of core and support staff, which so far have proven to be challenging, are crucial to meet the increased resettlement target in 2014. The Office also needs additional support for equipment, logistics, and office space. A barcode file tracking system is lacking, but will be implemented in 2014. The Office has also continued its focus on identification of women and girls at risk and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. Partners, including NGOs, need to become involved in identification or resettlement referrals, including for women and girls at risk and other vulnerable groups.

Prospects for voluntary repatriation to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remain limited due to the prevailing security situation in the eastern part of the DRC. Therefore, Congolese (DRC) refugees have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return, even if the Government of Tanzania is proposing to shift the Congolese (DRC) repatriation modality from facilitation to promotion. With regard to Burundian refugees who used to live in Mtabila camp, a specially agreed process to determine individual needs for continued refugee status and international protection was carried out jointly with the Government of Tanzania in 2012. As a result, a total of 34,052 Burundian refugees returned home in an orderly, safe, and digniﬁed manner, and some 2,700 Burundians were determined to need continued international protection. The authorities have asked UNHCR to resettle this lattter group.

Refugees from the DRC will beneﬁt from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. In line with the common sub-regional approach to the increased resettlement of refugees from the eastern parts of the DRC, and to enhance durable solutions, Tanzania will submit a total of 15,000 Congolese refugees between 2012 and 2016/2017.

Central Africa and the Great Lakes

work permits by the Director of the Refugee Services Department. In practice, refugees are not allowed to work, thus hindering their ability to become selfsufficient. Since 2012, the Government of Tanzania no longer refers to the unofficial “refugee-free zone” policy, which is a positive development. However, refugees still have no immediate prospects for longterm local integration in Tanzania despite having been hosted by the country in large numbers for decades. Public attitudes towards refugees have become increasingly negative, particularly in refugee-hosting areas, partly as a result of refugees being repeatedly and publicly blamed by governmental officials for the increase in crime levels. The local integration initiative for Burundians who arrived in 1972 (approximately 160,000 persons) is hence not an option for any other refugee group.

The Office, with increased capacity, will be able to complete RRFs for 4,520 persons in 2014. There are currently four core staff and 10 affiliate workforce staff (including four IUNVs, two ICMC deployees, and four UNOPS interpreters) devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 4,520 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need to increase its core staff and has requested 8 additional UNHCR staff (2 GL6, 1 GL5, 3 GL4, and 2 dedicated drivers) and 11 affiliate workforce staff (2 IUNV, 3 ICMC resettlement deployees, and 6 interpreters under UNOPS contracts). The increase by two additional GL6 positions is expected to enhance the capacity of national staff and ensure continuity by avoiding gaps created by high staff turnover due to the remote and difficult working conditions in the refugee camps in Kasulu.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 An estimate based on the protracted situation of the majority of refugees from the DRC and the specific protection needs of refugees listed in UNHCR’s proGres database were used to identify the total resettlement needs for 2014. 3,000 refugees from the DRC, 1,500 from Burundi, and 20 others have been identified for submission in 2014, pending confirmation by the 2013 verification exercise. Congolese (DRC) cases prioritized for resettlement

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Democratic Republic of the Congo

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

3,000

15,000

600

3,000

300

1,500

Burundi

540

2,700

300

1,500

150

750

Various

3,544

17,720

904

4,520

452

2,260

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Eritrea 75

Sudan

Chad

2,815

1,600

Ethiopia 3,890

Djibouti 720

Uganda

Somalia

4,270

Kenya 6,280

LEGEND:

Country Name UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (persons)

East and Horn of Africa

Eritrea........................................................................................................................................................................... 52 Ethiopia ........................................................................................................................................................................ 54 Kenya........................................................................................................................................................................... 58 Somalia ........................................................................................................................................................................ 62 Sudan .......................................................................................................................................................................... 64 Uganda ........................................................................................................................................................................ 66

Historial Trends of UNHCR’s planned submissions 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Chad

ê 220

é 9,510

ê 1,510

ê 1,500

é 1,600

Djibouti

ê 300

é 950

ê 580

é 600

é 720

Eritrea

ê0

é 1,695

ê 366

ê 205

ê 75

Ethiopia

ê 480

é 1,686

é 2,818

é 3,180

é 3,890

Kenya

ê 1,786

é 18,110

ê 13,128

ê 7,500

ê 6,280

Somalia

ê 50

é 414

ê 175

ê 125

ê 25

Sudan

ê 625

é 1,750

é 3,100

ê 1,500

é 2,815

Uganda

ê 50

é 4,073

é 4,580

ê 3,470

é 4,270 43

Regional Resettlement Unit Resettlement within the Regional Solutions Strategy Resettlement forms a key part of the regional solutions strategy as there is currently limited scope for other durable solutions for the two million refugees in the region. Voluntary repatriation is taking place to Burundi and Rwanda and is being explored for Somalia in defined circumstances. For other countries, voluntary repatriation is either limited or not feasible. Local integration is very restricted in the majority of countries, though UNHCR continues to advocate with countries of asylum to provide possibilities for this solution. Certain refugee groups have been able to achieve a high level of selfreliance in their countries of asylum. There are also several protracted refugee populations in the region, mainly for refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Eritrea, and Somalia, for whom solutions are being sought, including resettlement. There is increased focus by resettlement countries and UNHCR on providing more resettlement opportunities for refugees from the region, in particular for the new Congolese (DRC) priority situation in 2012, which has resulted in a significant increase of refugees from eastern DRC being submitted for resettlement. While this is a welcome initiative, it is also necessary to continue maintaining resettlement opportunities for refugees of other nationalities, in particular those belonging to other priority situations, such as Somali refugees in Dadaab. The protracted priority situation in eastern Sudan benefits from a multi-year plan to resettle ethnic minority Eritrean refugees. Concerted efforts are also underway to address longstanding pending resettlement cases and process refugee cases in locations that are difficult to access. This is partly being done through videoconferencing for interviews, evacuation to Emergency Transit Centres, and the full use of dossier spaces. One of the key priority situations for the strategic use of resettlement in the region, namely Somali refugees in Kenya, has been seriously affected by the prevailing security situation in Dadaab, which has resulted in limited access by resettlement countries to this population and the use of alternatives for interviewing and processing. Emergency, urgent, and dossier resettlement places are also maximized to respond to serious protection and medical needs.

Role and Scope of the Regional Support Hub in Nairobi In order to support the regional solutions strategy, the Regional Support Hub in Nairobi provides oversight functions, policy support, and training, and also facilitates case processing for resettlement activities in the following 13 countries: Burundi, DRC, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Hub employs a multi-functional approach as successful resettlement touches upon many facets of a refugee’s experience from registration, to refugee status determination, assistance, protection interventions, child protection, community information, outreach, and submissions of the case for resettlement. This entails an integrated, collaborative interaction between resettlement countries, host countries, partners, and units within UNHCR. Resettlement is a tangible expression of responsibility-sharing in a region which continues to produce refugees due to on-going and intermittent conflicts. In 2012, 9,025 refugees were submitted from countries covered by the Hub plus 3,287 refugees from Branch Office Kenya. In 2014, 22,388 refugees will be submitted from the countries covered by the HUB plus 6,280 refugees from Branch Office Kenya, including 1,117 Congolese refugees and 3,673 Somali refugees (the latter in particular out of Kenya).

Key Activities to Support Resettlement in 2014 In 2014, activities by the Regional Support Hub in Nairobi will include providing guidance and advice to harmonize the application of criteria, policies and procedures; acting as a central submissions point in UNHCR for resettlement countries; conducting case quality review; interacting with resettlement countries with regard to quotas, criteria, and processing support; providing training to resettlement staff; supporting host countries with planning and case processing; as well as leveraging other protection and solutions outcome and enhancing the protection environment as a result of resettlement. Generally the Hub aims to ensure the quality, efﬁciency, and integrity of the process.

Staffing and Resource Needs The Regional Support Hub in Nairobi currently has seven core staff and six affiliate workforce staff, including four ICMC deployees, one secondment from the Government of Norway, and one staff member on a Temporary Assistance contract. In addition to current staffing, in order to meet the objectives for 2014, the Regional Support Hub will need to maintain current staffing levels and also request that the position of one Junior Professional Officer (JPO) be reinstituted.

East and Horn of Africa These newly arrived refugees, some in colourful dress, get a helping hand up into the back of the UNHCR truck that will take them to the Nyakabande Transit Centre. ÂŠ UNHCR / Frederic NOY / November 2012

Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR and the Government of Chad, 6,564 were women and girls at risk, and 2,564 were unaccompanied or separated children. 50,000 new arrivals are expected in 2013 (35,000 Sudanese and 15,000 CAR).

Chad Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

0.4

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Sudan (camp)

291,047

Central African Republic (camp)

65,874

Various (urban)

487

Total refugee population

357,408

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Libya (rural)

500

Various (urban)

174

Total asylum-seeker population

674

Total persons of concern

358,082

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 357,408 refugees in Chad (291,047 Sudanese refugees in 12 camps in eastern Chad, 65,874 refugees from Central African Republic (CAR) in 7 camps in southern Chad, and 487 refugees of various nationalities in urban areas in N’Djamena, Chad). The camp-based refugee populations were recognized on a prima facie basis by the Government of Chad under the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa (1969 OAU Convention). The urban refugee population was recognized by the Government of Chad on an individual basis under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (1951 Convention) and the 1969 OAU Convention.

Chad is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Chad is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. The national institution for asylum, the Commission Nationale d’Accueil, de Réinsertion des Réfugiés et des Rapatriés (CNARR), is mandated to oversee the implementation of international refugee law in Chad. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) for urban refugees is conducted by the CNARR Eligibility Commission, and appeals are conducted by a SubCommission for Appeals within the CNARR. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards because the national eligibility committee has difficulties in forming a quorum due to the busy schedule of members and the absence of alternates, which results in a backlog of asylum applications. In addition, the poor quality of RSD assessments affects decisions, rendering them at times biased, especially with regard to female applicants. Although an Appeals Commission was established in 2011, it is not yet functional, and its members have never met. UNHCR is working with the Government of Chad to improve these procedures by providing documentation on RSD standard practices and training and technical assistance to eligibility committee members, and ensuring information sharing. UNHCR has undertaken continuous high-level advocacy since 2006 for the adoption of a refugee law in Chad. On 28 March 2013, a ministerial working group, supported by UNHCR, held a working session for the validation of the draft refugee law project. The draft refugee law has been sent to the Ministry of Interior and Security and will be examined by the Ministerial Council chaired by the President of the Republic before its transmission to the National Assembly. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Chad, but all refugees living in the camps must receive a Sauf-Conduit from the CNARR before leaving the camp. Detention is generally not used for migration-related offences. In Chad arbitrary detention due to status or displacement occurs rarely, but can happen when a refugee does not have his/ her Sauf-Conduit, even if he/she has an identification card. Nevertheless, refugees do get arrested and detained for alleged violations of the law and due to the lack of a well-functioning and equipped court system; refugees are often detained for long periods of time prior to having their case examined, without a judiciary decision authorizing the extension of the detention. Those refugees’ cases are examined by the local authorities acting as Juge de Paix who often do not respect basic human rights and take judicial decisions that are outside of the scope of their competency. Detention conditions in the country

East and Horn of Africa Colourfully dressed refugees from Sudan’s Darfur region collect and chop ﬁrewood at a distribution point in eastern Chad’s Treguine camp. Their situation has become a protracted one. © UNHCR / F. Noy / December 2011

are very poor. Children in conflict with the law are often detained with adults, and specialized judges to deal with cases involving children are very few and normally only present in larger cities. Refugees have the right to freedom of movement as well as economic and social rights (education, work, housing, and health care) in Chad. In practice, the poverty level in Chad, traditions and customs, and the weak judiciary system affect the enjoyment of these rights by refugees. Poor housing and limited access to adequate health care services and education affect the quality of life of the refugees. As a result of fewer employment opportunities and the search for scarce natural resources, refugees are often exposed to discrimination as priority is given to the host community. Refugee children in urban areas are exposed to various risks such as child labour, harmful traditional practices, and sexual and gender-based violence (such as female genital mutilation, exploitation; transactional sex; early marriage; and teen pregnancy). Unaccompanied and separated children (UASCs) are at increased risk of violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect. The community lacks an overall understanding of children’s rights and requires further capacity-building and awareness-raising in order to assist in the identification, protection, and assistance of UASC and other children at risk. Refugees do not have access to a fair trial or an effective remedy. This is due to the weak Chadian legal framework, lack of sufficient judicial personnel

notably in eastern Chad, and an absence of political will to apply the law on the part of the local authorities. The use of traditional dispute resolution methods to reach settlements on cases of rape and other violence against women and girls also perpetuates the impunity and furthers the violence. The worst crime against refugees is rape, yet those responsible for rape and other forms of violence against refugee women and girls are rarely brought to justice. There is a deeply entrenched culture of impunity for rape and violence against women and girls throughout eastern Chad. Incidents are rarely followed-up by Chadian local authorities or leaders within the refugee camps, even when the suspected perpetrator was specifically identified. Moreover, the Chadian Government has expressly stated that it is not promoting local integration of refugees. It has not facilitated the naturalization of refugees. Therefore, all refugees in Chad have no immediate prospects for long-term and sustainable local integration in Chad. Given the constantly evolving conflict and the continued lack of security in Darfur and the CAR, no prospects for voluntary repatriation exist at the moment. Meetings on repatriation took place with both Sudanese and CAR refugees. “Go-andsee” visits to Darfur were organized for Sudanese refugees, while the CAR refugees are yet to undertake such visits. Refugees from Darfur have vehemently opposed repatriation, whilst the CAR refugees have shown a high interest in repatriation. In both Darfur and CAR fighting and insecurity persist with violent 47

identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to their specific vulnerabilities and taking into account considerations of gender, age and diversity, the imminence of protection concerns, and refugees’ prospects for self-reliance. Key challenges considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014 relate to the particularities of the protection environment and the cultural profile of the refugee populations which call for extensive counselling and detailed assessments necessary prior to the finalization of the resettlement submissions. Characteristics of the CAR refugee population (customary norms relating to women and children, cross-border mobility, polygamy, and early marriage) result in further complexities for case preparation, for example with regard to formal documentation of the Best Interests of the Child.

A young Sudanese refugee student on her way back to her family’s simple shelter after attending classes at a madrassa (Islamic school) in Djabal camp, eastern Chad. She carries an alluha, a small wooden board on which she writes her lessons. © UNHCR / F. Noy / December 2011

tribal armed battles continuing in Darfur since January 2013, whilst the SELEKA rebellion now controls almost half of CAR and has been threatening to overthrow the Government of CAR since 2012. Sudanese refugees have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return. UNHCR foresees limited repatriation for CAR refugees in 2013 and a possibly increased one in 2014. However, caution should be exercised in light of the recent wave of violence in CAR having resulted so far in 5,000 CAR refugees crossing the border to seek refuge in Chad since the beginning of 2013.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Speciﬁc needs codes in proGres and a participatory approach (assessments, surveys, and HRIT) were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 1,600 refugees, mainly from Sudan but also CAR, were

The Office is planning to increase protection and resettlement staffing, including BID expertise in 2014 in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The multiyear resettlement strategy will be contingent upon UNHCR’s individual protection casework capacity which must be developed until it is sufficiently robust to coordinate, prioritize, and continuously undertake large quantities of well-documented, resourceintensive individual protection casework activities. For the time being, the protection staffing capacity in Chad is very low, particularly in N’Djamena where only one Senior Protection Associate (G6) covers all protection issues. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by medical partners. Refugees from Sudan who are in the east of Chad will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 1,600 persons in 2014. There are currently seven core staff (two international staff and five national resettlement assistants) and two IUNVs devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 1,600 persons planned for 2014, the Office will additionally need three Associate Resettlement Officers for the East, and will require support from two ICMC resettlement deployees and at least two ICMC BID deployees in order to meet the submission target for the entire operation in 2014.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Central African Republic Various Total

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

16,875

67,500

300

1,200

300

1,200

1,713

6,853

100

350

100

350

122

487

18,710

74,840

415

1,600

415

1,600

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

East and Horn of Africa Chad / Refugee camps in south of Chad in Nya-Pendé province. Picture show young girl carrying water. © UNHCR / A. Duclos / February 2013

Djibouti Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT)

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 18,509 refugees from Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia living in Ali-Addeh and Holl-Holl camps; 730 refugees mainly from Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, as well as 23 refugees from other countries living in the urban area in Djibouti-Ville, Djibouti. The Somali population from south/central Somalia was recognized on a prima facie basis by the Government of Djibouti, while Ethiopian and Eritrean populations were recognized on an individual basis under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and under the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa (1969 OAU Convention) by the Government of Djibouti and by UNHCR after the national asylum body ceased to function. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR and the Government of Djibouti, 5,431 were women, 5,975 were men, and 7,856 were children. 28 were women and girls at risk, and 296 were unaccompanied or separated children. 1,500 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 1,500 in 2014 from Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia.

Best estimate 21

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

3.7

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Somalia (urban – 447 / camp - 17,974)

18,421

Ethiopia (urban – 74 / camp - 456)

530

Eritrea (urban – 58 / camp – 79 / Nagad detention center - 151)

288

Various (urban)

Total refugee population

19,262

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Ethiopia (urban - 2,344 / camp - 19)

2,363

Eritrea (urban – 602/ camp – 66/ Nagad detention center - 107)

775

Various (urban)

Total asylum-seeker population

3,217

Total persons of concern

22,479

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Djibouti is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, with no reservations. Djibouti is also a State party to the 1969 OAU Convention. The status and treatment of refugees in Djibouti is governed under Ordinance No. 77053 of November 1977 and the 2011 Decree. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the National Eligibility Committee (NEC). Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards because the NEC has ceased to function since 2005, with the exception of a few attempts to recommence in 2008 and 2012. There is no appellate body. UNHCR has been advocating with the Government of Djibouti to resume the activities of the NEC. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Djibouti. The majority of refugees have chosen to live in camps because of the services provided there, as refugees do not receive assistance if they choose to live in Djibouti-Ville. However, refugees are regularly victims of round-ups by the local police. Detention is used for migration-related offences, including smuggling. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees and asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offences; however, there were 258 Eritrean refugees and asylum-seekers in Nagad detention center. Eritrean draft evaders who arrived after 2008 have been held in detention, as formally, Djibouti and Eritrea are still in a state of war. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons in detention. There were 43 reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees have the right to work, access to education, and health care in Djibouti, on the same grounds as nationals. In practice, the lack of implementation of these rights, together with poor job opportunities and health care facilities have rendered these rights ineffective. Most of the refugees live in Ali-Addeh

The Office intends to conduct a verification exercise in 2013 to update its database and identify refugees for resettlement in 2014, based on specific needs, protection profiles (including Eritreans detained in Nagad detention center), and refugees in a protracted situation. 505 Somali, 150 Eritrean, and 60 Ethiopian refugees have been identified for submission in 2014, but this will need to be confirmed after the 2013 verification exercise. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to identified needs and protection risks in both the urban and camp environments. The key challenges considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014 relate to the lack of qualified resettlement staff and the lack of updated data in UNHCR’s proGres database. The Office has planned to set up an improved identification and referral system as well as more robust anti-fraud mechanisms in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases, especially survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and unaccompanied and separated children, identified by partners working closely with UNHCR’s Community Services unit. However, vigilance and scrutiny are exercised in this area given the limited capacity of local partners and the pressure to which they can be subjected by the refugee population and other stakeholders.

While the Djibouti Nationality Code contains provisions that can in principle allow refugees to access nationality (Articles 5 and 12), in practice, the process is complex and considerations of ethnic and political balance within the Djiboutian population and the political landscape prevail over any signiﬁcant effort to advance the integration of foreigners. Although Articles 7 and 8 of the Djibouti refugee legislation authorize refugees to engage in wageearning activities and provide for favourable treatment on the labour market (as favourable as for foreigners residing legally in the country), the authorities have in reality been consistently reluctant to deliver work permits for refugees in order to protect employment opportunities for nationals. Therefore, refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Djibouti.

East and Horn of Africa

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

camp in a desolate environment with limited access to employment. Other basic rights, e.g. the right to own property, free primary and secondary education, and in the longer term, access to Djiboutian nationality and civic and political rights, are not guaranteed for refugees. Refugees are also victims of round-ups, even when they carry valid refugee documentation, despite UNHCR’s sensitization with the authorities. They face hostilities from the local population, which include verbal and physical attacks. All Eritrean refugees with a military proﬁle, who entered Djibouti from Eritrea after 2008, are in detention. In 2012, UNHCR and the Government of Djibouti conducted an in-depth screening of the detainees, resulting in the release of no more than 31 Eritrean refugees who now live in the camps. Refugees do not have access to any rights while in detention. Asylum-seekers are particularly exposed to the risk of refoulementt due to the lack of a functioning NEC.

The Office currently has the capacity to complete RRFs for 260 persons in 2014. There are one core staff and one affiliate workforce staff (although this position will be discontinued in 2014), devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 720 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need additional affiliate workforce and support staff, as well as support missions from the Regional Support Hub.

Although recent improvements have been observed in some parts of Somalia, such as in Mogadishu, Somaliland, and Puntland, the situation remains volatile and continues to be marked by generalized violence and the absence of effective State protection. Repatriation to Eritrea is not possible due to lack of political change, violation of human rights, and the fact that many of the refugees are considered army deserters. Ethiopian refugees and other nationalities do not show an interest in voluntary repatriation. Therefore, Somali and Eritrean refugees have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Somalia

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

1,650

9,900

101

505

200

Eritrea

154

210

150

Ethiopia

260

Various Total

1,818

10,175

209

720

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Eritrea Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 3,440 Somali and ﬁve Ethiopian refugees living in Umkulu camp, Eritrea, and 62 Sudanese, 25 South Sudanese, and 68 Ethiopian refugees in urban areas in the Gash Barka administrative region and Asmara. Somali refugees were recognized on a prima facie basis by the State of Eritrea for historical and political reasons, whereas the Sudanese and South Sudanese refugees were recognized by UNHCR on a prima facie basis, and the Ethiopian refugees on an individual basis, under UNHCR’s mandate.

Government owns proGres database

Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR in Eritrea, 703 were women, 811 were men, and 2,086 were children. 142 were women and girls at risk, and 37 were unaccompanied or separated children. An estimated increase of 150 persons is expected in Eritrea in 2013 and 120 in 2014, primarily consisting of newborn refugees rather than new arrivals.

Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 3

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Somalia (camp)

3,440

Various (urban)

160

Total refugee population

3,600

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Various (urban)

Total asylum-seeker population

Total persons of concern

3,614

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Eritrea is not a State party to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Eritrea has signed the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa but has not yet ratified it. There is no domestic legislation, and as a result there are no domestic asylum procedures and institutions for asylum in Eritrea. However, the Office of Refugee Affairs (ORA) under the Department of Immigration and Nationality caters to the assistance needs of Somali refugees recognized by the State of Eritrea on a prima facie basis based on informal administrative procedures. The State of Eritrea currently does not entertain asylum applications or grant refugee status to any nationality other than Somali asylum-seekers. NonSomali asylum-seekers and refugees are governed under laws for foreigners, and their Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by UNHCR under its mandate. UNHCR has informed the State of Eritrea of its readiness to assist in this process and is continuing its lobbying efforts with the Government of Eritrea to establish mechanisms for considering asylum applications and conducting RSD. There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Eritrea. Officially, refugees may only travel outside the administrative area in which they are registered with permission from the authorities. In practice, however, the authorities do not exercise tight control over refugees’ movements. Detention is used on a temporary basis for migrationrelated offences, including irregular entry and visa overstay. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees and asylum- seekers in detention for migration-related offenses. UNHCR is not granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. However, this information cannot be verified as UNHCR’s access to border areas is restricted.

The Office carried out a verification exercise in 2012 which provided up-to-date data on the refugee population in Eritrea, and it initiated a campaign to review and further identify refugees with specific needs in 2013. This will assist the Office to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. UNHCR’s governmental partner, ORA, is not involved in resettlement case identification or referral, and UNHCR has no other partners in Eritrea.

A vast majority of the refugee population in Eritrea originates from areas where the security situation remains unstable. Therefore, refugees have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return. Given the limited options for local integration or voluntary repatriation, UNHCR Eritrea pursues resettlement as a strategic protection tool. However, access difﬁculties faced by missions of resettlement countries for case processing seriously hinder the onward processing and departures of refugees, resulting in a high number of cases pending with resettlement countries. Of cases submitted for resettlement thus far, 500 cases (2,332 persons) are still pending at different stages of the resettlement process. The onward processing of these cases remains the highest priority and key resettlement activity of UNHCR Eritrea in 2014.

Refugees from Somalia are supposed to benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. However, a significant majority of these refugees have been in Eritrea for two decades, living in a protracted refugee situation without prospects of local integration or voluntary repatriation, which departure for resettlement would help to resolve. In this regard, UNHCR foresees that further to the 500 cases (2,332 individuals) already pending in the resettlement procedure as outlined above, an additional 90 Somali cases (410 individuals) would benefit from multi-year planning.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

East and Horn of Africa

departures for the long-pending refugee population (500 cases/ 2,332 persons). UNHCR has therefore taken the strategic decision to keep submission of new cases to a minimum in 2014.

Although UNHCR enjoys the cooperation of the Government of Eritrea in the provision of basic assistance to Somali refugees in Umkulu camp, including food, water, education, and health, refugees do not have the right to employment in Eritrea, which severely restricts their ability to become self-reliant. Refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Eritrea.

Given that the Office will focus its energies on the onward processing of already pending cases in 2014, which will require significant updating of information given the time lapse since their initial submission, the Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 75 persons in 2014. There is currently one core staff in the process of recruitment and one affiliate workforce, including an IUNV, devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 75 persons planned for 2014 and to assist in the update and onward processing of already pending cases, the Office will additionally need two support missions from the Regional Support Hub to carry out resettlement processing.

The proGres database and the Heightened Risk Identification Tool (HRIT) were used to identify the total resettlement needs for those who have not yet been submitted for resettlement. 60 camp-based Somali refugees, 10 urban Sudanese refugees, and five urban Ethiopian refugees were identified for submission in 2014. Cases that will be prioritized for resettlement submission primarily include women and girls at risk, survivors of violence, and persons with disabilities and medical needs. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: There are significant challenges in out-processing/ departures of pending resettlement cases due to access difficulties faced by resettlement country missions as well as lack of permanent presence of IOM in Eritrea. The priority in 2014 will be to pursue

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Somalia (camp)

410

Various (urban)

Total

425

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Ababa, Ethiopia. The majority of these populations were recognized on a prima facie basis by the Government of Ethiopia under the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa and the domestic National Refugee Proclamation No. 409 of 2004.

Ethiopia Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD)

Of the total refugee population jointly registered by the UNHCR and the Government of Ethiopia, 74,117 were women, 71,263 were men, and 210,185 were children. In addition, UNHCR and the Government of Ethiopia have yet to register an additional 20,000 Sudanese refugees in Western Ethiopia and 828 Eritrean refugees who have returned to Ethiopia from other countries of asylum. 30,802 were women and girls at risk, and 16,384 were unaccompanied or separated children. Some 81,900 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 51,600 in 2014.

UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 25

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern Refugee population

01.01.13

persons 223,031

Eritrea (urban - 2,374/ camp - 61,397)

63,771

South Sudan (urban – 175 / camp - 58,540)

58,715

Sudan (camp)

27,173

Kenya (camp)

2,893

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban – 392 / camp - 190)

582

Various (urban – 201/ camp - 27)

228

Total refugee population

376,393

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Sudan (camp)

271

Somalia (camp)

200

Democratic Republic of the Congo (camp)

130

Yemen

109

Various (urban – 75/ camp - 59)

134

Total asylum-seeker population

844

Total persons of concern

377,237

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 372,228 refugees of Somali, Eritrean, South Sudanese, Sudanese, Kenyan, Congolese (DRC), and other nationalities living in 20 refugee camps and rural settlements in Ethiopia, as well as 4,165 refugees of Somali, Eritrean, South Sudanese, Congolese (DRC), and other nationalities living in urban areas in Addis 54

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Ethiopia is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, it has entered the following reservations to the 1951 Convention: the right to work (Articles 17, 18, and 19) and the right to education (Article 22). Ethiopia is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Ethiopia are governed under the National Refugee Proclamation No. 409 of 2004. The national institution for asylum is called the Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA). First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the Eligibility Committee, and appeals are conducted by the Appeals Hearing Council. Current RSD procedures meet basic international standards. UNHCR observes the RSD process, providing technical advice and training. Freedom of movement for refugees is restricted by an encampment policy that requires refugees to be confined to isolated camps and to obtain pass permits to circulate. The Government of Ethiopia is currently implementing an out-of-camp policy that allows Eritrean refugees who have proved that they are able to sustain themselves to live outside the camps, including in urban centres. According to the Government of Ethiopia’s figures, approximately 3,500 Eritrean refugees have benefited from this policy. There are indications that the Government of Ethiopia will expand the policy to other refugee populations. Detention is not used for migration-related offences. Article 13(5) of the Ethiopian Refugee Proclamation protects asylum-seekers from criminal prosecution for illegal entry. As of 1 January 2013, UNHCR is not aware of any registered refugees or asylumseekers in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention; however, access is limited when the detention is related to crimes of “anti-peace activities”. There were no known cases of refoulement in the previous year.

East and Horn of Africa Somali refugee women and children wait to be registered at a transit centre in Dollo Ado. © UNHCR/ L. Padoan/ July 2011

The Government of Ethiopia issues refugee identity cards to refugees aged 14 and over whose registration has been veriﬁed. To date refugee identity cards have been issued in the following areas of operation: Addis Ababa, Shimelba refugee camp, Sherkole refugee camp, Bambassi refugee camp, Tongo refugee camp, and Fugnido refugee camp, as well as to refugees who are beneﬁciaries of out-of-camp policy. This represents coverage of a population of about 70,000 persons. The Government of Ethiopia plans to continue issuing refugee identity cards through registration revalidation exercises in order to ensure coverage of all refugees in Ethiopia.

improvements have been observed in some parts of Somalia, such as in Mogadishu, Somaliland, and Puntland, the situation remains volatile. In view of the continuing violence in the Darfur region of Sudan and the continued targeting of non-Arab ethnic groups in the region, repatriation is not a viable option for persons belonging to these groups. UNHCR does not currently promote or facilitate repatriation to Eritrea, Somalia, or Darfur. Therefore, the majority of the refugee populations in Ethiopia have no prospects for voluntary repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

Refugees in Ethiopia formally enjoy most rights except for the right to work, right to education, and right to freedom of movement. The State of Ethiopia prohibits refugees from holding any form of formal employment, seriously infringing upon their ability to become selfsufﬁcient. Ethiopia has made a reservation on the right to education (Article 22), but in practice, refugees are included into the national education system for primary and secondary education. Refugees in Ethiopia enjoy the right to health at the same level as nationals. The encampment policy and lack of enjoyment of the right to work precludes involvement in the social and economic life of the host country. Therefore, refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Ethiopia.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

Voluntary repatriation is currently not an option for the majority of refugees. The human rights situation in Eritrea remains dire, and severe violations of human rights are widely reported. In Somalia, continuing generalized violence and absence of effective State protection mean that return in safety and dignity cannot be currently guaranteed. Although recent

An analysis of proGres database, the High Risk Identiﬁcation Tool (HRIT), and participatory assessments were used in early 2013 to identify the total resettlement needs. 13,885 refugees were identiﬁed to be in need of resettlement, and UNHCR estimates that it has the capacity to submit 3,890 refugees for resettlement in 2014. This includes 2,210 camp-based refugees from Somalia, 975 camp-based refugees from Eritrea, 175 camp-based refugees from Sudan, 15 camp-based refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and 515 urban refugees of various nationalities. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to vulnerabilities and protection risk factors, including female-headed households, unaccompanied or separated children, security cases, and refugees with serious medical conditions.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014:

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 3,890 persons in 2014. There are currently ten core staff and eight affiliate workforce staff, including two IUNV, four ICMC, and two RefugePoint deployees, devoted to resettlement activities. In order to meet the submissions planned for 2014, the Office will need to retain all current core UNHCR positions (ten positions) and renew all current affiliate staff (eight positions). The Office will request additional core UNHCR resettlement staff and additional affiliate staff for 2014. If these requests are approved, the Office will be able to increase the number of submissions.

• Staffing constraints – There have been high rates of turnover among core UNHCR resettlement staff. In addition, timely support from both the ICMC and RefugePoint deployment schemes, which UNHCR Ethiopia relies on heavily, has been been a challenge. • Dispersed field operations – The country operation is comprised of six diverse field operations, serving different populations. Four of these locations (Assosa, Dollo Ado, Gambella, and Alamata) do not have dedicated resettlement staff, and all resettlement activities are, therefore, supported remotely from Addis Ababa, which limits overall capacity. • Database limitations – The proGres servers are based in the Field Units in the camps, and the transfer of data on individual cases from the camps is challenging due to the absence of the internet in certain camps. The Office has prioritized identification of femaleheaded households and female survivors of violence during identification exercises in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office also receives and screens referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs. Refugees from Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. Resettlement of these populations is expected to encourage the Government of Ethiopia to keep its borders open to new arrivals and to expand the current out-of-camp policy to other refugee populations.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

Somalia

2,050

9,905

480

2,210

106

475

Eritrea

1,520

2,650

595

975

150

225

Sudan

440

800

110

175

100

Democratic Republic of the Congo Various Total

persons

300

515

300

515

105

315

4,315

13,885

1,490

3,890

433

1,130

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

East and Horn of Africa Somali refugee Mako and her six children moved into a new bamboo shelter last year, after living in a tent for several months in Kobe refugee camp, Ethiopia. ÂŠ UNHCR / R. Nuri / February 2013

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 518,386 Somali, Ethiopian, Sudanese, Congolese, Rwandan, Eritrean, Burundian, South Sudanese, and Ugandan refugees living in the camps (Alinjugur, Dadaab, and Kakuma) and 46,472 refugees of the aforementioned nationalities living in urban areas in Nairobi.

Kenya Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used:

The Kenyan authorities undertook Refugee Status Determination (RSD) activities until 1990 when UNHCR was asked to take over. Prior to 2000, Ogaden refugees from Ethiopia were recognized on a prima facie basis, and Sudanese refugees were recognized on a prima facie basis up until 2006. Prima facie recognition continues to be applied by UNHCR for Darfuri and South-Central Somali cases. The other refugee populations are currently recognized under UNHCR’s mandate, on an individual basis, and UNHCR is applying fast-track assessment approaches to applicants from the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and South Kordofan (Sudan).

Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 21

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern Refugee population

01.01.13

persons

Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR in Kenya, 133,501 were women, 117,348 were men, and 314,084 were children. 9,683 were women and girls at risk, and 20,688 were unaccompanied or separated children. 25,560 new arrivals are expected in the three locations in Kenya in 2013 and 25,310 in 2014.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

512,069

Ethiopia (urban - 5,892/ camp - 16,329)

22,221

South Sudan (urban - 33/ camp -16,741)

16,774

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban - 4,274/ camp – 1,970)

6,244

Sudan (urban - 274/ camp - 2,883)

3,157

Eritrea (urban - 1,324/ camp - 112)

1,436

Rwanda (urban - 988/ camp - 355)

1,343

Burundi (urban - 357/ camp - 661)

1,018

Uganda (urban - 84/ camp - 512)

596

Various (urban - 68/ camp - 7)

Total refugee population

564,933

Asylum-seeker population

persons

South Sudan

17,830

Ethiopia

9,422

Democratic Republic of the Congo

6,524

Burundi

3,228

Sudan

2,590

Somalia

1,223

Eritrea

444

Uganda

401

Rwanda

202

Various

Total asylum-seeker population

41,944

Total persons of concern

606,877

The Republic of Kenya is a State party to the 1951 Convention, the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, and the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Asylum-seekers have historically been granted admission into Kenya, and the country has a long tradition of providing and securing asylum for refugees. Refugees in Kenya are governed under the Refugees Act of 2006. The national institution for asylum is the Department of Refugee Affairs (DRA). First instance RSD and appeals are currently conducted by UNHCR. Current RSD procedures meet international standards; however long delays in issuing decisions in Nairobi and conducting RSD interviews in Kakuma reflect insufficient RSD staffing levels. UNHCR is working on the capacity development of the DRA and a phased approach for the handover of RSD activities to the DRA. While the Constitution of Kenya 2010 guarantees freedom of movement to foreigners, it also limits their residence. The Constitution expressly provides that only Kenyan nationals can reside anywhere within the Republic of Kenya. The Refugees Act 2006 also empowers the Minister for Immigration to assign designated areas as transit centres and refugee camps. It further criminalizes residence outside designated areas without government authorization. Despite the fact that the Minister has not assigned any area as transit centres or refugee camps, law enforcement authorities and other government agencies have adopted a restrictive interpretation

East and Horn of Africa In 2011 refugees ﬂed Somalia in such numbers that the existing camps in Dadaab, Kenya couldn’t hold them. They settled on the oustkirts of Dagahaley and Ifo in self built structures. These are at the edge of Dagahaley and the refugees here are being moved to Ifo extention a tented camp that opened in August 2011 that is closer to services, schools and health centers. October 2011. © Brendan Bannon/IOM/UNHCR

of the Act in a manner that limits the movement of refugees and asylum-seekers and supports the strict implementation of the encampment policy as per Government of Kenya’s directive of December 2012. The Government of Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act prohibits the penalization of asylum-seekers for irregular entry. The Refugee Act 2006 precludes the application of immigration laws to persons seeking asylum. This notwithstanding, law enforcement agencies frequently arrest, detain, and charge refugees and asylum-seekers with the offence of being unlawfully in Kenya. UNHCR works with a team of legal aid partners, pro bono lawyers, and paralegals to monitor these cases. Since January 2013, a total of 115 (63 in Nairobi and 52 in Dadaab) refugees and 265 asylum-seekers (236 in Kakuma and 29 in Dadaab) have been detained on the immigration offence of being unlawfully in Kenya. Refugees enjoy an array of rights in Kenya such as the freedom of expression, fair administrative processes, equality and freedom from discrimination, access to justice, consumer rights, fair hearing, property rights, and freedom of conscience, religion and belief. The Constitution of Kenya provides for non-discrimination based on status with a comprehensive bill of rights in its chapter four. However, in practice, refugees face challenges in the right to work. The number of work permits issued to refugees is negligible. This forces refugees in urban centres to work in the informal sector where they are prone to abuse due to lack of work permits, thereby also limiting the ability of refugees to be self-reliant.

The Constitution of Kenya provides for the right to free compulsory primary education and the highest attainable standard of health care services. Refugees in Nairobi are able to access public primary schools and primary health care in public hospitals, and the same services are provided for free by UNHCR and partners in the camps. However, enrollment rates in the camps are less than 50 per cent, and classroom congestion is high. Most refugees also face ﬁnancial and other constraints in accessing secondary and tertiary institutions of higher education, – a situation exacerbated by inadequate scholarship and vocational training opportunities. Likewise, legal proceedings are generally expensive and beyond the reach of refugees and asylum-seekers. Altogether, these realities impede many refugees from pursuing productive lives and reaching their potential. Security remains a top priority for the Government of Kenya; hence refugee hosting areas are included in government preparedness measures and response plans to mitigate against internal and external security threats and risks. These measures continue to have an impact on maintaining access to asylum and the preservation of protection space in Kenya. The Government of Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act offers some opportunities for refugees to integrate locally in Kenya and provides for an elaborate procedure for acquisition of Kenyan citizenship. In view of the above, de jure local integration of refugees into Kenyan society remains a work in progress. As part of its efforts to ﬁnd comprehensive solutions for refugees in Kenya, UNHCR continues to support informed voluntarily repatriation throughout the region where conditions allow for the process to take place in safety and with dignity. 59

• Prolonged waiting periods for refugee acceptances and departures due to security clearance requirements, particularly for Somalis. • Requirement for a government-issued refugee identity cards before a refugee can be granted exit permit to leave Kenya to a resettlement country (including the unresolved issue of the Kenyan identity card holders, which requires the authorities to establish relevant legal procedures). • The growing number of unaccompanied or separated children or children being resettled with one parent in need of Best Interests Assessment/ Determination, the processing of which results in delays in submitting cases while in a number of instances child custody orders are required which can involve a lengthy court process. A Somali mother and her child in a medical centre in the Dadaab refugee complex. © Australia for UNHCR / T. Mukoya / October 2009.

The Office has also conducted training for protection staff (Registration, RSD, Community Services, and Protection) and partners and advocated extensively for referrals in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 There were three identification methodologies used by Kakuma to identify the total resettlement needs; Nairobi used specific needs codes in proGres; and Dadaab used the best estimate. 6,280 persons were identified for submission in 2014: 3,673 Somalis, 1,117 Congolese (DRC), 741 Ethiopians, 474 South Sudanese, 109 Eritreans, 75 Burundians, 42 Ugandans, 32 Rwandans, and 17 Sudanese. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to severity of vulnerability, taking into consideration protection needs.

Offices in the three locations invest significant resources in their internal identification and referral systems in order to ensure the integrity of the overall resettlement procedures. There are currently 33 resettlement staff working in the three operations in Kenya: 24 core staff and nine affiliate workforce staff (ICMC, RefugePoint, and RSC), of which 21 core staff and eight affiliate workforce staff are involved in resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review of RRFs. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 6,280 persons in 2014, following the transfer of two positions from Dadaab to Kakuma (one P2 position and one G5 position) effectively takes place, the current level of ICMC and RefugePoint deployments (five in Kakuma and three in Nairobi) is maintained, including for BIDs, and one additional G5 position is created for Nairobi.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: • Limited access to Dadaab by resettlement countries on account of the prevailing security conditions.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

36,380

141,511

1,132

3,673

664

2,514

2,059

6,411

152

474

131

261

Ethiopia

594

1,946

281

741

132

419

Democratic Republic of the Congo

525

1,375

416

1,117

189

532

Burundi

192

Eritrea

134

109

Uganda

105

Rwanda

Somalia South Sudan

Sudan Total

39,761

151,741

2,108

6,280

1,161

3,837

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

East and Horn of Africa Kenya / Somali refugees / Dahira, 11 years old, holds her severely malnourished baby brother Mahad, age 2, in Dagahaley refugee camp. The family arrived in the sprawling refugee camp in June after ďŹ&#x201A;eeing drought and war in Baidabo, Bay region, Somalia. The journey took them 20 days. They traveled by road to Dobley and from Dobley at the Kenya border they travelled by foot and were set upon by bandits who beat the adults. Mahad was admitted to the therapeutic feeding unit at the MSF run hospital on the day these pictures were made. ÂŠ UNHCR / B. Bannon / 28 July 2011

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Somalia Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 0 1.1

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Ethiopia (Somaliland)

1,813

Ethiopia (Puntland)

366

Various

Total refugee population

2,264

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Ethiopia (Puntland)

3,629

Ethiopia (Somaliland)

4,778

Various

Total asylum-seeker population

8,465

Individuals in a refugee-like situation

persons

Tanzanian Zanzibaris in Mogadishu

Total persons of concern

10,774

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 2,264 recognized refugees, out of which 2,179 are Ethiopians living in the urban areas of Hargeisa, Garowe, Galkacyo, and Mogadishu. There are no refugee camps in Somalia. This population was recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate. In addition, there are 45 Somali spouses of Zanzibari refugees who are living in a refugee-like situation. Of the total refugee population registered by the Government in Somaliland and Puntland, 524 were women, 559 were men, and 1,181 were children. 92 were women and girls at risk, and 5 were unaccompanied or separated children. 2,500 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 2,750 in 2014. 62

Somalia is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Under its Constitution, Somaliland also agreed to be bound by international treaties entered into by Somalia. There are no reservations to the 1951 Convention. Somalia is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Somalia are governed under different laws depending on where they have sought asylum. Somalia does not have a countrywide national institution for asylum, although there are institutions in Somaliland - the Refugee Eligibility and Status Determination Secretariat (RSDS) – and in Puntland – the Refugee Affairs Department (RAD) – which deal with asylum matters. At the moment, there are no State structures for asylum matters in south/central Somalia. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) and appeals are conducted by UNHCR. UNHCR is working with the Government in Somaliland to implement the National Asylum policy by progressively building the capacity of the authorities to eventually undertake RSD in future. Puntland is in the process of adopting a refugee and asylum policy which is still at draft stage. Current RSD procedures meet UNHCR’s procedural standards although limited human resource capacity affects timely decisions, and there is a significant backlog of cases pending RSD. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Somalia although general insecurity in Somalia poses risks when moving from place to place. Detention is used for migration-related offences. The ongoing conflict in the south/central zone has far-reaching implications for refugees living in Somaliland and Puntland. Reports indicate that Al-Shabaab, facing defeat in the south, have fled northwards, and the authorities in Puntland and Somaliland have become wary of “foreigners” in their territory and conduct security sweeps. In some instances, this affects refugees and asylum-seekers. As of 1 January 2013, there were no refugees or asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR and its partners are generally able to access persons of concern and obtain the release of the detainees upon negotiation with the authorities. However, it should be noted that there are no adequate mechanisms – especially at the border areas – to monitor issues related to access to territory and detention matters. A human rights organisation stated that allegedly dozens of Ethiopians, mostly women and children from Somaliland, were forcibly returned to Ethiopia in 2012. UNHCR in Somaliland prevented the refoulementt of a group of 73 refugees and asylum-seekers. Refugees have access to asylum procedures, including registration by the RSDS and RAD in Somaliland and Puntland respectively (although there is a backlog in Somaliland following a suspension of registration by the authorities). In terms of civil status documents, while birth certificates can be issued in Puntland, the cost is prohibitive. In Somaliland, birth certificates are issued by hospitals where the child was born, but are not recognized by the Government.

Continuous registration, analysis of the registration database, and individual protection referrals were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 25 mainly Ethiopian refugees were identiﬁed for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission mainly on the basis of urgent or emergency needs. The following challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: case processing remains problematic due to the complexity of cases; difﬁculties in accessing the refugee population; management of refugees’ expectations; perceptions by the local authorities; the lack of local integration prospects in Somalia; an increased threat of refoulementt in Somaliland and ensuing protection risks; the lack of internal resettlement processing capacity; and the lack of interested resettlement countries.

The protection environment in Somalia is generally weak, characterized by hostile local communities. Refugees and asylum-seekers in Somaliland and Puntland are harassed, abused, exploited, and discriminated against, and are at risk of refoulement, arbitrary or unlawful detention as well as economic and sexual exploitation. Further, they have limited access to legal redress. Therefore, the majority of refugees have no immediate prospects for longterm local integration in all areas of Somalia due to the current socio-political and economic climate, discrimination, and xenophobic attitudes. Measures to enhance self-reliance through vocational skills training and provision of livelihood opportunities are being supported by the Ofﬁce, albeit with little success. Voluntary repatriation is not currently a feasible option for the vast majority of the refugees in Somalia, who are of Ethiopian origin. Therefore, Ethiopians as well as other refugees, e.g. those from Eritrea, have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

East and Horn of Africa

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

In Hargeisa, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs agreed to issue work permits for refugees; however, refugees face significant challenges in accessing employment due to limited job opportunities, exploitation, and discrimination. There is no adequate and effective protection available by law enforcement bodies. The gaps in the legal system are significant and include corruption, clan interference, and lack of capacity of relevant institutions. Access to quality health care, education, and social services is limited due to shortages of qualified personnel and inadequate facilities. Specialized care for serious cases is, therefore, not available. As a result, refugees remain largely reliant on assistance from UNHCR to meet their basic needs.

The Office has also analyzed the registration database after a registration exercise in late 2012 and will make individual protection referrals in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. NGO partners play a relatively minor role in resettlement identification and referral. Refugees, the majority of whom are from Ethiopia, will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. This will ease pressure put on the operation by adverse protection factors, such as lack of local integration prospects and continue to provide protection space for newly recognized refugees. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 25 persons in 2014. There is currently one core staff at Sub-Office Hargeisa and no affiliate workforce staff devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 125 persons planned for 2014, the Office will require additional support from the Regional Support Hub.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Ethiopia

115

Various

Total

125

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

camps and 277 refugees of other nationalities residing in urban areas throughout the country. With the exception of Chadian refugees recognized on a prima facie basis, these populations were recognized on an individual basis by the Government of Sudan under the Regulation of Asylum Act 1974.

Sudan Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state

Of the total refugee population registered jointly by the UNHCR and the Government of Sudan, 31,931 were women, 28,527 were men, and 43,595 were children. The remaining 22,165 are for those estimated populations for which there is no detailed breakdown. 819 were women and girls at risk, and 683 were unaccompanied or separated children. 7,200 new arrivals are expected from Eritrea in 2013 as a result of ongoing repression in the country.

Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD)

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 13.2

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

2.2

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern Refugee population

01.01.13

persons 112,283

Chad (camp)

8,327

Ethiopia (urban - 3,767 / camp - 994)

4,761

Somalia (camp)

314

Uganda (urban)

214

Various

319

Total refugee population

126,218

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Ethiopia (urban)

3,839

Eritrea (urban)

2,549

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban)

810

Various

485

Total asylum-seeker population

7,683

Individuals in a refugee-like situation

persons

Displaced from Chad and Central African Republic in Darfur

25,976

Total persons of concern

159,877

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 83,499 Eritrean, 8,327 Chadian, 994 Ethiopian and 314 Somali refugees living in camps throughout the country and another 28,784 Eritrean, 3,767 Ethiopian, and 214 Ugandan refugees in urban areas. There were an additional 42 refugees of other nationalities residing in 64

Sudan is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, it has entered a reservation to the 1951 Convention to the right to freedom of movement (Article 26). Sudan is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. The status and treatment of refugees in Sudan is governed under the Regulation of Asylum Act 1974. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) and appeals are conducted by the national institution for asylum called the Commissioner for Refugees (COR). UNHCR is working with the Government of Sudan to improve the asylum process by providing training and increased resources and seeking a review of the Regulation of Asylum Act 1974. There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Sudan. Refugees are conﬁned to the areas of residence to which they are assigned (mostly camps) and must obtain permits to travel out of these. Detention is used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry. As of 1 January 2013, there were 25 registered refugees and asylumseekers in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were 68 reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees have the right to legal residence, primary education, primary health care, and work in Sudan. Refugees must obtain permits in order to work, but most are unable to afford the fees required for their issuance. Therefore, most are only able to work in unskilled positions in the informal sector, thereby exposing themselves to a number of protection risks from both authorities and employers. Refugees in Sudan are competing for scarce resources with the local population, which is itself facing substantial levels of poverty at a time of economic crisis. This, combined with Sudan’s restrictive and security-oriented management of asylum matters, has meant that refugees face an increasingly harsh protection environment and increasingly limited self-reliance prospects. Some

Refugees from Eritrea will beneﬁt from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. This planning was initiated in 2012 and foresaw 9,500 individuals within the protracted Eritrean refugee population being considered and processed for resettlement over three years. Given processing done in 2012 and expected in 2013, some 2,200 people will be considered for resettlement in 2014. It is hoped that this project will contribute to improve asylum conditions for refugees remaining in the country. The resettlement of refugees of the protracted caseload is to be seen in complement to the Transitional Solutions Initiative, both to be considered essential parts of a broader framework on Durable Solutions, notably the local integration of the protracted refugee population in eastern Sudan.1

Voluntary repatriation will be a durable solution for many Chadian refugees in the future, but conditions in the country of origin for other refugee nationalities are such that returns remain impossible in the short-term and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for up to 2,815 persons in 2014 provided that the required staff will be approved and granted visas to work in Sudan). There are currently four core staff, including two international and two national staff, and five ICMC deployees devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. Additional resettlement positions remain unfilled because of difficulties in securing visas and travel permits.

Specific needs codes in proGres, participatory assessments, and population profiles were used in 2013 to identify the total resettlement needs. 2,815 refugees, including 2,200 among the protracted Eritrean population, 490 Eritreans with individual needs, 50 Ethiopians, and 75 refugees of other nationalities, including Chadians and Congolese (DRC) were identified for submission in 2014. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: Delays in the implementation of the Office’s resettlement strategy due to its late endorsement by key governmental counterparts; obstacles to identifying refugees in need of resettlement in eastern Sudan; challenges to processing the protracted refugee population in eastern Sudan (high no show and deferral rates); and prospects for maintaining required levels of resettlement staffing and filling existing positions. These challenges, particularly obstacles faced in recent months in identifying refugees in need of resettlement in eastern Sudan coupled with a lack of resettlement interest from refugees and a number of refugees not qualifying for resettlement, have led to a significant adjustment of identified needs for 2014 as compared to previous years.

East and Horn of Africa

refugees in the east of the country have been able to achieve some degree of self-reliance although authorities at all levels continue to formally refuse to discuss the possibility of local integration. Therefore, refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Sudan.

In order to meet the submissions of 2,815 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need all existing resettlement positions filled (all core staff and seven affiliate workforce staff including one IUNV, one Norwegian government secondee, and five ICMC deployees, one of which a BID deployee). There will also be a need for support missions from the Regional Support Hub in Nairobi.

The Office is planning targeted identification of needs in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. Given the limited number of partners in Sudan, only cases identified on the basis of medical needs are referred by these partners.

The Transitional Solutions Initiative stands for the collaboration between humanitarian and development, bilateral and multilateral actors, aiming to work together with national governments in ﬁnding sustainable solutions for displaced persons and local community members.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Eritrea

715

2,690

715

2,690

120

480

Ethiopia

Various

Total

767

2,815

767

2,815

150

560

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Uganda Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 151,041 refugees of Congolese (DRC), Somali, Rwandan, Sudanese, Burundian, South Sudanese, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Kenyan, and other nationalities living in refugee settlements in Uganda, and 46,836 refugees of the aforementioned nationalities living in Kampala. These populations were recognized on an individual or prima facie basis by the Government of Uganda under the domestic Refugee Act 2006. Of the total refugee population registered by the Government of Uganda, 28,870 were women, 28,504 were men, and 140,503 were children. According to the database 2,903 were women and girls at risk, and 4,095 were unaccompanied or separated children. 63,100 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 60,970 in 2014.

Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 23

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

2.2

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban – 28,524 / rural – 98,497)

127,021

Somalia (urban – 7,789 / rural – 11,211)

19,000

Rwanda (urban – 3,099 / rural – 11,585)

14,684

Sudan (urban - 383 / rural – 7,527)

11,135

Burundi (urban - 1,059 / rural – 9,669)

10,728

South Sudan (urban – 1,172 / rural – 9,963)

7,910

Eritrea (urban – 3,410 / rural – 1,220)

4,630

Ethiopia (urban – 1,269 / rural - 260)

1,529

Kenya (urban - 28 / rural – 1,096)

1,124

Various (urban - 103 / rural - 13)

116

Total refugee population

197,877

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Somalia (urban – 7,912 / rural - 231)

8,143

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban – 5,415 / rural – 1,923)

7,338

Eritrea (urban – 4,275 / rural - 39)

4,314

Rwanda (urban – 2,277 / rural - 967)

3,244

Burundi (urban - 518 / rural – 1,278)

1,796

South Sudan (urban - 628 / rural - 764)

1,392

Ethiopia (urban – 1,300 / rural - 16)

1,316

Kenya (urban - 71 / rural - 213)

284

Sudan (urban - 128 / rural - 19)

147

Various (urban - 102/ rural – 0)

102

Total asylum-seeker population

28,076

Total persons of concern

225,953

Uganda is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, it has entered the following reservations to the 1951 Convention: reciprocity (Article 7), exceptional measures (Article 8), provisional measures (Article 9), movable and immovable property (Article 13), right of association (Article 15), and expulsion (Article 32). Although Uganda initially entered a reservation to the right to wage-earning employment (Article 17), it nevertheless provided for this provision in the Refugee Act 2006, and therefore this right is guaranteed. Uganda is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Uganda are governed under the Refugee Act 2006. The national institution for asylum is the Department of Refugee Affairs, located within the Office of the Prime Minister. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the Refugee Eligibility Committee (REC), and appeals are conducted by the Refugee Appeals Board. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards because the REC members require further refugee law training, and procedurally, the Appeals Board does not have the authority to overrule the REC. Their review is limited to remitting cases to the same body with a recommendation to review the decision. UNHCR has been working with the Government of Uganda to improve these procedures through capacity-building activities, including a study tour to South Africa in 2012 for REC members to acquaint themselves with processes and the quality initiative being implemented there. UNHCR also facilitated and plans to continue intensive training on RSD for members of both these adjudication bodies. Currently there is a joint legal sub-committee preparing the groundwork for amendments to the Refugee Act with a view to giving the Appeals Board the authority to issue their own independent decisions on whether to overturn or uphold the REC’s first instance decisions.

East and Horn of Africa Eritrean refugee Lyia Hiele (in striped shirt), and Eritrean asylum-seeker Yordanos Heyabu exchange mutual thanks for the support they provide to each other on their way to Kampala’s police station, where Yordanos needs to register her presence in the country. The two women are bound by a common story of exile. © UNHCR / M. Senelle / 6 February 2013

There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Uganda. Refugees may choose to live in settlements or in urban centres. The majority of refugees have chosen to live in the settlements where they have access to farmland and basic services. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees or asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention should the need arise. There were no known cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees have the right to work in Uganda. Work is mainly available in the informal sector. In the settlements, refugees can sell their produce, but in the urban centres they must compete with the urban poor and other residents to access livelihood opportunities. Refugees may register in Ugandan schools. Although there are no tuition fees in public schools, they are expected to pay for their uniforms, books, lunch and transport – an expense the vast majority of refugees view as unnecessary and, therefore rather, send their children to work or help with household duties. The Refugee Act 2006 regulates the provisions for naturalization of refugees in Uganda. However, the Ugandan constitution has contradictory provisions on whether or not a refugee can be naturalized, and constitutional interpretation of this matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court. The conﬂict in the Eastern DRC is one of Africa’s most protracted, and has recently reignited, forcing tens of thousands of refugees to ﬂee into Uganda in 2012 and 2013. As a result, Congolese (DRC) refugees have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 The proGres database was mainly used in 2012 and 2013 to identify the total resettlement needs. 3,500 Congolese (DRC), 200 Somali, 200 Eritrean, 200 Burundian, 100 Ethiopian, and an estimated 70 refugees of other nationalities were identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to immediate protection and medical needs. At the same time Uganda will be moving towards using resettlement as a durable solution for Congolese (DRC) refugees and therefore will be prioritizing them based upon their date of arrival in Uganda. In 2013, UNHCR embarked on a detailed analysis of its refugee data on Congolese (DRC) refugees who arrived up to 20 years ago, in an effort to identify possible group submissions. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: while in 2013, UNHCR completed its data verification exercise, refugees could not always remember their specific dates of arrival, and the villages in the country of origin are either unknown, were never mapped, or have subsequently moved. There has been no remarkable peak in flight from certain areas, making identification of groups a challenge. Other humanitarian workers who work with refugees need to be capacitated to refer refugees for resettlement, which requires UNHCR human resources to monitor the process in order to ensure that it is adequately implemented and safeguarded.

The Office has also completed a profiling exercise and updated its vulnerability codes in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs. Refugees from the DRC will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. In line with the common sub-regional approach to the increased resettlement of refugees from the eastern parts of the DRC, and to enhance durable solutions, Uganda will submit a total of 15,000 Congolese refugees between 2012 and 2016. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 4,270 persons in 2014. There are currently 13 core staff and ten affiliate workforce staff, including one Senior Resettlement Officer, two Resettlement Officers, six Resettlement Assistants, two Senior Resettlement Assistants, one Senior Database Associate, one Database Associate, seven ICMC Resettlement deployees, one IUNV, and two RefugePoint BID deployees devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 4,270 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need the same resources that it had in 2013 and for continued missions from the Regional Support Hub.

Madarina, aged 65 years, carries a granddaughter on her back in Nyakabande. Her daughter had just died while giving birth to a boy after ﬂeeing to Uganda from their home in North Kivu province. She is buried in nearby Kisoro and her son is being cared for by a non-governmental organization while UNHCR looks for a solution. © UNHCR / Frederic NOY / November 2012

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Democratic Republic of the Congo Somalia

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

4,285

15,000

1,145

3,500

345

1,165

400

1,200

200

Burundi

190

565

200

Eritrea

365

1,000

100

200

Ethiopia

300

100

Various Total

200

5,355

18,265

1,440

4,270

445

1,415

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

East and Horn of Africa Uganda / Congolese refugees / Nyakabande Transit Centre, Kisoro District / A young father rest with his daughter, on a mattress that he took with him from Congo, in a corner of a communal shelters where he lives with her wife and a second child. There are currently 50 family tents (5-10 people per tent) and 6 communal shelters (300-350 people) in the center. On the day of the photo, Nyakabande Centre sheltered 2.590 individuals and was walcoming 150 new arrivals per day, in average. ÂŠ UNHCR / Frederic NOY / November 2012

Malawi 700

Angola Zambia

500

1,000

Zimbabwe

740

Mozambique

450

Namibia

300

Botswana 400

South Africa Indian Ocean Islands Lesotho Swaziland 1,350

LEGEND:

Country Name UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (persons)

Southern Africa

Botswana ..................................................................................................................................................................... 76 Malawi.......................................................................................................................................................................... 78 Mozambique ................................................................................................................................................................ 80 Namibia........................................................................................................................................................................ 82 South Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, Lesotho, Swaziland .............................................................................................. 84 Zambia......................................................................................................................................................................... 86 Zimbabwe .................................................................................................................................................................... 88

Historial Trends of UNHCR’s planned submissions 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Angola

é 50

ê 40

ê 10

é 80

é 500

Botswana

é 48

é 285

é 375

ê 200

é 400

Malawi

ê 100

é 349

é 478

é 700

è 700

Mozambique

ê 50

è 50

é 300

è 300

Namibia

é 30

è 30

é 500

é 740

South Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, Lesotho, Swaziland

ê 250

é 770

é 1,700

ê 1,250

é 1,350

Zambia

ê 200

é 1,120

ê 980

ê 800

é 1,000

Zimbabwe

ê 50

é 900

ê3

é 450

è 450 71

Regional Resettlement Unit Resettlement within the Regional Solutions Strategy Resettlement forms a key part of the regional solutions strategy and has been incorporated into addressing the needs of protracted refugee populations such as the refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the Southern Africa region. Resettlement is also being used strategically within comprehensive durable solutions approaches in the region in coordination with efforts to improve the asylum conditions of the remaining refugee populations in Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia. In South Africa, resettlement has been included in a protection strategy which is addressing the critical needs of urban refugees, including those affected by xenophobic violence.

Key Activities to Support Resettlement in 2014 In 2014, activities by the RRU to promote resettlement within the region will include: 1.

Resettlement support missions to country ofﬁces to assist operations in processing resettlement cases and meeting planning ﬁgures;

Resettlement processing for countries with no UNHCR presence, such as Madagascar.

Quality control review of cases, ensuring consistent treatment of caseloads, and maintaining proper standards in the preparation of Resettlement Registration Forms (RRFs);

Policy guidance on resettlement issues and speciﬁc cases issues, including the treatment of protracted refugee populations;

Support on anti-fraud initiatives and mechanisms to ensure integrity in resettlement operations, speciﬁcally on fraud investigation, anti-fraud risk assessments, and compliance with resettlement anti-fraud policy and procedures. In this regard, UNHCR is planning the roll-out proGres Lite in 2014, a web-based database, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. There are also on-going training initiatives such as the development of a new Learning Programme to enhance in-depth interviewing and investigation skills for UNHCR anti-fraud focal points in the ﬁeld;

Advice on resettlement planning for the Country Operations Plan and Country Chapter exercise, ensuring harmonized approaches to caseloads, including DRC refugees;

Coordination of resettlement country selection missions and targets based on established priorities; and

Training and orientation of new resettlement deployees on RRF preparation and the resettlement process.

Role and Scope of Regional Resettlement Unit The Regional Resettlement Unit (RRU) covers resettlement processing in the following countries: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The key functions of the Regional Resettlement Unit include regional coordination, operational support, and capacity-building through support missions to field offices, oversight, and monitoring. It also provides quality control review of resettlement cases and makes resettlement submissions. In 2012, 3,201 refugees were submitted through the Regional Office (RO) in Pretoria from the southern Africa region, and in 2014 it plans to submit 4,200 refugees out of the region, including 2,775 refugees from the DRC and 1,290 refugees from Somalia (in particular out of South Africa).

Staffing and Resource Needs The Regional Resettlement Unit currently has six core staff and five affiliate workforce staff, including two ICMC resettlement deployees, two RefugePoint resettlement deployees, and one IUNV Associate Resettlement Officer. In addition to current staffing, in order to meet the objectives for 2014, the RRU will need one roving Best Interests Determination deployee and one Resettlement deployee to bolster the RRU’s reviewing capacity.

Southern Africa Malawi / UNHCR and partners conduct a zone visit in Dzaleka camp in Malawi. Through the zone visits, UNHCR and partners have been able to address individual refugee problems as well as obtain information on issues gaps that need to be addressed. ÂŠ UNHCR/T. Ghelli

Angola Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database

Statistics on gender (predominantly male), women and girls at risk, and unaccompanied or separated children are not available from the Angolan authorities. 10,000 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and a similar number in 2014.

Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 20

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014*

* This percentage includes asylum-seekers whose application is not decided upon by the national authorities and persons in refugee-like situations who could not lodge an asylum application due to the suspension of the national RSD and who are recognized in a mandate procedure.

Persons of concern

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 21,537 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other nationalities living in Angola. There are no refugee camps in Angola, and refugees are dispersed throughout the country. The majority of refugees are from the Katanga Province of the DRC, who arrived more than 30 years ago, and were recognized on a prima facie basis. Other refugees, more recent arrivals, have been recognized on an individual basis by Angola under its National Asylum Law (Law 8/1990).

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (dispersed)

13,646

Various (urban)

7,891

Total refugee population

21,537

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (dispersed)

1,827

Various (dispersed)

18,314

Total asylum-seeker population

20,141

Total persons of concern

41,678

Angola is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, it has entered the following reservations to the 1951 Convention: the right to reciprocity (Article 7), movable and immovable property (Article 13), association (Article 15), and self-employment (Article 18). It has further placed limitations on wage earning employment (Article 17) and freedom of movement (Article 26). Angola is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Angola are governed under the Asylum Law 8. The national institution for asylum is called COREDA (Comite de Reconhecimento do Direito de Asilo). While the Service for Migration and Foreigners (SME) receives asylum applications and prepares case files, the decisions are taken by COREDA in the first and second instances. Current Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedures do not meet international standards for two reasons: The first instance process takes place without an individual interview being conducted, and the second instance decisions by COREDA fail to sufficiently take into account applicable country of origin information. The Government of Angola is currently revising the Asylum Law. UNHCR has not yet been given the opportunity to provide its expert advice, but it is hoped that in 2013 UNHCR will be consulted. The asylum procedures promulgated under the 1990 Asylum Law were suspended in 2012. There is no certainty about the date when the legislative revision will be completed and the RSD procedure resumed. As a result of the lack of adjudication, there is now an increased backlog of asylum applications, and newly arrived asylum-seekers in many cases are not given the opportunity to submit asylum applications. There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Angola. Although recognized refugees are, in principle, free to travel in Angola, the poor quality of the refugee cards means that this document does not offer much protection to its holders and exposes them to arrest and detention. Asylum-seekers are required to remain in the province where they lodged their asylum applications.

Refugees have the right to education and access to public health care and employment. In practice these rights are difficult to obtain as refugee children do not receive birth certificates, which is a requirement for education beyond Grade 4. Unofficial payments (bribes) needed to acquire medical assistance, and the lack of recognition of refugee documents by potential employers in Angola, pose a major hindrance to the accessing rights. In order to assist refugees in becoming self-reliant, UNHCR supports vocational training. However, due to the budgetary constraints, only a small minority of refugees can be included in these courses. There is also an increasing intolerance towards foreigners, including refugees and asylumseekers, heightened by negative media reports about irregular migrants. These factors pose serious obstacles towards the local integration of refugees. Combating irregular migration is a priority of the Government of Angola. It is expected that the new Asylum Law will bring a more restrictive asylum regime. Refugees and asylum-seekers are often treated like irregular migrants, and as such, genuine asylum-seekers may be detained and expelled without being given the opportunity to seek asylum. The new Asylum Law may also bring an encampment policy or other restrictions to asylum-seekers’ freedom of movement. With the exception of the refugees from Katanga (DRC), the rest who are in a protracted refugee situation have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Angola. Some refugees from countries of origin for which the cessation clause is invoked may be able to return. The majority of Congolese (DRC) refugees, however, in view of the situation in the country of origin, have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

Estimations based on extrapolation of the available data were used to identify the total resettlement needs. The most vulnerable refugees and their families will be prioritized for resettlement, including survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, refugees with serious medical conditions, and refugees who are detained for indefinite periods of time due to outdated documents. Priority will also be accorded to cases of large families, female-headed households, those whose asylum applications have been rejected by the national authorities, and those for whom mandate RSD has been conducted. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs. UNHCR’s partner in the area of legal assistance will be trained to assist in the identification of persons in need of resettlement.

Southern Africa

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

Detention is widely used for migration-related offences, such as for irregular entry, visa overstay, lacking refugee or asylum-seeker documentation, presumed fake documentation, or identity fraud. At the end of 2012 the Angolan authorities agreed to allow UNHCR to visit the detention centre in the Luanda Province. As UNHCR is not regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention, the number of registered refugees and asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offenses is not known to UNHCR. The total number of those expelled may reach 100,000 persons per year. Also, widespread violence against women and girls has been reported, particularly in the border regions.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: Lack of reliable data on asylum-seekers and refugees in Angola; lack of access to refugees and asylumseekers in detention; lack of protection staff, making it impossible to have regular contact with persons of concern outside the Province of Luanda; and the need to profile refugees from Katanga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in order to identify durable solutions needs. Refugees from the DRC will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. The use of resettlement as a protection tool is important in view of the increasingly restrictive asylum policy in Angola. Increased resettlement submissions will help to maintain the asylum space in Angola by alleviating some of the pressure felt by the Angolan authorities. The Office aims to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office will have the capacity to submit 500 persons for resettlement in 2014 if an Associate Durable Solutions Officer position is created and filled.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo

150

750

250

100

Various

150

750

250

100

Total

300

1,500

100

500

200

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Botswana Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 2,785 refugees of Namibian, Zimbabwean, Somali, and other nationalities living in Dukwi camp, Botswana. 41 refugees are known to reside in Gaborone, outside the camp. This refugee population is recognized on an individual basis by the Government of Botswana under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, and the domestic Refugees (Recognition and Control) Act. Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR in Botswana, 469 were women, 1,292 were men, and 1,024 were children (514 girls). There were 72 women and girls at risk and 58 unaccompanied or separated children. 900 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 100 in 2014.

Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 1

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Namibia

998

Zimbabwe

961

Somalia

445

Democratic Republic of the Congo

194

Various

187

Total refugee population

2,785

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (dispersed)

212

Total asylum-seeker population

212

Total persons of concern

2,997

Botswana is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, it has entered the following reservations to the 1951 Convention: the right to work (Article 17), the right to freedom of movement (Article 26), unlawful presence (Article 31), and the freedom from expulsion (Article 32). Botswana is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Botswana are governed under the 1967 Refugees (Recognition and Control) Act. The national institution for asylum is the Ministry of Defense, Justice and Security. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the Refugee Advisory Committee, and there is no appeals process. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards because there are no appeal procedures, and the application of the ﬁrst country of asylum policy does not take into consideration international standards and principles. UNHCR is working with the Government of Botswana to improve these procedures by engaging in advocacy and public awareness campaigns and by lobbying for the review of existing law and efforts towards lifting the reservations. There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Botswana. The Government of Botswana applies a strict encampment policy. Few refugees are granted permission to reside outside the camp for reasons of education or having specialized skills not available amongst nationals. Some refugees receive short-term (maximum three days) exit permits to leave the camp on business-related activities. Detention is used for migration-related offenses, including irregular entry or visa overstay exceeding the period prescribed in the exit permits. As of 1 January 2013, there were 36 registered refugees and 46 asylum-seekers in detention for migrationrelated offenses. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees have the rights to education and health care in Botswana. Refugee children have the right to access free primary public education at par with

nationals. Public health care is also provided free of charge to refugees, including to the indigent and the most vulnerable. The lack of access to employment has pushed refugees to engage in survival sex, and school dropouts are frequent in order to engage in informal employment. The lack of a regular income creates dependency on UNHCR and partners.

consideration and in the Best Interests Determination process for unaccompanied or separated children.

Negative media publicity of refugees has countered UNHCR’s advocacy efforts and coincided with the detention of refugees and asylum-seekers. The Government of Botswana’s approach to asylum and treatment of persons of concern has become more restrictive in the past year. Therefore, the entire refugee population has no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Botswana. There are realistic prospects for voluntary repatriation for Namibian and Zimbabwean refugees in Botswana. However, Somali and Congolese (DRC) refugees have no prospects of repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR therefore continues to advise against their return.

The Office will have no core UNHCR capacity to complete RRFs in 2014, as there are no core staff or affiliate workforce devoted to resettlement. However, one ICMC deployee will arrive in April 2013. In order to meet the submissions of 400 persons planned for 2014, the Office needs the deployee to continue and resettlement support missions from the Regional Office in Pretoria.

Southern Africa

Refugees from Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will beneﬁt from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. As such, it is envisaged that half of the Somali and Congolese (DRC) refugees will be submitted for resettlement in 2014 and the remaining in 2015.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Profiling in proGres, participatory assessments, and best estimates were used in 2012 to identify the total resettlement needs. 400 refugees were identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission for Somali and Congolese (DRC) refugees, those for whom mandate RSD has been conducted, and according to the strategic solutions framework. The key challenge in meeting the submissions target for 2014 is the lack of staff capacity for the identification of cases, the preparation of RRFs, and supporting processing procedures from identification to departure. The Office will prioritize participatory assessments and increase child protection and SGBV response and prevention activities in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs. For example, the Botswana Red Cross Society is involved in the identification and referral of cases for resettlement

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Somalia

443

265

Democratic Republic of the Congo

100

Rwanda

Various

Total

163

670

133

400

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Malawi Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

Of the total refugee population registered by the Government of Malawi, 1,339 were women, 1,564 were men, and 3,641 were children. 366 were women and girls at risk, and 152 were unaccompanied or separated children. In addition, there are a total of 9,752 asylum-seekers either pending a ﬁrst-instance or appeal determination. Based upon current trends, an estimated 2,800 new arrivals are expected in Malawi in 2013 and a similar number in 2014.

UNHCR owns proGres database

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban - 44 / camp - 2,783)

2,827

Rwanda (urban - 397 / camp - 1,829)

2,226

Burundi (urban - 102 / camp - 1,326)

1,428

Various (urban - 4 / camp - 59)

Total refugee population

6,544

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban - 19 / camp - 4,976)

4,995

Rwanda (urban - 263 / camp - 2,523)

2,786

Burundi (urban - 83 / camp - 2,201)

2,284

Various (urban - 3 / camp - 52)

Total asylum-seeker population

10,120

Total persons of concern

16,664

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 5,997 Burundian, Congolese (DRC), Ethiopian, Rwandan, Somali, Sudanese, and Zimbabwean refugees living in Dzaleka refugee camp and 547 Burundian, Congolese (DRC), Ethiopian, Rwandan, and Somali refugees in urban areas in Lilongwe, Malawi. These populations were recognized on an individual basis by the Government of Malawi under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, and the domestic Refugees Act 1989. 78

Malawi is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. These instruments have been incorporated into domestic law; however, Malawi maintains nine reservations to the 1951 Convention: the right to exemption from reciprocity (Article 7), to movable and immovable property (Article 13), of association (Article 15), to wage-earning employment (Article 17), to become liberal professionals (Article 19), to public education (Article 22), to labour legislation and social security (Article 24), to freedom of movement (Article 26), and to naturalization (Article 34). The Government undertakes Refugee Status Determination (RSD), with technical support from UNHCR. Malawi is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Malawi are governed under the Refugees Act 1989. The national institution for asylum is called the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees, which lies within the Ministry of Home Affairs. First instance RSD is conducted by a specialized body, the Refugee Status Determination Unit (under the Commissioner for Refugees), which makes recommendations to the statutory Refugee Committee. Appeals are conducted by the Minister for Home Affairs based upon recommendations from a non-statutory Appeals Panel. Current RSD procedures meet minimum international standards except for the lack of a clear right to judicial review. UNHCR is working with the Government of Malawi to improve its RSD procedures, including resolving a significant backlog of cases that has developed in recent years. There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Malawi. The Government of Malawi pursues a policy of encampment, and despite efforts to ameliorate this situation, a number of urban refugees still face harassment by local authorities. Detention is sometimes used for migration-related offences, in particular for those who are in breach of the encampment policy. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There was one reported case of refoulementt in the previous year. In principle, Malawi provides a generally favourable protection environment, with provision of access to state territory, respect for the principle of non-refoulement, and a limited use of detention for immigration offences by persons of concern. Nevertheless, the maintenance of the reservations to the 1951 Convention severely inhibits refugees’ quality of life and prospects for self-reliance and / or local integration with restrictions imposed on

Southern Africa Malawi / Students work on their distance learning courses at the JRS center in Malawi’s Dzaleka camp. © UNHCR / / T. Ghelli / 2012

access to employment, freedom of movement, and naturalization in particular. Therefore, refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Malawi. Although prospects for repatriation for refugees from Burundi and Rwanda remain stable, many refugees ﬂeeing conﬂict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have little opportunity for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: A high number of cases requiring Best Interests Determinations (BID) and Best Interests Assessments, without sufficient staffing capacity to complete these reports; and possible processing delays in RSD, slowing the resettlement processing of long-standing cases. The Office has also conducted specific profiling exercises in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. Also, the Office receives some referrals identified by partners including NGOs. As mentioned above, refugees from the DRC will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. This is primarily due to the ongoing conflict in the Eastern DRC, the protracted nature of their refugee situation, and lack of alternative durable solutions.

Special needs codes in proGres and interviews were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 490 Congolese (DRC), 112 Rwandan, and 98 Burundian refugees were identiﬁed for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to date of arrival and country of origin. Cases that arrived in Malawi from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and are in a protracted situation (arrival between 1994 and 2005) will be prioritized for resettlement assessment. Vulnerable cases with protection needs are also assessed for resettlement.

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 700 persons in 2014. There are currently one core staff (with mainly bio data collection and record management responsibilities) and two affiliate work force staff devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 700 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need additional support to assist in conducting BIDs.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Rwanda

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

377

1,131

163

490

297

890

112

Burundi

190

571

Total

864

2,592

233

700

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Mozambique Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 7,398 refugees and asylum-seekers of several nationalities (Congolese (DRC), Burundian, Rwandan and others) living in the Maratane Refugee Camp, the only refugee camp in Mozambique. Additionally, there were a total of 5,200 refugees and asylum-seekers living in urban areas throughout the country, particularly in the cities of Maputo and Nampula. These refugee populations were recognized on an individual basis by the Government of Mozambique under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, as well as the national Refugee Law. Of the total refugee population registered by the Government of Mozambique, 1,264 were women, 1,428 were men, and 1,706 were children. 160 women and girls at risk, and 180 were unaccompanied or separated children. 3,500 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 3,150 in 2014.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo

2,527

Burundi

976

Rwanda

777

Various (mainly Somalia)

118

Total refugee population

4,398

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo

4,088

Burundi

2,110

Somalia

1,134

Rwanda

779

Various

Total asylum-seeker population

8,200

Total persons of concern

12,598

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Mozambique is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, it has entered the following reservations to the 1951 Convention: the rights to movable and immovable property (Article 13), association (Article 15), wage-earning employment (Article 17), liberal professions (article 19), public education (Article 22), and naturalization (Article 34). Mozambique is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Mozambique are governed under the Refugee Act, Law Nr. 21/91 and its implementing legislation, Decree Nr. 33/2007. The national institution for asylum is called the National Institute for the Support to Refugees – INAR (Instituto Nacional para Apoio aos Refugiados). First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by INAR, and appeals are conducted by the Administrative Tribunal, headquartered in Maputo. Current RSD procedures meet international standards, but they entail a lengthy process. UNHCR is working with the Government to improve these procedures by advocating for a more in-depth analysis of asylum claims, with a more comprehensive assessment of the grounds presented for the ﬂight and country of origin information. Further, UNHCR advocates for a review of the RSD legislation in order to streamline the number of administrative layers in the decision making process, turning it into a time-bound exercise, fully accessible to asylumseekers, especially at the second instance. There are certain restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Mozambique. Choice of residence outside the camp depends on authorization by the INAR on a case-by-case basis, and it has been restricted since 2003 by a ministerial instruction banning refugees from residing in the capital Maputo. This restriction applies to all refugees and asylumseekers, with the exception of those already settled in Maputo before 2003.

Camp and urban reception centres, in combination with the proGres database and participatory assessments, remain the core methodology used to identify Mozambique’s total resettlement needs. 300 refugees of Congolose (DRC) and other nationalities were identiﬁed for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to a combination of selection criteria, set to be revised this year. Changes in perspective towards local integration, as well as the increased number of refugees in a protracted situation are two of the factors which will be taken into consideration when establishing new methodologies and selection criteria. The availability of human resources is the key challenge which is factored prominently in determining the submissions planned for 2014.

On the rights of refugees, the Refugee Act establishes that refugees have in principle rights equal to those of foreigners formally residing in Mozambique. In general, refugees and asylum-seekers benefit from free and universal access to primary education, health care, and HIV/AIDS treatment. They are also able to work and engage in economic activities as well as benefit from financial services. However, because of numerous grey areas as to the administrative application of various legal provisions, in practice, the level of access to individual rights by refugees and asylum-seekers greatly varies depending on the location and their individual effort. This specifically applies to procedures for the issuance of work and business permits, access to land, naturalization and similar issues, which may affect the prospects of self-reliance of many. Additionally, limited knowledge of some authorities (including law-enforcement, administration and court officials at all levels) of the rights and duties of refugees has a significant impact on the protection environment in the country. Therefore, not all refugees have immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Mozambique.

Southern Africa

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

In principle, detention is not used for migrationrelated offences; however, there have been reports of irregular migrants being detained as a deterrent measure until administrative measures are applied, and expulsion/deportation is made available. As of 1 January 2013, there were no reported cases of either registered refugees or asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offenses. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were six reported cases of refoulementt of asylum-seekers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the previous year.

The Office will continue to use the proGres database, in conjunction with information received during the reception sessions in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. An expected profiling exercise in late 2013/early 2014 will further assist with the realization of this objective. The Office does not receive referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs. Refugees from the DRC, Burundi, Somalia, and others will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. In addition, in providing a durable solution for those refugees who lack alternative prospects, resettlement also alleviates the burden placed on host countries, which often struggle to provide for their own citizens.

Given the persistent deterioration of the security situation in the DRC and Somalia, neither Congolese refugees from Eastern DRC nor Somalis have prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return. Moreover, the majority of Rwandan refugees in Mozambique remain adamantly opposed to repatriation. According to available information, no barriers currently exist which would prohibit the repatriation of Burundian refugees.

The Ofﬁce will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 300 persons in 2014. There are currently no core staff and one afﬁliate workforce staff, a RefugePoint resettlement deployee, exclusively devoted to resettlement counselling and resettlement case preparation and review.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo

210

Various

Total

300

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Namibia Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

Namibia is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, it has entered the following reservation to the 1951 Convention: the right to freedom of movement (Article 26). Namibia is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban – 114 / rural – 1,322)

1,436

Burundi (urban – 41 / rural – 173)

214

Rwanda (urban – 43 / rural – 66)

109

Various (urban – 5 / rural – 42)

Total refugee population

1,806

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban – 76 / rural – 705)

781

Burundi (urban – 20 / rural – 82)

102

Various (urban – 13 / rural – 193)

206

Total asylum-seeker population

1,089

Total persons of concern

2,895

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 1,603 refugees of mixed nationalities (1,436 originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo) living in the Osire settlement and 203 in urban areas in Windhoek and the Northern part of Namibia. This population was recognized on an individual basis by the Government of the Republic of Namibia under Namibia’s Refugees (Recognition and Control) Act, 2 of 1999. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR and the Government in Namibia 435 were women, 526 were men, and 845 children. 30 were unaccompanied or separated children and 65 women and girls at risk. 240 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 200 in 2014. 82

Refugees in Namibia are governed under the Namibia Refugees (Recognition and Control) Act, 2 of 1999. The national institution for asylum is called the Refugee Administration Directorate. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the Namibia Refugees Committee, and appeals are conducted by the Namibia Refugees Appeals Board. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards because of lack of stafﬁng capacity to carry out RSD. As a result, asylum-seekers’ refugee status applications are not determined within the timeframes provided for in the law or in accordance with international protection standards. In addition, the Namibia Refugees Appeals Board does not sit as often as required by law because of the busy schedule of the three legal practitioners that form part of the Board. The Board members, being private legal practitioners, also charge expensive fees per sitting on the Board. UNHCR is working with the Government of Namibia to improve these procedures by assisting with the recruitment of additional staff members to carry out RSD. In addition, UNHCR also intends to work with the Government of Namibia to reduce the backlog of asylum applications. There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Namibia. In terms of the Refugees Act, refugees are required to reside in a settlement pursuant to the country’s reservation to Article 26 (Freedom of Movement) of the 1951 Convention. Detention is used for migration-related offences, such as irregular entry, lack of permit to leave the settlement, and expired permits. UNHCR-Namibia does not have records of persons of concern currently detained for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees enjoy a range of rights such as those to health, education and employment in Namibia; however, there are speciﬁc problems with the right to employment and especially freedom of movement. Refugees are treated like other foreigners concerning employment, which means that they are required to obtain a work permit before they can take up employment. However, it is not very often that refugees are able to secure employment in Namibia because the Government of Namibia has issued a policy that all available jobs should be reserved for Namibians or persons with permanent residence in Namibia due to the high unemployment rate of more than 51 per cent in the country. Due to limitations on the freedom of movement, refugees and asylum-seekers are required to reside in Osire refugee settlement and can only leave the

The main refugee population currently in Namibia originates from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) following the successful repatriation of some 2,800 Angolan refugees before the invocation of cessation of their status on 30 June 2012. As the majority of the Congolese (DRC) refugees originate from the North and the South-Eastern part of the DRC, there are no immediate prospects for their voluntary repatriation due to continued political instability and violence.

Refugees from the Great Lakes region will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. There are no immediate prospects for local integration for this category of persons as the Government of Namibia has not yet approved the draft policy for local integration. There are also no immediate prospects for their voluntary repatriation as the situation in the Great Lakes region, especially in the Eastern DRC, is still very volatile. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 400 persons in 2014. In order to meet the submissions of 400 persons planned for 2014, the Office will require the continuation of the ICMC resettlement deployees, a G5 Senior Resettlement Assistant, and support missions from the Regional Office.

Southern Africa

settlement when they have been issued a permit to do so. The limitation on the right to freedom of movement further limits the right to seek and enjoy employment and it also hampers the refugees’ efforts to integrate into the Namibian society. Therefore, all refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Namibia.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Following the cessation clause applied for Angolan refugees, the Osire settlement population is mainly composed of refugees from the DRC. The Office is applying a comprehensive strategy toward the remaining refugee population, which results in 1,630 persons having resettlement needs. However, based on projected capacity, 400 refugees from the Great Lakes region are identified for submission in 2014. proGres data profiling, the HRIT, and participatory assessments will continue to be utilized in 2013 to prioritize cases for resettlement. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: The Government of Namibia does not have the capacity to carry out RSD effectively and in line with international protection standards and its domestic legislation. UNHCR-Namibia did not have dedicated resettlement staff until the arrival of the ICMC resettlement deployees in March 2013 and the Durable Solutions Officer in January 2013. With the continued deployment of the ICMC resettlement deployees and resettlement support missions from the Regional Office, efforts will be made to reach the objective of submitting 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. In Namibia, partners and NGOs are not involved in the identification of cases for resettlement consideration.

“There was a girl of 10 years old. She always said that she felt lonely In this world. She is the face that comes out from the night. She may be little but it is her right to ﬁght for happiness in this world.”. © Idalina, 16 years old, Osire Refugee Camp, Namibia

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

350

1,400

150

600

Burundi

150

100

Various

408

1,630

185

740

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

South Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, Lesotho, Swaziland Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 10.8

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Asylum-seeker population (continued)

persons

Ethiopia (urban)

3,073

Egypt (urban)

2,552

Nigeria (urban)

1,264

Burundi (urban)

1,236

Uganda (urban)

986

Republic of the Congo (urban)

840

Ghana (urban)

755

China (urban)

649

Tanzania (urban)

489

Cameroon (urban)

440

Mozambique (urban)

381

India (urban)

252

Rwanda (urban)

248

Kenya (urban)

198

Senegal (urban)

171

Lesotho (urban)

167

Various (urban)

155,943

Total asylum-seeker population

230,442

Total persons of concern

295,692

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for 2.1 resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Somalia (urban)

17,864

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban)

13,394

Angola (urban)

5,805

Ethiopia (urban)

5,538

Burundi (urban)

2,365

Republic of the Congo (urban)

2,336

Rwanda (urban)

1,365

Zimbabwe (urban)

1,095

Eritrea (urban)

660

Liberia (urban)

214

Sudan (urban)

182

Bangladesh (urban)

146

Uganda (urban)

141

Tanzania (urban)

140

Cameroon (urban)

135

Various (urban)

13,870

Total refugee population

65,250

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Zimbabwe (urban)

37,033

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban)

8,093

Somalia (urban)

4,953

Pakistan (urban)

4,048

Malawi (urban)

3,399

Bangladesh (urban)

3,272

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 65,250 refugees, mainly of Somali, Congolese (DRC and COB), Ethiopian, Burundian, Rwandan, Zimbabwean, and Eritrean nationalities living in various urban areas in South Africa. These populations were recognized on an individual basis by the Government of South Africa under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the domestic 1998 Refugees Act. The proGres database is only being used in UNHCR as an internal case management tool for protection needs assessments. However, due to the dispersed nature of urban refugees in South Africa, UNHCR is not in a position to update the bio-data, speciﬁc needs, or the precise locations of refugees and asylum-seekers registered in proGres. As a result, UNHCR does not have an accurate breakdown of the refugee population.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions South Africa is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees and also the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in South Africa are governed under the 1998 Refugees Act. The national institution for asylum is the Department of Home Affairs/Asylum Seeker Management (DHA/ASM). First instance RSD and Appeals are conducted by the DHA. Current RSD procedures meet international standards because there is access to individual status determination procedures, documentation, and appeals. However, DHA’s limited capacity in dealing with the large number of asylum claims affects the quality of decisions. UNHCR is working with the Government

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within South Africa. Detention is used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry, visa overstay, and non-renewal of permits. The number of registered refugees and asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offenses was unknown at the beginning of 2013. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year.

Participatory assessments and protection needs assessments were used in 2012 to estimate the total resettlement needs. 800 Somali, 400 Congolese (DRC), and 150 refugees of other nationalities were identiﬁed for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission include refugees who are vulnerable due to speciﬁc needs,, exposure to xenophobic violence ,or threats of detention for lack of valid documentation. Women and girls at risk, and those whose applications have been rejected by the Government and for whom UNHCR has conducted mandate RSD, will also be prioritized.

Refugees in South Africa enjoy the rights to work and social services, including social grants. Although in theory, refugees enjoy a broad range of rights, in practice, many face problems in accessing services, and some are subject to discrimination. In some cases refugees are unable to access these rights due to lack of documentation. In addition, South African nationals are prioritized for employment, and some employers do not recognize asylum documents, insisting on a South African ‘green’ identity card which is different from that held by refugees and asylum-seekers. Protection problems have continued largely in the form of xenophobia-related violence against foreigners, including asylum-seekers and refugees. Some have faced difﬁculties renewing refugee and asylum permits, creating further obstacles in ﬁnding employment or meaningful self-reliance activities. The closures of government Refugee Reception Centers in parts of the country have exacerbated the documentation problems and related protection risks.

Southern Africa

of South Africa to improve these procedures through capacity building and dissemination of country of origin information.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: the identified needs for 2014 are based on population sampling and assessments in a few locations within the country. UNHCR’s limited capacity to conduct protection and community outreach activities in the context of shrinking protection space implies that the needs identified are likely far less than the actual resettlement needs of the refugees in the country; the core resettlement staff and affiliate workforce are also involved in various protection activities such as the protection needs assessments as a primary means of resettlement needs identification; in addition the core resettlement staff in the Regional Resettlement Unit cover South Africa and also conduct support missions to other countries in the region. Through weekly intakes and protection referrals of vulnerable women and girls by partners, the Office hopes to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014.

Voluntary repatriation is very low, due partly to the continued political instability in some of the major countries of origin such as the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Somalia, and the perceived poor socio-economic conditions in some other countries. Voluntary repatriation is promoted in the context of the cessation clauses for Angolan refugees and facilitated for Rwandans and Burundians. It is noteworthy however, that a signiﬁcant number of these refugees prefer to remain and apply for alternative status in South Africa. There are no realistic prospects of return for refugees from Somalia and the eastern part of the DRC in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 1,350 persons in 2014. There are currently three core staff and five affiliate workforce staff devoted to resettlement counselling and resettlement case identification, preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions target, the Office will need four resettlement deployees, two Associate Resettlement Officers (IUNV and JPO), and one BID deployee.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Somalia Democratic Republic of the Congo Rwanda

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

1,000

3,000

266

800

150

450

667

2,000

133

400

120

Burundi

Various

100

110

1,734

5,200

450

1,350

199

600

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

There are also a total of 14,714 individuals self-settled and residing in provincial areas who are registered by the Government of Zambia, of which 8,200 are others of concern (former Angolan refugees), and 6,514 are refugees dispersed throughout the country, living in rural areas and villages, and who are not beneﬁting from UNHCR assistance.

Zambia Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place

There are also 15,306 former Angolan refugees whose status ceased in June 2012 and who are living in both Meheba and Mayukwayukwa refugee settlements in Zambia. This population of concern is still in the process of application for resident status or repatriation. UNHCR continues to assist them in that process, but they no longer beneﬁt from protection as refugees.

Of the total refugee population registered by the Government of Zambia, 5,673 were women, 7,801 were men, and 12,179 were children. 15 were women and girls at risk, and 347 were unaccompanied or separated children. In Zambia, 2,500 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and the same number in 2014.

UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 9

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo

14,784

(self-settled: 4,429; urban: 2,779; camp: 7,576)

Rwanda (self-settled: 985; urban: 1,274; camp: 3,773)

6,032

Burundi (self-settled- 400; urban: 1,158; camp: 843)

2,401

Somalia (self-settled: 700; urban: 1,200; camp: 272)

2,172

Various (urban: 229; camp - 35)

264

Total refugee population

25,653

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban)

1,010

Various (urban)

183

Total asylum-seeker population

1,193

Persons of Concern

persons

Angola (self-settled: 8,200; urban: 44; camp: 15,306)

23,550

Total persons of concern

23,550

Total persons of concern

50,396

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 12,499 camp-based refugees of Congolese (DRC), Somali, Rwandan, Burundian, and other nationalities. There were a total of 6,640 persons of the aforementioned nationalities in urban areas in Zambia. These populations were recognized on an individual or prima facie basis by the Government of Zambia under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees or the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Zambia is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, it has entered the following reservations to the 1951 Convention: the right to employment (Article 17), education, (Article 22.1), freedom of movement (Article 26), and travel documents for refugees (Article 28). Zambia is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Zambia are governed under the Refugee (Control Act) 1970. The national institution for asylum is called the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees (COR), a department under the Ministry of Home Affairs. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by legal advisors in the COR, for those arriving in Lusaka, and by the Provincial/District Joint Operations Committees (P/DJOC) for those arriving in border areas. Asylum-seekers are not granted status under the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa; they are referred to the National Eligibility Committee for determination of their claims, and appeals are conducted by the Minister of Home Affairs. The current RSD procedure is administrative and is not provided for in the Refugee (Control Act) 1970. Gaps in staff capacity and competence have been identified. Age, gender, and diversity considerations and a substantive review of the claims are not systematically integrated into the RSD procedure. UNHCR is working with the Government of Zambia to improve these procedures by providing technical advice on points of refugee law, and is currently lobbying for the adoption of the Refugee Bill which includes RSD procedures. There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Zambia. The Refugee (Control Act) 1970 codifies Zambia’s reservations to Article 26 of the 1951 Convention on freedom of movement through the encampment policy, prohibiting refugees from residing outside of designated sites. Refugees need authorization by the Refugee Officers to leave the designated sites.

verification not every individual case will result in a resettlement submission. 1,000 refugees are planned to be submitted in 2014. This number comprises 700 Congolese (DRC) refugees residing in both, the settlements and urban areas, 225 Somali refugees, and 75 refugees from other population groups. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: High turnover of staff, as a result of affiliate workforce staff dedicated to RRF production being on short-term contracts and not immediately replaced following departure, results in considerable gaps until the positions are filled, with their replacements again needing time to become familiar with the caseload and processing issues.

Refugees have restricted rights to employment, education, and freedom of movement in Zambia. Zambia has made reservations to Article 17(2) of the 1951 Convention which accords refugees the right to paid employment. While refugees may undertake paid or self-employment, the Government of Zambia has restricted this right, obliging refugees to apply to the Immigration Ofﬁce for a work or selfemployment permit. Refugees generally have access to services such as education, medical treatment, and social facilities. Even though Zambia has entered reservations to Article 22(1), and does not consider itself bound to provide elementary education, refugee children residing in designated areas do attend public primary school with Zambian children. No limits are placed on the number of refugees who may enroll at colleges and universities.

Southern Africa

Detention is used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry, visa overstay, and being outside the designated sites without authorization. As of 1 January 2013, there were six registered refugees and no asylum-seekers in detention for migrationrelated offenses. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year.

The Office continues to conduct extensive verification of relevant details on all cases entering the resettlement process; one challenge is a lack of constant updates to the proGres database by the concerned stakeholders, i.e. the COR which owns the database. This causes a delay in the actual time it takes to process resettlement cases. Additional challenges are related to logistics, in particular the travel time between Field Office Solwezi and the refugee settlement Meheba, where the majority of cases are residing, thereby reducing the output of caseworkers.

The encampment policy is one of the main protection challenges in Zambia. It limits the ability of refugees to become self-reliant, increases their risk of being subjected to arrest and detention, and has resulted in the increase of refugees living informally in the urban areas without documentation or access to rights and services. These refugees are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Zambia. Interest in repatriation among all refugee nationalities in Zambia is very limited. This can be explained by on-going problems in the country of origin and/or by a preference among refugee communities for other solutions.

Through the specific needs codes, the Office has identified women and girls at risk in the proGres database in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under this category in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by Protection staff and partners. The cases are presented to a panel, composed of partners, Protection and Community Services staff, which then refers selected cases to resettlement and protection for further processing. The strategic benefits of resettlement out of Zambia may emerge from ongoing discussions with the Government of Zambia on the overall protection climate and durable solutions for the remaining refugee population. In this regard, specific benefits may include an easing of the encampment policy and eventual local integration for certain refugees otherwise condemned to remain in a protracted situation.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Specific needs codes in proGres were used to assess the total resettlement needs. Nearly 6,000 individuals were identified for 2014. Currently the Office is still processing cases based on an earlier conducted profiling exercise of Congolese (DRC) refugees from the Kivus in the DRC, who arrived before 2008 and are thus in a protracted refugee situation. The resettlement of these individuals will be a multi-year endeavour, also keeping in mind that upon actual

There are currently three core staff and three deployees (envisaged to increase to a total of four by the end of 2013 – two ICMC and two Resettlement Support Centre deployees). Assuming stafﬁng levels remain the same, the Ofﬁce will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 1,000 persons in 2014.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Democratic Republic of the Congo

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

1,169

4,091

200

700

217

Somalia

413

225

212

Various

454

1,409

1,712

5,913

275

1,000

134

504

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Zimbabwe Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD)

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 3,505 refugees living in the Tongogara Refugee Camp in south-eastern Zimbabwe and 1,089 in urban areas, mostly in Harare, the capital. These populations were recognized on an individual basis by the Zimbabwean authorities under the domestic Refugee Act. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR and the Government of Zimbabwe, 918 were women, 1,161 were men and 2,515 were children. Approximately 150 were women and girls at risk, and another 344 (127 girls and 217 boys) were unaccompanied or separated children. 563 persons arrived, applied for asylum, and stayed in Zimbabwe waiting for their asylum decision during 2012, and similar numbers are expected to arrive in 2013 and 2014.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 15

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban – 723 / rural – 2,538)

3,261

Rwanda (urban –213 / rural – 491)

704

Burundi (rural)

434

Various (urban – 153 / rural – 42)

195

Total refugee population

4,594

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (rural)

1,672

Various (urban – 64 / rural – 169)

233

Total asylum-seeker population

1,905

Total persons of concern

6,499

Zimbabwe is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, it has entered the following reservations to the 1951 Convention: the right to employment (Article 17), public relief (Article 23), social security (Article 24), and freedom of movement (Article 26). Zimbabwe is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Zimbabwe are governed under the Refugee Act. The national institution for asylum is called the Office of the Commissioner for Refugees. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by Zimbabwean Refugee Committee (ZRC), and appeals are conducted by the Minister for Labour and Social Services. Although still fairly rudimentary, the RSD process is reasonably fair and credible. It must however be noted that on account of the profiles of refugees arriving in the country, the emphasis is recognition on the basis of the extended 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa refugee definition. There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Zimbabwe, as the Government of Zimbabwe maintains a strict encampment policy. Detention is used for migration-related offenses, including unlawful entry, employment without authority to work, and exiting the refugee camp without authorization. The number of registered refugees and asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offenses is unknown. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees do not have the right to work in Zimbabwe. Work permits are issued only on an exceptional basis for some qualified professionals. The prevailing political context in Zimbabwe also affects refugees’ political freedom and freedom of expression. No refugees have immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Zimbabwe. The prospects for voluntary repatriation for the majority of the refugee population in Zimbabwe remain limited. The majority of the refugees originate from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and fear persecution there due to armed conflict.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

Southern Africa

The participatory approach and best estimate methods, including a projected needs assessment based on profiling interviews conducted during 2012, were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 300 Congolese (DRC) and 150 Rwandan, Burundian, and refugees of other nationalities were identified for submission in 2014. Identification for resettlement will mainly be conducted through protection assessments and profiling exercises, both in Harare and urban areas and in the Tongogara camp. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission primarily according to date of arrival in Zimbabwe, but also taking into consideration vulnerabilities and specific needs. As focus will be put on resolving protracted situations, the caseload will be approached from a durable solutions point-of-view. This year, the Office will also conduct targeted profiling exercises in order to maintain the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. No partner referrals are planned due to the size of the population. The Office will have the capacity to submit 450 persons for resettlement in 2014. There are currently two core staff; one Associate Resettlement Officer devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review; and one Resettlement Associate (Temporary Assistance) mostly dealing with bio-data verification and other administrative tasks. The Resettlement Associate post will be regularized during 2013. The Office should be able to meet its targets with the current staff, but could benefit from assistance with profiling for purposes of case identification.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo

160

650

300

Rwanda

Burundi

Various

Total

210

850

110

450

110

450

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Togo 184

Nigeria 80

Ghana

Republic of Guinea 120

200

Côte d’Ivoire Liberia

200

LEGEND:

Country Name UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (persons)

West Africa

Ghana .......................................................................................................................................................................... 96 Liberia .......................................................................................................................................................................... 98 Nigeria........................................................................................................................................................................ 100 Republic of Guinea ..................................................................................................................................................... 102 Togo ........................................................................................................................................................................... 104

Historial Trends of UNHCR’s planned submissions 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Côte d’Ivoire

ê 35

ê 30

é 300

ê 50

Ghana

é 320

ê 200

é 220

ê 200

è 200

Liberia

é 90

ê 80

é 340

é 350

ê 200

Nigeria

100

è 100

ê 80

Republic of Guinea

100

è 100

ê 85

é 120

Togo

120

é 135

é 140

ê 100

é 184 91

Regional Resettlement Unit Resettlement within the Regional Solutions Strategy In West Africa, UNHCR is implementing a strategy aimed at bringing to a close the following protracted refugee situations of modest scale: Mauritanian refugees in Mali and Senegal, Ghanaian refugees in Togo, Chadian refugees in Niger, and Togolese refugees in Benin and Ghana. While resettlement has been included as an integral part of the comprehensive durable solutions strategy at a regional level for each particular proﬁle depending on nationality and whether they are an urban or rural population, a country-speciﬁc operations plan is to be developed.

Role and Scope of RRWA The Regional Resettlement Unit for West Africa (RRWA) covers the following countries of west Africa: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo, and in addition three countries in central Africa: Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), and Chad. The key functions of the Regional Resettlement Unit include regional coordination, operational support, and capacity-building through support missions to field offices, oversight, and monitoring. It also provides quality control review of resettlement cases and makes resettlement submissions. RRWA provides support by enhancing the resettlement capacity of country offices and ensuring fair and standardized practices in the region. It promotes greater coherence and consistency in resettlement strategies between UNHCR, host resettlement countries, and partners. It also ensures that resettlement is mainstreamed in the overall comprehensive protection and durable solutions strategy at country and regional levels. It ensures that resettlement submissions are consistent with the resettlement categories and are in response to protection needs, and that procedures meet UNHCR standards and are in accordance with anti-fraud prevention measures and responses. In 2012, 1,144 of refugees were submitted through RRWA in Dakar from the western and central Africa region, and in 2014 it is planned to submit 2,784 refugees, including 1,200 refugees from Darfur, Sudan and 550 refugees from the CAR.

Key Activities to Support Resettlement in 2014 In 2014, activities by RRWA to promote resettlement within the region will include reviewing Standard Operating Procedures and conducting twelve support and training missions to assist field colleagues in improving identification and preparation with a view to meeting their resettlement submissions goals. RRWA will also follow-up on the implementation of anti-fraud mechanisms jointly with registration and Refugee Status Determination partners. RRWA provided guidance to support field offices on fraud investigation, anti-fraud risk assessments, and compliance with resettlement anti-fraud policy and procedures. In this regard UNHCR is planning the roll-out proGres Lite in 2014, a web-based database, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This is a dedicated database making security requirements related to access to data easier to implement, and allowing regional and Headquarters staff to access fraud case management data. Through proGres Lite, fraud events will be reported by all field offices on a quarterly basis according to a standard reporting template. The Resettlement Service will analyze the reports, identify fraud trends, and propose ways to address gaps in the implementation of anti-fraud policies. There are also ongoing training initiatives such as the development of a new Learning Programme to enhance in-depth interviewing and investigation skills for UNHCR anti-fraud focal points in the field.

Staffing and Resource Needs RRWA currently has four core staff and three affiliate workforce staff, including one Senior Regional Resettlement Officer, one Regional Resettlement Officer, two Resettlement Associates, and three ICMC deployees. In addition to current staffing, in order to meet the objectives for 2014, the RRWA will need one additional Resettlement Associate. This additional position will ensure coordination of the missions needed to support the various operations which do not have staff dedicated to resettlement in meeting their targets. This position will also provide training to develop the resettlement capacity of national protection staff in the region to ensure continuity and quality in identification, referral, and RRF preparation.

West Africa Fourteen-year-old Malian refugee Aminata takes care of her two-month old daughter Aichatou. She walked from northern Mali to Damba refugee camp in Burkina Faso with her daughter and mother. Aminata’s husband is a migrant labourer in Côte d’Ivoire. © UNHCR / H. Caux / July 25, 2012

Côte d’Ivoire Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

Of the total refugee population of 3,980 registered by the UNHCR and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, 1,097 were women, 1,096 were men, and 1,787 were children. 83 were women and girls at risk, and 82 were unaccompanied or separated children.

UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 3,420 Liberian refugees living in rural areas of west and south-west of the country and 560 refugees of various other nationalities in urban areas in the cities in Côte d’Ivoire. The majority of the Liberian refugee population was recognized on a prima facie basis by the State of Côte d’Ivoire under the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa.

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Liberia (urban and rural)

3,420

Various (urban)

560

Total refugee population

3,980

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Liberians (urban)

275

Various

245

Total asylum-seeker population

520

Total persons of concern

4,500

Côte d’Ivoire is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Côte d’Ivoire has acceded also to the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa (OAU Convention). However, the country does not have an asylum law (a draft asylum law is in preparation). In the absence of an asylum law, the authorities are referring to ExCom guidelines, Geneva and OAU Conventions when managing refugee matters. Refugees in Côte d’Ivoire are governed under the Commission Nationale d’Eligibilité (CNE) and the Commission de Recours (CR). The two Commissions are housed in the national institution for protection and assistance to refugees and stateless people, called Service d’Aide et d’Assistance aux Réfugiés et Apatrides (SAARA). First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the CNE, and appeals are conducted by the CR. Current RSD procedures meet international standards because Côte d’Ivoire has developed its own Guidelines on the Procedures for RSD according to standard guidelines under the UNHCR mandate. UNHCR is working with the Government to improve these procedures by conducting regular training sessions to the State structures on international protection and RSD, and by advocating for the adoption of a national legislation in order to improve the asylum regime. There are some restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Côte d’Ivoire. During the post election crisis, some refugee communities were targeted and could not move freely. Detention is not used for migration-related offences. As of 1 January 2013, there were no refugees or asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offenses. However, some of them are still arrested and facing other harassment from the security forces due to alleged involvement of refugees (in particular Liberians) in the conﬂict in Côte d’Ivoire. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees have the right to work in Côte d’Ivoire, especially in the informal sector. Although there are no legal restrictions on access to employment, education, health care and other public services,

• The fact that, in the context of mass human rights violations and in the presence of many small arms in circulation, the most vulnerable among UNHCR’s persons of concern are still at risk and may be subject to frequent harassments. The Office has clearly given indications and instructions to the protection team and partners active in community services, in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. These instructions emphasized on the need to enhance documentation of individual files and record all the events in proGres, especially for the category of women and girls at risk and survivors of violence and/or torture. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners including NGOs.

The above mentioned factors represent signiﬁcant legal, economic and socio-cultural barriers to local integration in Côte d’Ivoire. Some 500 Liberian refugees will be exempted from the implementation of the cessation clause by the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, especially for compelling reasons arising from past persecution. They are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of the Liberian government. Therefore, most Liberian refugees remaining in Côte d’Ivoire have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

West Africa

it is almost impossible for qualified refugees to find employment other than with UNHCR partners. Small private businesses are the only sectors where refugee skills are welcome. However, in tacit practice, private initiatives by foreigners must include Ivorian national(s), which restricts the real prospects for local integration. Many refugees, particularly in the cities, cannot become self-sufficient. In addition, refugees in rural areas cannot own land for agriculture in Côte d’Ivoire if they decide to remain in the country.

Refugees from Liberia will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement starting in 2013. The identification of refugees in need of resettlement is based on their protection risks due to their perceived implication in the conflict in Côte d’Ivoire and the subsequent lack of support they receive, including from the main administrative authorities, in order to sustain their integration in the country of asylum. Providing exempted Liberians with the possibility to be resettled will ensure a protection solution to the targeted group, while showing the Ivorian authorities that UNHCR is advocating with the international community for responsibility sharing in the management of specific protection cases.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 The speciﬁc needs codes, participatory assessments and best estimate were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 30 Liberians exempted from the implementation of the cessation clause for compelling reasons arising from past persecution and 20 refugees from other nationalities living in the capital city of Abidjan without prospects for local integration, particularly women and girls at risk, will be prioritized for resettlement submission in 2014.

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 50 persons in 2014. There are currently one core staff and four affiliate workforce, including one UNV/ Associate Community Services Officer, one NOA Community Services Officer and two Field Protection Associates, which is not sufficient to provide resettlement counselling and work on resettlement case preparation and review.

The key challenges considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014 remain the insufﬁcient protection staff to produce RRF and limited information in proGres to allow for better identiﬁcation as well as: • The weakness of the protection environment in Côte d’Ivoire, especially in view of the 2015 elections, where the key challenges linked to nationality and land issues have not been really addressed;

In order to meet the submissions of 170 persons in 2014, the Ofﬁce will additionally need a full time Resettlement Consultant (six months).

• The ongoing attacks in some areas of the country of asylum, especially the West of Côte d’Ivoire, where refugees are still living and are willing to locally integrate;

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Liberia

150

Various

Total

170

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, and the Ghana Refugee Law.

Ghana Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR and the Government of Ghana, 5,496 were women, 5,372 were men, and 5,148 were children. 137 were women and girls at risk, and around 255 were unaccompanied or separated children. 600 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 550 in 2014.

Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Côte d’Ivoire (urban - 1,405/ camp - 7,294)

8,699

Liberia (camp)

5,156

Togo (urban - 1,517 / camp - 185)

1,702

Sudan

202

Sierra Leone

153

Various

104

Total refugee population

16,016

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Togo (urban)

1,981

Sudan

224

Various

400

Total asylum-seeker population

2,605

Total persons of concern

18,621

As of 1 January 2013, there was a total of 14,624 Ivorian, Liberian, Togolese, Sudanese, and other refugees living in rural/semi-rural areas in Ghana and 1,392 Ivorian, Togolese, Sudanese, Liberian, and other refugees living in urban areas in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. There were 2,605 asylumseekers living in urban and rural/semi-rural areas. 15,557 Ivorian, Liberian, and Togolese refugees were recognized on a prima facie basis, and 459 persons of various nationalities have undergone individual Refugee Status Determination (RSD) by the Ghanaian Government in accordance with the 1951 96

Ghana is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Ghana is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Ghana are governed by the Ghana Refugee Law of 1992. The national institution for asylum is called the Ghana Refuge Board (GRB). First instance RSD is conducted by the GRB, and appeals are conducted by the Ministry of Interior. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards because the Appeals Procedure is not governed by an independent judicial/quasi-judicial body, and there is a constant delay in the adjudication of first instance cases and appeals. UNHCR is working with the Government of Ghana to improve these procedures by engaging in a joint exercise of reviewing, and potentially amending, the existing Refugee Law. In addition, UNHCR is advocating with the Government of Ghana to draft regulations and by-laws that would make the implementation of the Refugee Law possible. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Ghana. Detention is not used for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Protection of human rights is enshrined in the 1992 Constitution. The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights for all refugees, such as freedom of movement, association, expression, and religion, as well as women’s, children’s, economic, and educational rights. The national refugee legislation provides for the right to work. However, in practice this is rarely implemented with regard to office work. Also, employers require refugees to show a work permit before employment, but securing a job is a requirement for obtaining the permit. As a result, many refugees do not have immediate prospects for longterm local integration. A number of refugee populations have been assisted by UNHCR in voluntary repatriation. As part of the implementation of the cessation-related activities for Liberian refugees, 4,710 Liberians were assisted to return to Liberia in 2012. About 100 persons will be assisted to return in 2013, and there are no plans for voluntary repatriation to Liberia in 2014 and 2015. With regard to Togolese refugees, while only 71 refugees were assisted to return to Togo in 2012, it is anticipated that voluntary repatriation will still be possible in 2013. 300 persons plan to return in 2014.

Facilitated voluntary repatriation to Côte d’Ivoire in 2012 has been very modest, with only 77 refugees being assisted to return. There is very little interest in return, and it is not anticipated that the situation will change signiﬁcantly in 2013. For 2014, the planning return ﬁgure for Côte d’Ivoire is set at 500, with the assumption that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire will stabilize to the level of becoming more conducive for refugees to return. Refugees from the Darfur region of Sudan have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014:

• The ongoing arrival of asylum-seekers from Cote d’Ivoire prevented UNHCR Ghana from implementing resettlement for this population, not least because of the fear of an increased pull factor.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

The Office has introduced the identification of refugees with specific needs (PSN) in all verification exercises conducted in 2012 and 2013 in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office has so far not been receiving referrals of cases identified by partners, but is in the process of putting mechanisms in place to receive referrals of refugee women at risk from its Community Services unit and NGOs.

Speciﬁc needs codes in proGres based on veriﬁcation exercises as well as participatory assessments conducted in November 2012 were used to identify the total resettlement needs. Submissions for 2014 will include 74 Sudanese refugees from the Darfur region for whom local integration is not feasible based on the Government of Ghana’s position on Sudanese refugees; 32 Ivorian refugees on the basis of medical and legal and/or physical protection needs; and 13 Somali, Pakistani, and Iraqi refugees due to the situation in their respective countries of origin. In addition, UNHCR Ghana will submit for resettlement 19 of the remaining Togolese refugees who have stayed in Ghana for more than two decades with no solution in sight. Following the invocation of cessations for Liberian refugees and for Sierra Leonean refugees, UNHCR will submit for resettlement the most compelling cases from those exempted from cessation (5 Liberians and 5 Sierra Leoneans) with complex medical needs and vulnerabilities such as single women / female heads of household and survivors of violence and torture. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to medical needs, female headed households, and persons with legal and/or physical protection needs.

West Africa

• The GRB has accumulated a backlog of cases in ﬁrst instance due to the interviews and assessments of Liberian exemption cases as part of the implementation of cessation-related activities in 2012/2013 As a result, Sudanese cases which have been potentially identiﬁed for resettlement cannot be processed until adjudicated by the GRB.

Refugees from Sudan and Togo will benefit from multiyear planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. Sudanese refugees do not have any prospects for local integration, and the Togolese are in a protracted refugee situation, which resettlement could help to resolve. Reducing a protracted refugee situation through resettlement would be seen by the Government of Ghana as an active sign of burdensharing and thus enhance asylum space in Ghana. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 200 persons in 2014. There are currently four core staff and no affiliate workforce staff devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Sudan

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Somalia

Côte d’Ivoire

Togo

Iraq

Syrian Arab Republic

Pakistan

Sierra Leone

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Liberia

112

200

112

200

112

200

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

women or girls at risk, and 112 were unaccompanied or separated children.

Liberia

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 0 0.3

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Côte d’Ivoire (urban – 570 / camp - 38,644 / rural - 26,298)

65,512

Sierra Leone (urban)

279

Various (urban)

Total refugee population

65,853

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Various (urban)

Total asylum-seeker population

Total persons of concern

65,923

As of 1 January 2013, there were 65,512 Ivorian refugees living in Montserrado, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Maryland Counties in Liberia, and 341 Sierra Leoneans, Sudanese and various other nationalities in urban areas in Monrovia, Liberia. These populations were recognized on a prima facie basis by the Government of Liberia (GoL) under the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa and the 1993 Liberia Refugee Act. Sierra Leonean and other refugees of various nationalities were recognized on an individual basis by the GoL under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Of the total asylum-seekers and refugee population registered by the UNHCR and the Government of Liberia, 35,269 were female, 30,654 male with over 54 per cent being children. 19,219 were recorded as 98

Liberia is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Liberia is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Liberia are governed under the 1993 Liberia Refugee Act. The national institution that manages refugee affairs is called Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC). First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the Asylum Committee chaired by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and appeals are conducted by the Appeal Committee, chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Current RSD procedures meet international standards. However, due to the high turnover of seconded staff from government ministries to both committees every three/four months, there is a need for constant training to ensure they are up to date on the developments of refugee law. UNHCR is working with the Government of Liberia to build the capacity of the committee members of the government through providing local and international training on ﬁrst and second instance eligibility committees and funding for the conduct of the asylum procedures. The Government of Liberia has also initiated the process to review key legal instruments, including the 1993 Liberia Refugees Act, and Alien and Nationality Laws to improve the asylum system. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Liberia. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees and asylumseekers in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were 41 reported cases of refoulementt in 2012. These 41 Ivorian nationals (asylum-seekers or refugees), were accused of engaging in cross border attacks against the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. This allegation was never proven as the Government of Liberia extradited the 41 persons while the case was still being adjudicated. Refugees in Liberia have the right to security, freedom of movement and equal protection as the nationals under the law. However, the exercise of their economic and social rights was constrained due to the lack of basic social services, including health care, water and sanitation in most rural communities, making long-term local integration untenable for some refugees. Ivorian and Sierra Leonean refugees generally reside harmoniously with Liberian nationals in rural communities (the latter in areas around former camps in the outskirt of Monrovia). Urban refugees in Montserrado County originating from various countries also live in a similar social and economic environment as the Liberian population. While refugees have access to a work permit which is a prerequisite to obtain employment in the formal sector, the number of refugees who are employed in the fomal sector is minimal. The majority of refugees are only allowed to carry out livelihood activities in the informal

Refugees from Côte d’ Ivoire rest at a school in Janzon, Liberia. © UNHCR / G. Gordon / March 2011

West Africa

sector (petty trading at the refugee camps and at local markets). Therefore, refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Liberia. In 2013, Ivorian refugees continue to declare intentions to voluntarily repatriate, but the persistent cross border attacks and insecurity in Côte d’Ivoire reduced realization of these desires. Since the beginning of 2013, 5,851 Ivorian refugees were assisted by UNHCR to voluntary repatriate, but some hundreds have returned to Liberia because of the insecurity. If these attacks continue, Ivorian refugees currently in Liberia will have no prospects for voluntary repatriation in safety and dignity. The Office has determined women and girls at risk a priority in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under this category in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs following joint assessments and regular co-organized counselling activities for refugees.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Participatory assessments, speciﬁc needs codes in proGres, as well as protection and medical referrals were used to identify the total resettlement needs. During the last participatory assessment held in 2013, it was observed that most of the refugees mentioned the issue of insecurity in Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia and serious medical conditions as reasons for not wanting to return or to stay in Liberia. 200 refugees (180 Ivoirian refugees, 12 Sierra Leonean refugees and 8 refugees of various nationalities) were identiﬁed for submission in 2014. Women and girls at risk will be prioritized for resettlement submission given the high prevalence of gender based violence, economic discrimination for women, reproductive health inequities and harmful traditional practices.

Refugees from Côte d’Ivoire will beneﬁt from multiyear planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. Resettlement is primarily used as a protection tool, particularly for vulnerable Ivorian refugees in the north and south-eastern regions of Liberia and for vulnerable refugees from Sierra Leone who have been exempted from the cessation of their refugee status. Refugees from other countries who have neither voluntary repatriation nor local integration prospects in a foreseeable future will also be looked into. Their needs will be assessed progressively and resettlement will be considered as one of the durable solutions.

The key challenges considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014 relate to UNHCR’s limited staff resources available to carry out resettlement activities depending on missions from the Branch Ofﬁce and the Regional Ofﬁce in Dakar. Another major constraint is the inaccessibility to refugee populations, especially in the rural areas. They are scattered in over 200 villages/towns most of which are challenging to access, particularly during the rainy season.

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 200 persons in 2014. There are currently no core resettlement staff and affiliate workforce at UNHCR Liberia. In order to meet the submissions of 200 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need an additional workforce such as an ICMC/RSC resettlement deployee who supports Protection staff in resettlement activities roving between the four UNHCR office locations.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Sierra Leone Various Total

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

1,500

4,500

180

225

1,600

4,763

200

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

Nigeria Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD)

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 3,154 refugees in Nigeria including: 822 refugees from Cameroon living in rural communities in Obalinku area of Cross River and Kwande area in Benue State, 860 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and 1,472 refugees of various nationalities including Liberia, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sudan. All refugees, except for those from Cameroon, live in urban areas of Lagos and Ogun States. The majority of the refugee populations are recognized on an individual basis by the Government of Nigeria under the National Commission for Refugees Act Chapter 21 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2001 (NCFR Act). The NCFR Act incorporates the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol as well as the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa (the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention).

UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 32

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern Refugee population

01.01.13

persons 860

Cameroon (rural)

822

Liberia (urban)

564*

Chad (urban)

213

Côte d’Ivoire (urban)

148

Sudan (urban)

146

Various (urban)

401

Total refugee population

3,154

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban)

612

Chad (urban)

316

Various (urban)

114

Total asylum-seeker population

1,042

Total persons of concern

4,196

* Refugees from Liberian under the suspensive effect of the cessation clause, including: individuals awaiting the delivery of Liberian national passports and ECOWAS residence permit under legal component of the local integration; as well as individuals who sought exemption from cessation, who are at the appeal stage of their application .

Of the total population of concern registered in Nigeria, there were 1,070 women, 1,710 men, and 1,416 children. 64 were identiﬁed as women and girls at risk, and 5 were unaccompanied or separated children. 484 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 300 in 2014.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Nigeria is a party to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol as well as the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention. The NCFR Act provides the framework for refugee management in Nigeria and established a responsible agency called National Commission for Refugees (NCFR). The NCFR Act also established separate and independent decision-making committees for Refugee Status Determination (RSD) at the first instance and appeal stages, with the NCFR acting as the secretariat to these committees. The RSD procedures are managed by NCFR, and it is in compliance with the minimum international standards. The NCFR Act also sets out the rights and duties of refugees in line with the 1951 Convention, its 1967 Protocol, and the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention. While there are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Nigeria, persons of concern have been at a higher risk of arbitrary arrest and possible deportation if found without documentation. Detention has sometimes been used for migration-related offences, for example for entry without visas and at non-official points of entry. Generally, if persons of concern are detained by the Immigrations Service, UNHCR and the NCFR are granted access to them in order to facilitate solutions. Refugees enjoy rights consistent with the provisions of the refugee conventions, including rights to practice religion and religious education; free access to courts and legal assistance; and access to primary education and public assistance on par with nationals. Upon recognition, refugees receive a refugee identification card, and they are entitled to reside in Nigeria. However refugees have several socioeconomic challenges due to poverty, unemployment, and the highly competitive job market. The majority

100

Specific need codes in proGress and the Heightened Risk Identification Tool were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 80 refugees were identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to their protection needs. Refugees from the DRC and other nationalities will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. The Office will ensure compliance with the age, gender, and diversity mainstreaming accountability framework in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office will continue to receive referrals of cases with specific protection needs identified by partners, including NGOs.

Indiscriminate violent crime is common throughout Nigeria with the activities of the Islamic religious sect Boko Haram constituting a signiﬁcant threat. This has seen increasing arrests and deportations of undocumented foreigners by the immigration authorities; some persons of concern have been arrested, and their deportations were averted thanks to UNHCR/NCFR’s immediate intervention. There have been no reports of refugees being targeted by the authorities on the suspicion of being members of Boko Haram. Refugees in certain areas of the Lagos State however face security problems caused by criminal gangs locally known as the area boys. Despite these challenges, a limited number of refugees could have prospects for local integration, including naturalization, if the constitutional provisions are met. However, very few refugees are interested in acquiring Nigerian nationality. UNHCR focuses on self-reliance programmes for refugees in Nigeria, as a result of which many refugees have already successfully engaged in livelihood activities enhancing their self-reliance capacities. However, certain categories of refugees, including femaleheaded households, unaccompanied or separated children, elderly refugees, persons with serious medical conditions, and persons with disabilities ﬁnd it impossible to integrate due to their vulnerabilities. In these particular cases, resettlement to a third country remains the only viable durable solution. Voluntary repatriation is an option for refugees from Cameroon, and an estimated 30 per cent of the population has indicated willingness to be repatriated (implementation planned for 2014). For refugees from Côte d’Ivoire, the DRC (excluding those from the east), and some other nationalities, voluntary repatriation will be facilitated on a case-by-case basis to areas assessed to be safe for return.

West Africa

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

of refugees in Nigeria live in urban and semi-urban areas in Lagos and Ogun States. While there are opportunities to engage in small-scale business, access to quality public health care and education is limited. Refugees often resort to employment opportunities in the informal sector (daily labourers, traders, and artisans) living on small daily incomes.

The Ofﬁce will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 80 persons in 2014, assuming the existing workforce remains. There is currently one core staff (Senior Resettlement Assistant) devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review with parttime assistance from three national protection staff (less than 75 per cent).

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Côte d’Ivoire

Sudan

Chad

Various

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

101

Republic of Guinea

Of the total refugee population registered by the Government of Guinea, 5,249 were women and girls and 5,122 were men and boys. Around 721 were women and girls at risk, and 28 were unaccompanied or separated children. 170 new arrivals are expected in 2013, depending on the outcome of the military intervention in Mali and developments in Côte d’Ivoire, and 170 in 2014.

Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Côte d’Ivoire (urban - 908 / camp - 5,644)

6,552

Liberia (urban - 1,032 / camp - 2,488)

3,520

Sierra Leone (urban - 126 / camp - 45)

171

Various (urban - 124 / camp - 4)

128

Total refugee population

10,371

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Liberia

249

Côte d’Ivoire

145

Sierra Leone

118

Various

Total asylum-seeker population

532

Total persons of concern

10,903

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 8,181 refugees of ﬁve nationalities living in the camps/rural areas (Kouankan I-II, the Laine Camp, N’Zerekore, and Bonodou), and 2,190 refugees of 17 nationalities in urban areas (Conakry) in Guinea. These populations were mostly recognized on a prima facie basis by the Guinean State in accordance with the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa.

102

Guinea is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Guinea is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. At the time of writing, the new Refugee Law, which incorporates international refugee protection standards such as protection against refoulement, freedom of movement, and the right to work, still needs to be adopted by the new National Assembly, which will be established through legislative elections in 2013. The national institution for asylum is called Commission Nationale pour l’Intégration et le Suivi des Réfugiés (CNISR). First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the Comité Permanent d’Eligibilité de 1ère Instance, and appeals are conducted by the Comité de Recours. Current RSD procedures generally meet international standards, such as fair access to asylum procedures, appeal procedures (within 30 days), and the processing of asylum requests within acceptable timeframes. The staff in charge of the adjudication possess the technical expertise, and UNHCR acts as an observer during the weekly sessions of the Eligibility Committee. UNHCR also provides technical support and guidance in drafting recommendations and providing country of origin information. In addition, the Government of Guinea showed its readiness to assist Malian refugees by granting them prima facie recognition. UNHCR is working with the Government of Guinea to improve these procedures by carrying out capacity-building activities, providing technical support for RSD, sustaining efforts for a quality and continuous registration of persons of concern, and advocating for accelerated RSD of persons with specific needs. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Guinea. Detention/police custody can be used for migration-related offences, such as irregular entry, lack of visa, or overstay, essentially for non ECOWAS-citizens. While these migrationrelated offences are being taken into account by the authorities when assessing the profile and background of a person, in general, people entering Guinea (mostly by road) do not face problems with the police and/ or immigration services. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees and no asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR and its legal partner are, if necessary, granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were 26 reported cases of refoulementt of Malians in the previous year. The decision was later reversed, and these individuals were allowed re-entry. They did not request UNHCR assistance/protection. No new arrivals from Mali were reported.

Specific needs codes, community-based approaches such as participatory assessments, reports from Protection/Community Services, and medical evacuation referrals from the camps were jointly used in the past years to estimate the total resettlement needs. 120 individuals were identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to their vulnerability and the submission priority given by the panel, i.e. refugees with serious medical needs or cases of women and children at risk. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: UNHCR has begun a phasing-out process, reducing human and financial resources. While this affects every aspect of the operation, it also implies a great reduction in capacities, including resettlement potential. In the meantime, other issues such as the lack of staff fully dedicated to resettlement and the lack of English speakers amongst the national staff (documents need to be translated) significantly slow down the resettlement process.

The major issue related to protection is the lack of awareness of security forces and immigration bodies of refugee attestation and the rights it entails. During patrols and at security checks, security forces might ask refugees to pay a fee. This, however, does not apply to refugees exclusively, but also to Guinean nationals. UNHCR is planning an information campaign on refugee rights, with the aim of preventing such incidents. Refugees have prospects for longterm local integration in Guinea. Access to Guinean nationality is possible for refugees, although very few of them expressed their wish to be naturalized. Following the agreement on the legal framework for voluntary repatriation, the facilitated repatriation of Ivorian refugees will start in 2013 should the basic social infrastructures be rehabilitated by then and the socio-political situation remain stable. Meanwhile, UNHCR assists individuals who request repatriation to Côte d’Ivoire, and also uses resettlement as a protection tool, especially for medical cases.

West Africa

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

As a member state of the ECOWAS and the Mano River Union, Guinea recognizes the freedom of movement of goods and people from the region. Access to both formal and informal work is theoretically possible. However, due to the saturation of the labour market, resulting largely from the presence of many citizens of the ECOWAS region, the majority of residents, including refugees, work in the informal sector. Access to the formal sector, which requires a work permit delivered upon request of the employer, remains limited. Refugee populations beneﬁt from free access to primary education. Nevertheless, many English-speaking refugees prefer to send their children to private English schools, despite the ﬁnancial burden it entails. As for health-related issues, the medical infrastructures are very limited in Guinea or are not accessible to most refugees (private clinics). This is one of the greatest challenges for refugees with serious medical conditions and/or chronic diseases. Generally speaking, however, living conditions in Guinea are acceptable for the majority of the refugee population.

The Office has established mechanisms such as weekly resettlement eligibility panels and a yearly participatory assessment for the identification of vulnerable cases. Women and girls at risk are given priority in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under this category in 2014. While most of the referrals come from UNHCR staff, occasionally the Office further receives referrals of cases identified as “vulnerable” by partners. Subsequently, a joint panel with the Protection and Community Services units and the Medical Coordinator assesses the resettlement eligibility of these cases. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 60 persons/12 cases in 2014. There are currently one core staff and one affiliate workforce staff, including one NOA in N’Zékékoré and one IUNV in Conakry, partially devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 120 persons planned for 2014, the Office will additionally need ICMC resettlement deployees and support missions from the Regional Office Dakar and potentially assistance from the regional Community Services unit for preparing Best Interest Determinations/Assessments.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Liberia (exempted)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

100

Various

Total

200

120

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

103

Togo Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 17,371 Ghanaian refugees living in rural areas/north of Togo, 5,593 refugees from Côte d’Ivoire and 576 refugees of 18 other nationalities in urban areas in Lomé and Avepozo camp, Togo. In general, refugees are recognized on an individual basis by the Government under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa except for Ivorian refugees who arrived in Togo following the Ivorian crisis in 2011 and were recognized on a prima facie basis. Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR and the Government of Togo, 6,446 were women, 4,210 were men, and 12,884 were children. 464 were women and girls at risk, and 04 were unaccompanied or separated children. 1,000 new arrivals are expected in 2013, and 800 in 2014.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Best estimate 75

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

0.8

Percentage of registered refugees* identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

* Registered refugees from Côte d’Ivoire and other nationalities only. Refugees from Ghana are not formally recognized and local integration remains the suitable durable solution identiﬁed for them.

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Ghana

17,371

Côte d’Ivoire

5,593

Various

576

Total refugee population

23,540

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Côte d’Ivoire

213

Various

192

Total asylum-seeker population

405

Total persons of concern

23,945

Togo is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Togo is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Refugees in Togo are governed under the domestic law Loi N° 2000/019 du 29 Décembre 2000 portant statut de réfugié au Togo. The national institution for asylum is called Coordination National pour l’Assistance aux Réfugiés (CNAR). First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the board of eligibility of the Commission Nationale pour les Réfugiés (CNR) under the CNAR and appeals are conducted by the same Commission. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards, because there is no independent board of appeal in Togo. The government has already initiated a process to revise current legislation and a new law complying with international standards is expected to be submitted to Parliament before the end of 2013. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Togo. Detention is not used for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees have the right to work in Togo especially in the private sector. Nevertheless, refugees face obstacles in ﬁnding employment due to the high unemployment rate in Togo negatively affecting livelihood activities. The health condition of the refugee population, often linked to the lack of adequate sanitary conditions, is not satisfactory. Even primary health care and emergency services are not free of charge and generally the already challenged health system in Togo cannot meet the needs of the refugees. Urban refugees can enroll in a mutual health insurance for approximately 1,000 FCFA (2 USD) per family and health care costs are then reduced to 25 per cent. For Ivorian refugees in Avepozo camp, a health center has been made available; however as of 2014 only against a fee of approximately 100 FCFA (0.20 USD). Thus refugees’ access to health

104

care is not fully assured in Togo, particularly affecting refugees with chronic diseases.

The Ofﬁce will have the core capacity to complete RRFs for 88 persons in 2014. There is currently one core protection staff on a temporary assignment devoted to resettlement counselling and resettlement case preparation and review.

Assistance for primary education is fully provided by UNHCR and those in secondary education are also given limited assistance. The law provides for naturalization possibilities for refugees, however, Togolese nationality is only very restrictively granted.

In order to meet the submissions of 184 persons planned for 2014, the Ofﬁce will additionally need support missions from the Regional Ofﬁce in Dakar and/or ideally a GL7 Senior Resettlement Assistant and an IUNV.

West Africa

The vast majority of Ghanaian refugees are not willing to voluntary repatriate. They do not enjoy legal refugee recognition in Togo, but co-exist well with the local population and are as such not taken under consideration for resettlement submission. In November 2011 a tripartite accord was signed for the repatriation of Ivorian refugees. However, less than 10 per cent of Ivorian refugees have been repatriated and those from the western side of Côte d’Ivoire are most reluctant to return.1 Very few refugees of other nationalities have opted for repatriation. Therefore, Ivorian refugees from the western side of Côte d’Ivoire and urban refugees of various nationalities have neither prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity nor effective integration prospects.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 In 2014, resettlement will continue to be used on a case by case basis for vulnerable urban refugees of various nationalities and for vulnerable Ivorian refugees originating from the West of Côte d’Ivoire. The key challenges in determining the submissions planned for 2014 are related to lack of stafﬁng solely devoted to resettlement.

For some Ivorian refugees from western Côte d’Ivoire the repatriation is not feasible because they suffer from trauma and even if the situation has changed in Côte d’Ivoire, the situation in this area remains tense as ethnic opposition on land dispute is still ongoing. In addition, attacks from militias coming from Liberia are still recorded.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Côte d’Ivoire

150

100

Mali

Rwanda

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Various

Total

280

184

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

105

Africa: Media spotlight

Guor Marial: the refugee marathon man running for the world Telling the Human Story, 14 August 2012

LONDON, 14 August (UNHCR) –Guor Marial has been running since he was eight years old, but nearly two decades after he had to run from armed militiamen in South Sudan, this refugee is now a world-class athlete competing in the Olympic marathon. “The last time I saw my family was in 1993 – almost 20 years ago,” Marial told UNHCR as he awaited the Marathon that was run on the last day of the London Olympics. “I hope they will be able to watch me run on TV, they will walk to the nearest city Panrieng, which is 30 miles (50 km) away.”

He was one of a handful of athletes at the London Olympics competing under the flag of the International Olympic Committee. He had one draped on the wall of the room he was allocated during the games. He finished in 47th place, covering the 42.19 km in 2 hours and 19 minutes. “I want to thank the International Olympic Committee for giving me the opportunity to be here and raise awareness about refugees and all the people around the world who don’t have a country. To run under the Olympic flag – I feel like I’m representing the whole world.”

Marial, 28 and now living in the United States, became separated from his family in what was then a single country of Sudan torn by civil war. His village was burned down, 28 members of his family were killed and his jaw was smashed by a riﬂe butt.

In the Olympic village Marial mixed with the international sports stars he had seen before only in the media, gaining new conﬁdence and motivation to accomplish even more.

Trying to escape, he was captured and used as forced labour. He eventually got away and found relatives further north in Sudan, where he remained until he left for Egypt at the age of 16. He was accepted for resettlement in the United States, where he still has refugee status.

He hopes his story will inspire members of the next generation in South Sudan, the new country that emerged from the civil war, to strive to reach the Olympics. It has been a remarkable journey from smouldering village to running through the streets of London under the television cameras.

“Running is something I started doing to make friends in high school and to be part of a team,” Marial said. His potential was spotted and he was given a scholarship to Iowa State University, where in 2009 he received his degree in chemistry.

“In the refugee camps it’s hard, you’re isolated. You only think about what there is to eat… That kind of toughness, being able to survive those critical conditions, had an impact on my daily life and how I face things,” Marial said.

“After graduating from college, it (running) was something I wanted to do as a career and to show my appreciation for those who supported me.,” Marial said. Although he had run only two marathons ever, he qualiﬁed to be among the 105 runners who competed in the gruelling test last Sunday.

“When I left South Sudan for Cairo, and then the United States, my world kept getting bigger and bigger and I learnt that there was another way, that people could live peacefully. “I wasn’t interested in running in the camp because running there is running away from danger. But now I want to run every day.” By Laura Padoan in London

106

Telling the Human Story, 24 August 2012

GENEVA, 24 August (UNHCR) –Ahmed Dini was only three-years-old when his mother carried him from the violence of Somalia to the safety of a refugee camp in Kenya. Years in refugee camps that seemed without hope lay ahead. But when Dini fulfils his goal to revisit his homeland, he will be carrying an Australian passport and speaking English with an Aussie accent. He is a demonstration of successful resettlement. “We did not have a choice of country to go to. But thank God, whoever decided for us to go to Australia was probably a good person,” Dini said while attending the Annual Tripartite Consultations onResettlement in Geneva as part of the Australian delegation. “If I was given the chance to choose today where I wanted to go, I would definitely be saying Australia.” Three years after Dini was born in 1987 in Mogadishu, his country dissolved into civil war; some of his earliest memories are of hearing gunfire and watching militiamen on the roads. His father, who owned pharmacies, and his mother made the decision to flee to neighbouring Kenya.

“We went to Nairobi to get medical checks, which we passed, and even after that we waited for another eight months to get to Australia. There were stories of families who waited so long and ultimately were rejected,” Dini said. “There were moments when we honestly thought we would never make it.”

Africa: Media spotlight

Driven from Somalia, a former refugee thanks Australia for his new life

“Then we were finally called back to Nairobi for our flight. This is one of the first times I really saw my mom smile because she knew she had a new life to look forward to. She knew her kids would now be able to get educated and live a life different to hers.” After arriving in Australia in 1996, Dini faced the challenges of learning the language, going to school and adjusting to new communities. “It was quite difficult when you don’t understand the language. As a young kid, you put the entire burden on your parents thinking they will correct everything, but even they didn’t know the language. Coming from a society that has no institutions, and no structure, and moving to another which is built on institutions and structures entails massive changes in our lives.” He feels he missed the chance to play sports as a teenager but made up for it by creating a football team called United FCA that he hopes will inspire future generations.

“I think for my mother, it was one of the hardest decisions of her life to leave,” said Dini, who was carried by her for more than 100 km to the border. “Most of her happy times were in Mogadishu; nonetheless I think when you are a parent your children come ﬁrst and she thought only of the safety of her children.”

“United FC has some of the best African players in Australia. For two years we have been coming to play in Spain,” said Dini, who manages the team and is also president of the Somali-Australian Football Association.

The family spent a year at Liboi Refugee Camp before being moved further from the danger of the border to Dadaab, the world’s largest refugee camp. Refugee camps provide a shelter from the threats that turn people into refugees, but they can be dispiriting places where hope drains away.

Dini, grateful for the chance he received, is anxious to pass on advice to both refugees and countries that could take them for resettlement. For refugees, the message is to work hard and take advantage of the chance for a new life. For governments, the message is to give refugees the chance that Australia gave him.

“When we were in the refugee camp in Kenya, every morning when I looked at my mom’s face, it was one of sadness and sorrow. You could tell she was longing for home and she really did not like what was going on.” For ﬁve years, they waited for word of resettlement.

“These people are humans and need to be given that opportunity. Once they become sounds citizens, they will love their new countries even more than their origin countries. They bring a new culture and anew way of life to you,” he said. By Laith Kabaa in Geneva

107

Americas

108

Caribbean States, Dominican Republic, Cuba

Trends in 2012

Costa Rica Panama Venezuela

Ecuador continues to host the largest number of refugees and asylum-seekers in Latin America, 98 per cent of whom are Colombians. UNHCR estimates that over 1,000 asylum-seekers arrive every month, a trend that is expected to continue throughout 2013 and 2014, indicating that conďŹ&#x201A;ict and violence in Colombia continue to cause forced displacement, not only internally but also across its borders. Within this context, UNHCR uses resettlement as both a protection and solutions response to the situation of Colombian refugees in Ecuador. Resettlement needs in the region have increased, particularly for Colombian refugees in Ecuador, where UNHCR estimates that as many as 30,045 refugees will be in need of resettlement in 2014.

AMERICAS

Ecuador

Regional Developments The increase in the number of Colombian refugees in need of resettlement contributed to the establishment of a Contact Group on Colombian Refugees in 2012. The Contact Group is co-led by New Zealand and Uruguay and has focused its activities on enlarging the number of resettlement countries involved in the Colombian refugee situation and establishing commitment for resettlement intake. This association will not only allow for participation in the joint effort to increase and diversify resettlement offers, but also provide a basis for support to the Ecuadorian authorities in efforts to strengthen the legislative, administrative, and institutional framework for refugee protection and assistance. The recent engagement of Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, who have joined the resettlement effort in the region, in addition to the continuing involvement of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, the United States, and Uruguay, are welcome signs of an enhanced multilateral response to the situation of refugees from Colombia in the region.

109

FFF III CCC SSS SSS

UNHCR’s total resettlement capacity for 2014 by country of asylum*

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

Exclusively for internal UNHCR use ARCTIC OCEAN

Greenland (DNK) Ba ffi nb ay

Lab rad or

CANADA Hudson bay

Sea

UNITED STATES OF AMER ICA ATLANTIC OCEAN

MEXICO

Gulf of Mexico

BAHAMAS DOMINICAN R EPUBLIC

CUBA

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

CAYMAN ISLANDS BELIZE HONDUR AS GUATEMALA EL SALVADOR NICAR AGUA PACIFIC OCEAN

ANTIGUA AND BAR BUDA

HAITI

MONTSER R AT

JAMAICA Caribbean Sea

DOMINICA

SAINT LUCIA

BAR BADOS

AR UBA GR ENADA

BOLIVAR IAN R EP. OF VENEZUELA

COSTA R ICA PANAMA

COLOMBIA

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GR ENADINES TR INIDAD AND TOBAGO GUYANA SUR INAME

French Guiana (FR A)

ECUADOR

PER U BR AZIL

PLUR INATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA

PAR AGUAY

20,000

UR UGUAY

10,000

CHILE

AR GENTINA

2,000

UNHCR's estimated total resettlement capacity

** UNHCR UNHCR total total resettlement resettlement capacity capacity includes includes core core staffing staffing and and affiliate affiliate workforce. workforce. Printed: 06 June 2013

110

mapping@unhcr.org

ContinentMaps_ResettlementCapacity2011_A3.WOR

Field Information and Coordination Support Section

Addressing challenges

2014 Projected needs and targets

Both the 2004 Mexico Plan of Action and the 2011 Brasília Declaration continue to guide the strategy adopted by UNHCR operations in the region.

Within the regional context, the Mercosur Declaration of International Refugee Protection Principles, issued at a ministerial meeting in November 2012 in Fortaleza, Brazil, calls on States to harmonize asylum laws and procedures and notes the need to reinforce the regional resettlement programme for Colombian refugees, as demonstrated by the Solidarity Resettlement Programme, which remains one of the main vehicles for achieving durable solutions for refugees in the region. UNHCR will work with participating countries to strengthen the programme and expand refugee resettlement, including the Mercosur framework. It will build upon the regional dialogue among National Refugee Commissions, initiated in Fortaleza in 2012 and continued in Montevideo in 2013.

Strengthening the Protection Environment Increased resettlement in the region, notably from Ecuador, and an enhanced coordination of the joint resettlement effort within the framework of the Contact Group on Colombian Refugees are expected to contribute to maintaining and enlarging asylum space in the region. The Contact Group will focus particularly on strengthening national protection regimes, including through building fair and effective asylum systems.

Sub-regional overviews Latin America In Venezuela, local integration continues to be pursued as the preferred durable solution for refugees. However, UNHCR will continue to proactively seek resettlement for refugees with legal and/or physical protection needs, especially for cases involving refugee women and girls exposed to sexual and gender-based violence.

AMERICAS

In Ecuador, difﬁculties in accessing asylum procedures, the establishment of pre-admissibility requirements, and low recognition rates now make it hard for those needing asylum to gain access to basic protection. In addition, violence related to drug trafﬁcking, poverty, discrimination, and inequality also poses challenges to the effective realization of refugees’ human rights. All of these elements have contributed to an increased need of resettlement of Colombian refugees currently hosted in Ecuador.

In Costa Rica, local integration has also been identified as the preferred durable solution for refugees, although a few cases presenting specific needs will require resettlement as the most appropriate protection response. The increasing availability of local integration opportunities for refugees in Costa Rica has allowed for a reduction in the country’s resettlement needs. In Panama, resettlement will continue to be used primarily as a tool for compelling protection needs of individual refugees, in particular Colombian refugee women and girls at risk and refugees who are not admitted into the country’s national asylum system. Identification systems for resettlement are being reinforced with the support of NGO partners.

The Caribbean UNHCR expects to continue utilizing resettlement as both a protection and solutions response for refugees in different countries in the Caribbean subregion. Resettlement in the Caribbean will also be used strategically as tool for effective responsibility and burden-sharing to further encourage States in the region to increase refugees’ prospects for local integration. In the Dominican Republic, cases rejected in the countries’ asylum system, but still having international protection needs, will be proactively considered for resettlement.

The Americas: 2014 Projected global needs A. Region of Asylum

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target) in 2014

D. UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

The Americas

8,445

30,288

624

2,114

271

889

The Americas Total

8,445

30,288

624

2,114

271

889

111

Caribbean States, Dominican Republic, Cuba 50

Costa Rica 40

Equador 2,000

LEGEND:

Country Name UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (persons)

112

Panama

Venezuela

The Americas

Costa Rica ..................................................................................................................................................................118 Ecuador ..................................................................................................................................................................... 120 Panama...................................................................................................................................................................... 122

The Americas

Caribbean States, Dominican Republic, Cuba.............................................................................................................114

Venezuela................................................................................................................................................................... 124

Historial Trends of UNHCR’s planned submissions 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

é 90

é 105

é 111

é 677

ê 50

Costa Rica

é 220

ê 150

è 150

ê 140

ê 40

Ecuador

é 1,000

é 1,689

ê 1,555

é 2,000

è 2,000

Panama

ê 15

ê9

Venezuela

é 90

é 210

ê 201

ê 72

ê 15

Republic, Cuba

113

Caribbean States, Dominican Republic, Cuba Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

UNHCR continued to record a steady, upward trend in new refugee and asylum-seeker arrivals to the Caribbean States in 2012, and a marked increase in 2013 of the number of Haitians leaving their country by boat (mixed migratory ﬂows) already exceeding the numbers of 2012.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

5.6

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

In the Dominican Republic, a UNHCR census carried out in the ﬁrst quarter of 2012 captured information on 725 refugees and 822 asylum-seekers for a total of 1,547 individuals. The large majority of the refugee and asylum-seeker population are of Haitian origin. The refugee and asylum-seeker populations are almost equally gender-balanced, albeit with a slight majority of females. The population is spread throughout the metropolitan area, but for the most part lives concentrated in speciﬁc communities.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Haiti (urban)

769

Various (urban)

124

Total refugee population

893

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Haiti (urban)

765

Various (urban)

179

Total asylum-seeker population

944

Total persons of concern

1,837

As of 1 January 2013, there were 893 refugees of 20 different nationalities living in urban areas in the Caribbean countries and territories. Of the total refugee population, 758 refugees live in the Dominican Republic. The remaining 135 refugees are dispersed amongst the other countries and territories of the Caribbean region. The vast majority of registered refugees were recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate. In aggregate, there is a higher percentage of refugee men than women, girls, or boys in the Caribbean. This is due in part to trends related to smuggling routes and treacherous conditions that come with maritime travel. In the Dominican Republic, where the majority of the refugee population enters the country across the land border with Haiti, gender and age demographics are more consistent with global refugee trends. With the notable exception of 114

the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean States do not generally receive unaccompanied or separated refugee or asylum-seeking children. Those few cases coming to the attention to UNHCR most often are appropriately referred to other entities (such as IOM or national entities) for protection and/or assistance designed for victims of trafﬁcking who fall outside of UNHCR’s mandate.

The Caribbean region is characterized by a general lack of a legislative or policy framework for the protection of refugees in most countries. All but four States (Guyana, St. Lucia, Barbados, and Grenada) have signed the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and all but ﬁve have signed the 1967 Protocol (St. Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, St. Lucia, Barbados, and Grenada). Only two States have adopted national refugee legislation (Belize and the Dominican Republic). In the Dominican Republic, the refugee status determination (RSD) national mechanism was reactivated in June 2012 when 19 cases were adjudicated. In the case of Belize, its 1991 national refugee law is not currently being implemented in practice. Jamaica adopted a national refugee policy in 2009. Three territories (Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and Aruba) have national mechanisms to determine eligibility for refugee status; however, UNHCR is asked to perform RSD upon request of these Governments or when existing procedural frameworks are not fully functioning. In all other States and territories, UNHCR determines refugee status under its mandate, in cooperation with Governments, members of the UNHCR Honorary Liaison network, or other partners. International treaty obligations with respect to Dependent Overseas Territories in the Caribbean are imprecise. However, it appears that three territories (The Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Montserrat) maintain obligations under the 1951 Convention via extension of the United Kingdom. Three territories associated with the Netherlands, e.g. the BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba), may also maintain an obligation via extension. Four territories (Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Montserrat, and Aruba) may maintain an obligation

The Americas Dominican Republic: 15 Year old Anita, and 11 year old Aisha with classmates. All are Haitian Refugees and attend a makeshift classroom at a centre supported with assistance from UNHCR. © UNHCR/Jason Tanner/April 2012

to comply with the 1967 Protocol, as well; however, the basis of these obligations has not been fully established. The diversity of the 27 countries and territories in the Caribbean creates obstacles in the effort to expand the asylum space and establish full-fledged asylum systems in the region. There are significant challenges to promoting protection and undertaking resettlement, such as limited ability of UNHCR to regularly meet with refugees scattered throughout a large area, the frequent use of detention for asylum-seekers, lack of status for refugees under UNHCR’s mandate, requiring expensive care and maintenance assistance, and the lack of resettlement options given that only one resettlement country currently sends interview missions to the region. Current national/domestic RSD procedures generally fall short of international standards despite some limited positive developments in the region in terms of capacity-building and engagement of the northern Caribbean with UNHCR. The northern Caribbean is the most affected by the mixed migration in the region. UNHCR is working with the Governments and will be convening a 10-point plan conference in 2013 in the Bahamas to address the challenges from a regional perspective. Treatment of refugees and asylum-seekers in the region varies considerably. While St. Maarten issues residency and work permits for asylum-seekers, The Bahamas started issuing asylum-seekers certificates only recently, whereas Trinidad issues an order of supervision that is considered an alternative to detention with no rights associated with the document. The other countries and territories generally do not provide any documents to refugees or asylum-seekers.

In the Dominican Republic, refugees lack basic documents attesting their status and have been unable to secure a legal status in the country, a situation that has affected their ability to enjoy and exercise their most basic human rights (health care services, education, means of livelihood). Documentation of the mandate refugee population is inadequate and usually consists solely of letters issued in the 1990s by UNHCR or its partner NGO. Asylum-seekers regularly receive a State-issued certificate which provides them with a regular stay in the country, but does not allow them to work. Detention conditions in the Caribbean also vary considerably. UNHCR issued a report regarding poor detention conditions in The Bahamas and observed that there were also poor detention conditions in Turks and Caicos Islands and Jamaica. UNHCR is working with those countries to promote better detention conditions and alternatives to detention. Governments in the region generally approaches all undocumented persons, including asylum-seekers, as labour migrants, viewing asylum safeguards as incompatible with migratory control and national security imperatives. There is a generalized display of negative public attitude towards refugees, while asylum-seekers are often perceived as bringing a cost to or threatening the stability of the hosting countries. Authorities in major Caribbean countries with significant numbers of migrants, particularly of Haitian origin, have periodically conducted roundups and group expulsions of undocumented residents. Refugees and asylum-seekers encounter difficulties accessing public services, including public health services and education, resulting in high levels of economic dependence on UNHCR assistance programmes.

115

Immediate prospects of integration are limited in most of the Caribbean. Many islands have relatively small populations; thus even the slightest number of new arrivals are highly visible, and the prospect of integration raises national concern. 53 refugees were naturalized in Belize and Jamaica in 2012 but this is an exception in the region.

be submitted for resettlement through the use of the proposed pilot Emergency Transit Mechanism in Costa Rica. In the Dominican Republic, UNHCR is working under the assumption that the RSD mechanism will continue to adjudicate cases and will adopt a more restrictive position in regard to UNHCR´s technical recommendations. While it is expected that long-staying refugees will be provided temporary residency, the Office is making projections for a small number of cases to be resettled if this assumption is not correct. As agreed with the Regional Office in Washington (ROW), the Office of the Chief of Mission will identify and channel all resettlement cases to ROW for further processing.

The largest number of refugees and asylum-seekers in the region in recent years originated from Cuba and Haiti. Refugees from these States have no prospect for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

The Caribbean region hosts refugees from a wide variety of nationalities; however, the predominant nationalities are Cubans and Haitians. It is envisioned that resettlement will be used strategically as a burden-sharing tool to encourage States in the region to increase opportunities for recognized refugees who have the best prospects for local integration through residency or naturalization. Resettlement and the engagement of resettlement stakeholders will also be used as a means to engage Caribbean States to be more tolerant of asylum-seekers and to improve conditions for both asylum-seekers and refugees.

Best estimates were used in 2013 to identify the total resettlement needs. 50 refugees were identiﬁed for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to the urgency of their protection needs and the date of recognition. In the Dominican Republic, priority will be given to those cases rejected by the RSD national mechanism for which UNHCR has issued a positive technical recommendation. A second priority will include long-staying mandate refugees, especially if their regularization is not approved by the authorities.

The Office will have the capacity to complete Resettlement Registration Forms (RRFs) for 50 persons in 2014. There are currently two core staff and an affiliate workforce staff on an ad hoc basis, including an Associate Resettlement Officer and Senior Resettlement Officer devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. This is also contingent on the Office receiving appropriate resources.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: Due to the shifting influxes in mixed migratory flows, the number of potential refugees in need of resettlement is difficult to predict. In addition, the profiles of some of the refugees present challenges for resettlement as a durable solution. There is only one resettlement country willing to conduct resettlement interviews in the region, limiting the total number of refugees who can be resettled. In 2013, 46 per cent of all submissions were cases of women and girls at risk. This unusually high percentage, however, was largely due to the ad hoc third country solution found for sexual and gender-based violence survivors facing heightened protection risks in Haiti. UNHCR’s Regional Office in Washington will continue to identify refugees as they seek asylum in the Caribbean region in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. However, the vast majority of recognized refugees in the Caribbean are male. In 2014, small numbers of Haitian women may

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Various

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

116

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

The Americas Dominican Republic: Yvonne at the home she shares with her 5 children and 81 year old mother. She arrived from Haiti some 18 years ago after working as an activist for the deposed haitian leader Aristede. She travelled whilst pregnant, accompanied by her sister and then 3 children. Yvonne was given a residents card in November of 1996, but it expired and was never renewed by the DR government. Whilst she says she was never detained by immigration authorities she says that her when her 13 year old daughter was raped by a local Dominican man, she reported the crime to the Police who failed ot take any action. Not only did they refuse to press charges against the assailant but later returned and watched as the assailants family came to her home and physically beat her for reporting the incident tot he police. She says she has escalated the complaint but no action has been taken by authorities. She lives in a 3 room house and pays rent of 3000 pesos per month. UNHCR provided materials so she could keep in home in a decent state of repair. Yvonne says that her first 3 children were given birth certificates in DR, but the last 2 children do not have birth certificates. Her eldest daughter is in her 2nd year of Medical School, and she has to work several jobs to help her daughter pay her way through University, where course fees run to 3500-4000 pesos per month. She says her main complaint is the crime which is soaring in the area after the closure of the local sugar refinery. She also fears for the fate of her 2 children that do not have birth certificates as they will not be allowed to be enrolled in high school or university with proof of identity. © UNHCR/Jason Tanner/April 2012

117

Of the total refugee population registered by the Government in Costa Rica, 3,993 were women, 5,463 were men, and 3,173 were children. There were some 150 women and girls at risk . The operation did not identify any unaccompanied or separated children. 1,000 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 1,000 in 2014.

Costa Rica Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

0.3

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Colombia (urban)

10,305

Cuba (urban)

818

Nicaragua (urban)

599

Peru (urban)

228

Venezuela (urban)

220

El Salvador (urban)

114

Various (urban)

345

Total refugee population

12,629

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Various (urban)

634

Total asylum-seeker population

8,200

Individuals in a refugee-like situation

7,820

Total persons of concern

21,083

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 12,629 refugees of 45 different nationalities in Costa Rica (82 per cent were Colombians) living in an urban context. Most refugees settle in the Greater Metropolitan Area (San José, Heredia, and Alajuela). This population was recognized on an individual basis by the State of Costa Rica under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the domestic law. There are also around 7,820 asylum-seekers whose requests have been denied at ﬁrst instance and are now pending resolutions to their appeals in the second instance. A substantial number of these asylumseekers are being supported by UNHCR assistance programmes. 118

Costa Rica is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Refugees in Costa Rica are governed under the Immigration and Asylum Law No 8764 and the Refugee Regulations (36831-G decree). The national institution for asylum is called the Refugee Department of the Immigration Board. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the Restricted Visas and Refugee Commission (conformed of the Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Security, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and appeals are conducted by Administrative Migration Tribunal (TAM, in its Spanish acronym). Current RSD procedures partially meet international standards. In 2010 a new RSD system entered into force; however it is still not fully operational. The structure continues to show important shortcomings: weak analysis of cases, no assessment of country of origin information, long waiting periods to obtain a final resolution to the asylum claim, and elevated costs of documentation. Currently asylum-seekers have to go through a waiting period of one year to receive the first instance resolution, and about five years to obtain the appeal resolution from the TAM. UNHCR is working with the Government of Costa Rica to improve these procedures by implementing the Quality Assurance Initiative, which includes: efforts to quantify the existing backlog of asylum claims, internal control to follow up on the performance of staff, and monitoring of the existing procedures in order to improve them according to international standards. UNHCR also supports with human resources the Refugee Unit of the Immigration Board, and provides technical training to the RSD personnel. Refugees and asylum-seekers have freedom of movement, and they are allowed to engage in incomegenerating activities. Detention is not used for migration-related offences (in the case of registered asylum-seekers and refugees), including for irregular entry. As of 1 January 2013, there were 60 persons in need of international protection who were in detention for migration-related offences before they were formally registered as asylum-seekers by the national authorities. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees are entitled to social, economic, and cultural rights at the same level as nationals. However, in practice there is a widespread lack of knowledge about refugees and the rights they are entitled to, which jeopardizes their effective access to employment, education, health care, and other services. According to a participatory

All persons of concern who approach UNHCR or partners are recorded in a database and their speciﬁc needs registered. Self-referrals are channeled through UNHCR’s partner ACAI. In order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014, a comprehensive strategy for the identiﬁcation of and response to women victims of sexual and gender-based violence has being implemented since 2007. All potential resettlement referrals are discussed in a Durable Solutions Committee where UNHCR and its partners look at individual cases and decide on the appropriate solution, whether local integration or resettlement.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

The Ofﬁce will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 40 persons in 2014. There are currently three core staff, including a Durable Solutions Ofﬁcer (currently vacant), a Durable Solutions Associate, and a Senior Durable Solutions Assistant devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. As the Durable Solutions Unit works on both local integration and resettlement, their time dedicated to resettlement matters will be only partial (about 25 per cent).

Participatory assessments were used throughout 2012 to identify the total resettlement needs. 40 persons (mostly Colombian) were identiﬁed for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to speciﬁc needs, such as legal and physical protection needs, women and girls at risk, and lack of foreseeable alternative durable solutions in very limited cases.

The Americas

assessment held in 2012, 40 per cent of refugees were unemployed, and of those who were working, 80 per cent were engaged in the informal sector. Therefore, a group of refugees with speciﬁc needs have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Costa Rica, especially women and girls at risk, persons with disabilities, and refugees originating from countries outside of the region. The majority of refugees living in Costa Rica (especially Colombians, Cubans, Venezuelans, and persons from Central America) have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

During 2013, the operation will be negotiating with the authorities and potential donors for the establishment of an Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) in the country. The Americas region currently lacks an ETM. An ETM is considered a need and a strategic initiative for the region, and Costa Rica has been selected for its geographical location and its long humanitarian tradition. The authorities have already demonstrated their willingness to support this mechanism, which will become viable if additional funds become available. Should the ETM become a reality in 2014, the operation will expect to submit an additional 50 persons for resettlement.

The drop in the number of projected resettlement cases for 2014 is a result of a trend that UNHCR has identified since 2009. Over time, the identification of persons in need of resettlement has been going down, from 123 persons in 2009 to 86 persons in 2012. Nowadays, refugees are mostly opting for local integration, and therefore the operation is strategically engaged in supporting this process in its legal, economic, and sociocultural spheres. Even if resettlement needs have been going down over the last few years, resettlement will continue to be used as a strategic protection tool and as a durable solution for a number of refugees with specific needs. Resettlement will be used as a strategic protection tool vis-à-vis local authorities in order to maintain the current protection space in Costa Rica. The use of mandate recognition for resettlement purposes will take place for a reduced number of cases. Solid asylum claims that have been rejected by local authorities in charge of RSD will be systematically assessed for resettlement.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Colombia

El Salvador

Honduras

Venezuela

Various

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

119

Ecuador Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

This population was recognized on an individual basis by the Ecuadorian Government under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1984 Cartagena Declaration. Certain individual cases have been recognized under UNHCR’s mandate.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

3.6

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014*

* Please note that some of the individuals that are currently asylum-seekers are expected to be be recognized as refugees and to be considered for Resettlement.

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Colombia**

54,620

Cuba

230

Afghanistan

113

Various

517

Total refugee population

55,480

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Colombia***

14,408

Cuba

Pakistan

Haiti

Various

Total asylum-seeker population

14,567

Individuals in a refugee-like situation (Estimated population of individuals that have not yet been registered with Ecuadorian Authorities)

68,344 (approx.)

Total persons of concern

138,391

** Colombian refugees are located in the border areas (25,181), Pichincha (Quito) (14,913), Imbabura (Ibarra) (4,179), Guayas (Guayaquil) (2,953), Azuay (Cuenca) (2,184), Santo Domingo (1,967), and other areas (3,243). *** Colombian asylum-seekers are located in the border areas (7,748), Pichincha (Quito) (2,267), Imbabura (Ibarra) (998), Guayas (Guayaquil) (1,567), Azuay (Cuenca) (154), Santo Domingo (647), and other areas (1,027).

120

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 55,480 refugees recognized by the Ecuadorian Government and 14,567 asylum-seekers of which 98 per cent were Colombians. In addition there were approximately 68,344 individuals in a refugee-like situation, who have not been able to access the asylum procedure or register with the Ecuadorian authorities. 40 per cent of the population of concern lives in rural areas, and 60 per cent in urban areas.

Of the total refugee population registered by the Government in Ecuador, 26,438 were women and girls, 29,042 were men and boys. There were a total of 12,838 children. The Government of Ecuador (GoE) has not provided accurate ﬁgures on the populations of women and girls at risk and unaccompanied or separated children. 12,000 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 12,000 in 2014.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Ecuador is a state party to both the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. The Constitution favours refugees’ integration, but by-laws restrict their access to rights: the refugee visa is not generally accepted as a valid document; refugees need a 90-day work permit renewable only in the capital; and they lack access to social security or poverty subsidies. Shortcomings in the GoE-run asylum system result in refugees not being recognized because of difficult access to the procedure, unfair admissibility requirements at odds with international standards, and a restrictive interpretation of the refugee definition based on an incomplete assessment of country of origin information. Cases of refugees who fail to renew their visas on time are sometimes denied. Integration is further hampered by the reported presence of Colombian irregular armed groups, non-state armed actors, widespread violence towards refugee women and girls, and the vulnerability of adolescent refugees and unaccompanied or separated children. Refugees suffer widespread discrimination, and Colombians particularly are blamed for the increasing insecurity. Refugee protection in Ecuador has deteriorated steadily since January 2011. The issuance of the Decree 1182 in May 2012 crystalized a number of restrictive measures, some of which, such as the admissibility procedure, were applied since early 2011, marking a clear departure from international refugee law and principles. In 2012, according to governmental statistics, 30 per cent of the applications were not admitted to the procedure, and only 9 per cent of all applicants was recognized as refugees. The acceptance rate continued to drop for a third consecutive year from 89 per cent in 2009 to 22 per cent in 2011 in a context where the causes for arrival of refugees to Ecuador have not changed, the conflict in Colombia has deteriorated, and the rate of

internal displacement in the country has increased. The acceptance rate is at odds with the monitoring of refugee claims by UNHCR, which indicates that the vast majority of persons requesting asylum in Ecuador are bona ﬁde asylum-seekers with valid asylum claims.

The Americas

UNHCR is currently assessing the refugee population’s intentions regarding return. For those choosing to do so, monitoring mechanisms will aim to ensure the process is carried out in safety, dignity and security, and the decision to return is voluntary. As many refugees are eligible for naturalization, UNHCR and its partners are seeking reduced costs and are promoting accelerated procedures in an otherwise cumbersome, slow, and costly process. In view of a more restrictive refugee protection policy, resettlement has become an important strategic tool. It will play a relevant role in the political dialogue with GoE, seeking to expand the protection space, and will remain a protection instrument for refugees with speciﬁc needs. UNHCR and its partners will continue identifying resettlement needs as part of their work in the border and urban areas. UNHCR needs to expand its outreach capacity in urban neighbourhoods to increase the identiﬁcation of needs and the referral of cases from these areas.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

Colombian refugees in the Northern border of Ecuador.

The specific needs codes in proGres and best estimates methodologies were used in March 2013 to identify the total resettlement needs. 2,000 refugees have been identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to specific vulnerabilities, including lack of integration prospects.

Refugees from Colombia will beneﬁt from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. Colombian refugees were identiﬁed since 2011 as one of the six populations prioritized for resettlement and will likely continue as such throughout 2014. A Contact Group, chaired by the Governments of New Zealand and Uruguay, was formed in February 2012 in order to maximize the strategic use of resettlement of Colombians in Ecuador.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: Identification of individuals for resettlement purposes continues to be a challenge, taking into account the strict criteria applied by the largest resettlement countries engaged with the operation in Ecuador. Taking on previous experience, the Office does not foresee any difficulty in submitting at least 10 per cent of the resettlement cases under the criteria of women and girls at risk, as this category has been identified within the overall protection strategy as one of the vulnerable profiles that could benefit from resettlement.

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 2,000 persons in 2014. There are currently seven core staff and five affiliate workforce staff, including four ICMC deployees and one IUNV devoted to resettlement counselling and resettlement case preparation and review. In order to meet this target, the Office will additionally need further human resources devoted specifically to identifying refugees with specific protection needs and in need of resettlement.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Colombia

8,345

30,045

570

2,000

230

800

Total

8,345

30,045

570

2,000

230

800

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

121

Panama Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT)

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 111 Colombian refugees living in the province of Darien, Panama, 749 Colombian refugees living in urban areas (mostly in Panama City, Panama) and 706 refugees from other nationalities are also living in the metropolitan area. The population of recognized refugees amounts to 1,566 persons, all of them recognized as refugees on an individual basis by the Republic of Panama under the Executive Decree 23 / 1998 of Panamanian Refugee law. The number of persons under Temporary Humanitarian Protection status is not included in this ﬁgure as they have not been formally recognized as refugees by the local authorities. Of the total refugee population registered by the Government in Panama, 573 were women, 768 were men, and 225 were children. 750 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and a similar number in 2014. The above ﬁgures do not include persons under the Temporary Humanitarian Protection status regime as the number remains stable since the bi-national census of 2004.

Best estimate NA

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

0.4

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Colombia*

1,723

Various

706

Total refugee population

2,429

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Various

365

Total asylum-seeker population

365

individuals in a refugee-like situation**

persons

Colombia

14,000

Cuba

1,000

Total individuals in a refugee-like situation

15,000

Total persons of concern

17,794

* Including 863 persons under Temporary Humanitarian Protection status (PTHs) ** It is estimated that a signiﬁcant number of Colombian (some 14,000) and Cuban nationals (1,000) are living in the town of Colon or in the surroundings of the capital and may also need international protection.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Panama is a State party to the 1951 Convention and to the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Panama is also a State party to the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless persons of 1954 and to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness of 1961. The Government is currently in the process of drafting national legislation to implement the Convention relating to the Status of Stateless persons. National Refugee legislation does not include the Cartagena Refugee definition. Refugees in Panama are governed under the Decree 23 of 1998. The national institution where asylumseekers initiate the asylum procedure is called National Office for the Attention of Refugees (ONPAR) and operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Governance. ONPAR plays a gatekeeper function determining those who are admitted to the asylum procedure and preparing the cases to be submitted to the National Eligibility Commission who decides in the first instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD). An administrative appeal process is established. Current RSD procedures do not always meet international standards. However, since 2012 UNHCR and ONPAR are working in a Quality Assurance Initiative Project of the national RSD procedure. This project brings a unique opportunity to build ONPAR’s capacity. There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Panama for the group of persons under Temporary Humanitarian Protection Status (PTHs). However, with the gradual implementation of Law 81/2011 permanent residency will be accorded to this particular group of individuals. Current Immigration Law allows for the detention of undocumented immigrants at the discretion of the Director of Migration. UNHCR and its legal partner CEALP have access to administrative detention facilities. The Ombudsman Office, with whom the

122

as Centro de Asistencia Legal Popularr (CEALP), Red Cross and the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), is going to be put in place in 2013 to ensure a pool of potential cases for assessment.

According to the national legislation refugees enjoy most of the rights established by the 1951 Convention; although in practice many may have difficulties in accessing some of them. The need to renew refugee identity cards each year in the capital poses difficulties to refugees living in rural and remote areas. In addition, the fact that identity cards state in bold that the individual is a refugee, hampers their access to employment. Work permits for refugees shall be renewed each year and labour laws prohibit approximately 27 professions to immigrants unless they naturalize. Article 63 of the Decree 23 states that refugees may opt for permanent residency status one year after recognition; however, the Immigration Law so far has not provided a mechanism to make this right effective. Refugees and asylum-seekers have access to primary and secondary public schools though certain prerequisites (certified country of origin documents) delay the process. UNHCR, Refugee Education Trust and Norwegian Refugee Council are working with the Ministry of Education to simplify procedures. In urban areas, refugees have access to primary health care services yet in rural areas medical centres are not fully equipped and are generally in precarious conditions. Refugees do not have access to loans. National vocational training courses are restricted to Panamanians. Thus, refugees depend on courses organized by UNHCR through its partners.

UNHCR will continue to work on the identification of refugees with specific protection needs for further resettlement consideration. A tactful approach to resettlement is expected to provide these cases with an effective protection response without undermining efforts dedicated to strengthening the national asylum system. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for nine persons in 2014. There are currently two core staff and one affiliate workforce devoting part of their time to identification and resettlement related activities, including counselling and resettlement case preparation and review.

The Americas

UNHCR coordinates, conducts regular visits. When persons in detention seek asylum they are not released until admitted to the asylum procedure by ONPAR.

Most of refugees in Panama are Colombian nationals. At this stage of the ongoing dialogue to end the conﬂict in Colombia, refugees have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Participatory assessments combined with the use of Heightened Risk Identification Tool (HRIT) and home visits in urban areas are being used in 2013 to identify cases with resettlement needs, mostly focusing on women and girls at risk cases not admitted by ONPAR. Three cases of women and girls at risk were initially identified among a group of six non admitted cases with the same profile. It is estimated that this number will rise to ten by the end of 2014, among which at least three cases will be prioritized for resettlement. A referral system by partners such

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Various

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

123

Venezuela Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR in Venezuela, 1,125 were women, 1,262 were men, and 1,257 were children. 19 were women and girls at risk. There were 14 unaccompanied or separated children. 3,000 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 3,000 in 2014.

Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD

Protection environment

Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 42

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

0.4

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014*

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons*

Colombia

3,644

Total refugee population

3,644

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Colombia

750

Various

164

Total asylum-seeker population

914

Individuals in a refugee-like situation

200,000

Total persons of concern

204,558

* According to ofﬁcial data

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 3,644 Colombian refugees living in rural and urban areas in Venezuela. This population was recognized on an individual basis by the Venezuelan State under the national Refugees and Asylees Statutory Law (LORRAA, by its acronym in Spanish). According to a UNHCR Survey carried out in 2007 in Venezuela, there are also an estimated 200,000 Colombian individuals who have ﬂed the violence in their country of origin and are living in a refugee-like situation in Venezuela.

Venezuela is a State party to the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Refugee rights in Venezuela are governed under the Refugees and Asylees Statutory Law (LORRAA). The National Commission for Refugees (CNR, by its Spanish acronym) is the national body responsible for refugee issues. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) and appeals are conducted by the CNR. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards, mainly because the CNR does not yet provide all asylum-seekers with documentation. As a consequence, some face difficulties at checkpoints or restrictions to their freedom of movement. UNHCR is working with the Government of Venezuela to improve these procedures by promoting outreach registration in remote areas, advocating for the issuance of provisional documents for all asylum-seekers, advocating for the inclusion of refugees in public policies, and expanding the definition of a refugee in accordance with the 1984 Cartagena Declaration. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Venezuela; nonetheless, asylum-seekers face restrictions for not having their provisional documents issued, or due to lack of awareness or recognition of the provisional document by certain authorities. Detention is not used for migration-related offences. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees or asylumseekers in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. According to Article 22 of the LORRAA, refugees have the same rights as other foreigners residing in Venezuela. The Constitution and other relevant laws limits the exercise of certain rights; the LORRAA envisages in particular that refugees shall not intervene in political or other related affairs that might jeopardize national security or the interests of the country. Government social programmes (i.e. education and health) are generally accessible to refugees and asylum-seekers. Some refugees have benefited from government loans and housing programmes. However, the provisional document issued to asylum-seekers and the administrative difficulties in obtaining a refugee identity document

124

In Colombia, while a dialogue to end the conﬂict has started between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), displacement continues to occur, especially in the western and southern parts of the country, including along regions in the border with Venezuela. Therefore, the majority of Colombian refugees have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity.

Projected resettlement needs and capacity for 2014 Participatory assessments were used in 2013 to identify the total resettlement needs, and 15 persons were identified for submission in 2014. UNHCR Venezuela continues to prioritize the strengthening of its outreach and registration activities with the aim of further facilitating access to national asylum procedures. This continues to provide the Office with a better understanding of the overall protection needs, contributing to a more protection-oriented use of resettlement, especially in consideration of on-going and expanding opportunities for local integration. Resettlement cases will therefore be prioritized according to legal, physical, and other specific protection needs and will include women and girls at risk in the country of asylum.

women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs. In order to strengthen the capacities of UNHCR’s partners, the Office has reviewed the Heightened Risk Identification Tool and organized a workshop on its effective application. Refugees from Colombia will benefit from multiyear planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. It is strategic to maintain resettlement activities in Venezuela in order to be prepared to discuss with the Venezuelan authorities durable solutions in a comprehensive manner. It is also a matter of regional consistency to maintain resettlement as an option for Colombian refugees in Venezuela. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 15 persons in 2014. There are currently four affiliate workforce staff, including one IUNV, one G4 in Protection, and two ICAs, all devoting a small percentage of their time to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 15 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need human resources dedicated to resettlement and strengthening its protection capacities, particularly in border areas, in order to ensure a more proactive and early identification and submission of cases. The Office will also need to explore other potential resettlement countries and additional support from IOM to deal with predeparture arrangements.

The Americas

(cédula) after recognition of refugee status limit the full enjoyment of certain rights, particularly employment and free movement within the country. According to the Intentions Survey carried out by the Ofﬁce in 2012, only 13 per cent of recognized refugees are in possession of the cédula. Therefore, refugees in such circumstances have no immediate prospects for longterm local integration in Venezuela.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: Local integration remains the preferred option of the Colombian refugee population. The Office relies on limited financial and human resources for identification and referral of potential cases. Also, having no specific resettlement quotas allocated to Venezuela, RRFs must be submitted in an ad hoc manner via UNHCR Headquarters or to non-traditional resettlement countries. The Office has also put in place four committees focused on sexual and gender-based violence to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Colombia

108

Total

108

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

125

The Americas: Media spotlight

Language class helps refugees span cultural gaps in Costa Rica News Stories, 26 July 2012 Instructor Carmen Wirdyan, who holds a Master’s degree in Psychology, is herself a refugee who had worked as a professor in her native Colombia. She receives a token payment for her classes, but feels very much in her element when teaching the 12 refugees and asylum-seekers. “I love my students,” she said. “Even though I am unable to solve all of their problems, I want to help improve their situation in the country as best as I can.”

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica, July 26 (UNHCR) – Bangalay came to Costa Rica by accident. He arrived while travelling from his native Côte d’Ivoire, heading towards what he believed was the United States. However, the ship he boarded left him in Panama and after being detained for some time, he managed to take a bus to Costa Rica, where he sought asylum. This explains how the 17-year-old came to be seated in a Spanish class created exclusively for asylumseekers and refugees from outside the Americas living in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. The Association of International Consultants and Advisors (ACAI), a non-governmental organization that has been implementing UNHCR programmes since the 1990s, developed a programme in May last year that offers Spanish classes twice per week. “The classes are a great support system for them,” said Gloria Maklouf, director of ACAI. “All of the students ﬂed their home countries to save their lives. Now, during the classes, they are able to talk with each other and share their experiences. Language is an indispensable tool for their integration process and for ﬁnding work.”

126

Kristin Halvorsen of the UNHCR office in San José acknowledged that refugees must overcome many obstacles in order to integrate themselves into Costa Rican society. It is even more difficult when their customs and backgrounds are so dissimilar to the local reality, as is the case with these students from Africa and Asia. “When the arrival of these extra-continentals began in 2009, it signified a major challenge for UNHCR and its partners,” said Halvorsen. “Their needs are different from the majority of refugees received in the country, namely Colombians who already know how to speak the local language.” The students all agree that the Spanish classes are, in some way, a symbol of a new life, free from the armed conflict that they have been victims of for so long. “I want to forget all of the horrible things that happened in Nigeria and start from scratch,” said 31-year-old Grace, who arrived in April last year. “I hope to have the life that I always wanted but could never have. These classes are the first step towards that goal.” By Erin Kastelz, in San José, Costa Rica

Colombian refugee’s love of wine helps his integration in Brazil Telling the Human Story, 10 May 2012

During one of these training courses, he was invited by a businessman to head a popular downtown bar, “Los Gatos,”* where the in-crowd go to drink, eat and dance. Ricardo works six days a week – with Monday off – from 4pm till late. Ricardo is in charge of a team of 29 waiters, six chefs and four cashiers. They really earn their daily pay in a hot spot that gets more than 600 clients a night. RIO GRANDE DO SUL, Brazil, May 10 (UNHCR) – It’s a good thing that Ricardo* has always been a wine lover as the Colombian refugee’s hobby has helped him land a plum job in the hospitality industry in southern Brazil. The former policeman has made the most of his opportunities since arriving five years ago in Rio Grande do Sul state, where he is one of almost 250 resettled refugees – mostly from Colombia and the Middle East. Unlike, Ricardo, many of these urban refugees struggle to get by and need help from UNHCR partners, such as the Associação Antonio Vieira (ASAV). Ricardo has done much better than most of Brazil’s urban refugees; he manages a popular bar in a tourist town (which cannot be named for protection reasons) in the state. He rents a three-bedroom apartment, drives his own car and is married to a Brazilian woman, who teaches at a primary school after taking their baby daughter to a local kindergarten. He had, however, to start at the bottom – difficult for someone who had built a good career in the southern Colombian province of Caquetá, where he took part in government-driven efforts in the late 1990s to end years of conflict. When this process failed, his life was in danger and Ricardo fled to nearby Ecuador, where he was recognized as a refugee in 2004. A year later he was resettled in Rio Grande do Sul, where he decided to learn Portuguese before looking for a job. He received assistance and support from UNHCR and the ASAV in a town influenced by Italian and German settlers and a far cry from his Amazonian home region. But Ricardo had been an amateur oenologist in his home country and he used this to his advantage. After getting up to scratch with his Portuguese, and feeling comfortable in his new home, he got a job as a waiter in a big hotel. In his spare time, he trained to become a qualified sommelier (wine waiter), and he also met his future wife there. Impressed by his dedication, skill and leadership qualities, his employers soon promoted Ricardo to

“A job is everything. Without a wage, it is impossible for anyone to become self-sufficient and integrate with the host community,” stressed Ricardo, who was proud of his achievements since arriving here. Self-reliance is a top priority for most of the integration projects that UNHCR organizes for urban refugees in Brazil, which hosts almost 4,500 recognized refugees from more than 70 nationalities, according to official figures. And Rio Grande do Sul state hosts most of the resettled refugees.

The Americas: Media Spotlight

become a maître d’hôtel. The head of a local social organization, meanwhile, asked him to set aside some of his spare time to train waiters about wines and how to deal with customers.

The UN refugee agency and its partners help refugees to find employment or to start their own businesses. UNHCR also works with the Ministry of Labour, other state authorities and the private sector to help refugees get jobs. UNHCR and a human resources company recently launched a data base with the CVs of refugees – mostly in Sao Paulo – that can be accessed by companies looking for staff. Some refugees have already been offered work. UNHCR tries to make sure that all refugees and asylum-seekers have access to Portuguese language classes, professional courses and micro-credit programmes. Brazil’s refugee legislation also guarantees the issuance of work permits and ID cards, which are essential for finding employment. “A paid job is a powerful tool for integration,” Andrés Ramirez, UNHCR’s representative in Brazil, stressed. “More than half of the refugees under our mandate worldwide reside in cities and towns, which are thus legitimate places for refugees to enjoy their rights,” he added. Meanwhile, back in “Los Gatos,” Ricardo looked for a special bottle of wine in the cellar. When he found the right vintage, he turned to UNHCR with a big smile. He had finally found his metier. “Here in Brazil, I feel enriched and appreciated for my professional skills,” he sighed happily. * Names changed for protection reasons By Luiz Fernando Godinho in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

127

Asia

128

Trends in 2012

India

During 2012, 38,020 refugees were submitted from the Asia and the Paciﬁc region. This ﬁgure represents only a small decrease in comparison to the 38,404 submitted in 2011.1 Refugees submitted for resettlement from Asia in 2012 were from more than 38 countries of origin, with the three main countries of origin being: Myanmar (58 per cent of the total submissions), Bhutan (26 per cent), and Afghanistan (10 per cent). Submissions were made to 15 different resettlement countries with the main countries of resettlement being: the USA (received 76.5 per cent of the total submissions), Australia (14 per cent), Canada (3.4 per cent), Sweden (1.4 per cent), New Zealand (1.3 per cent), and Finland (1.2 per cent).

Nepal Sri Lanka

East Asia and the Paciﬁc China (including Hong Kong SAR) and Mongolia Indonesia Malaysia Paciﬁc Islands Region, Papua New Guinea Thailand

Departures from Asia and the Paciﬁc region remained stable with 37,394 refugees departing in 2012 (compared to 37,975 persons in 2011).

ASIA

South Asia

Central Asia Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Turkmenistan

South-West Asia Islamic Republic of Iran Pakistan

Regional developments UNHCR’s strategic priority in the Asia and the Pacific region remains the promotion of lasting comprehensive solutions for refugees in the region. In 2014, UNCHR will continue to focus on protracted refugee situations, while pursuing self-reliance activities for refugees pending the identification of durable solutions. Meeting the resettlement needs of refugee women and children and preventing sexual and gender-based violence remain primary goals of all country offices in the region.

It constitutes a larger decrease compared 2010, when 48,507 resettlement submissions were made out of Asia.

129

UNHCRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total resettlement capacity for 2014 by country of asylum* Exclusively c us e y for o internal te a UNHCR U C use

KAZAKHSTAN M

Caspian Sea

UZBEKISTAN

KYR GYZSTAN

TUR KMENISTAN TAJIKISTAN

AFGHANISTAN ISLAMIC R EPUBLIC OF IR AN PAKISTAN Pe

NEPAL rsi a

BHUTAN

nG ulf

BANGLADESH INDIA

Arabian Sea

MYANMAR LAO PEOPLE'S DEMO Bay of Bengal THAILAN Andaman Sea

SR I LANKA MALAY

INDIAN OCEAN

500

kilometres

** UNHCR UNHCR total total resettlement resettlement capacity capacity includes includes core core staffing staffing and and affiliate affiliate workforce. workforce. Printed: 06 June 2013

130

1,000

FFF III CCC SSS SSS

Field Information and Coordination Support Section

10,000

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

2,000

ContinentMaps_ResettlementCapacity2011_A3.WOR

20,000

UNHCR's estimated total resettlement capacity

ASIA

MONGOLIA

DEMOCR ATIC PEOPLE'S R EP. OF KOR EA Se

J of

a ap

JAPAN

R EPUBLIC OF KOR EA

CHINA

East China Sea PACIFIC OCEAN Taiwan (CHN) Hong Kong (CHN) Macao (CHN) MAR PEOPLE'S DEMOCR ATIC R EPUBLIC th C Sou

VIET NAM

Sea hina PHILIPPINES

Northern Mariana Islands (USA)

THAILAND CAMBODIA

FEDER ATED STATES OF MICR ONESIA MALAYSIA

PALAU

BR UNEI DAR USSALAM Celebes Sea

SINGAPOR E INDONESIA

Java Sea

SOLOMON ISLANDS

Banda Sea

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TIMOR -LESTE 1,000

Ara fura

Sea

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mapping@unhcr.org

131

Prospects for the voluntary repatriation of refugees in the region continue to be constrained by ongoing persecution, instability, and violence in countries of origin. Prospects for local integration remain limited to the individual naturalization of certain refugees sharing similar characteristics and proﬁles with the citizens of their host countries.

2014 Projected needs and targets Sub-regional Overviews

South-East Asia, East Asia and the Paciﬁc

Central Asia The Central Asia sub-region is comprised of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The region hosts some 7,100 persons of concern to UNHCR, of which 4,800 are registered refugees and 2,300 are asylum-seekers. Tajikistan continues to host the largest number of refugees within the sub-region, with 2,249 registered refugees, in addition to another 2,139 asylum-seekers. The majority of refugees in the region originate from Afghanistan, followed by smaller groups from Uzbekistan, China (ethnic Uighurs), Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan (ethnic Armenians). The vast majority of asylum-seekers and refugees in Central Asia reside in urban areas, especially in and around capital cities. In 2012, 47 persons were submitted for resettlement, and 249 departed on resettlement from the region. Throughout 2012 and 2013, resettlement has been utilized in Central Asia as a protection response to the speciﬁc needs of refugees, in particular for refugees from Afghanistan and other countries in the region who continue to have urgent legal or physical protection needs or require urgent medical treatment. The overall protection regime in the region continues to pose challenges. Ensuring the protection of the rights of refugees while preserving the integrity of the asylum system in a context of mixed migration ﬂows and increasing concerns of States over national security represent the two greatest challenges for UNHCR in the Central Asian context. Serious restrictions on freedom of movement of refugees and asylum-seekers and the increasingly restrictive implementation of eligibility and protection principles by national asylum authorities will continue to require UNHCR’s intervention through, inter alia, resettlement.

The South-East Asia, East Asia and the Pacific region is comprised of Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China (including Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR), Indonesia, Japan, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Pacific Island States, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam. Half of the countries in this sub-region have not acceded to the 1951 Refugee Convention and/or the 1967 Protocol (Brunei-Darussalam, Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Pacific Island States, Singapore, and Thailand). The absence of national legal frameworks and procedures relating to refugee protection, limited local integration opportunities, and the lack of prospects for voluntary repatriation for the majority of refugee populations demonstrate the continued need for resettlement as an important durable solution in the region. In 2012, Malaysia was the top country of asylum in the world from where the largest number of refugees was submitted. 15,813 were submitted and 10,489 departed for resettlement. Consequently, refugees from Myanmar represented the nationality with the largest resettlement figures globally. Group processing of refugees from Myanmar out of Malaysia will continue, aiming at some 12,000 group submissions to the USA plus 2,150 to other resettlement countries in 2014. Preparations for voluntary repatriation to the southeast of Myanmar for some refugees from Myanmar in the camps in Thailand may start in 2014 depending on further positive developments leading to conditions conducive for return. At this point in time, resettlement of this population will continue well into 2014, although in lesser numbers, given that group resettlement of

Asia: 2014 Projected global needs A. Region of Asylum

C. UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target) in 2014

D. UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

East Asia & the Paciﬁc

87,484

140,614

11,931

20,523

8,538

13,695

Southwest Asia

26,484

114,110

2,181

8,000

1,047

3,873

South Asia

2,091

10,249

1,584

7,936

499

2,176

Central Asia

145

474

374

155

116,204

265,447

15,786

36,833

10,131

19,899

Asia Total

132

B. Total projected resettlement needs

In all countries of asylum conducting resettlement out of the sub-region, there will remain a continued need for individual resettlement processing of refugees from Myanmar mostly for reasons of family reuniﬁcation, medical needs, and legal or physical protection. UNHCR identiﬁed registration and resettlement needs of urban refugees, including those in detention, in particular in mainland China and Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand (concerning refugees primarily from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, and Sri Lanka).

South Asia The South Asia region includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. None of these countries have acceded to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol, nor have they developed national legal frameworks and procedures relating to refugee protection. Local integration remains a limited option for refugees residing in this region, with the exception of developments in India, where the Government of India has started to implement a new policy which allows all refugees registered with UNHCR to apply for longstay visas and work permits. Earlier the Government of India set a positive example by permitting the naturalization of Afghan refugees of Sikh or Hindu origin who have arrived in the country since 2007. In support of the use of resettlement to address the protracted situation of Bhutanese refugees in Nepal, a Core Group of States provided support for group processing to the United States and individual processing to other resettlement countries, resulting in submissions of over 100,000 Bhutanese refugees by May 2013. Five camps have been closed in the meantime, and only two have remained open in eastern Nepal (Beldangi and Sanischare camps) with a current refugee population from Bhutan of 41,000 persons. While the resettlement programme in Nepal, in terms of submissions, was the second largest after Malaysia, it scaled down in 2012 due to increasing case complexities, and will decrease further in 2014 to some 7,320 individual submissions. UNHCR identiﬁed increased resettlement needs among the refugee population in Sri Lanka, in particular for refugees from Pakistan and Myanmar. Resettlement activity in Bangladesh remained suspended upon request of the Government of Bangladesh.

South-West Asia The South-West Asia sub-region is comprised of Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Pakistan. Iran and Pakistan are hosting together more than 2.5 million Afghan refugees and continue to be priority situations for the strategic use of resettlement as a tangible expression of burden-sharing by the international community. The three-year regional Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (adopted in 2012) reinforces the importance of ﬁnding sustainable solutions, including resettlement as a means of alleviating burdens on host countries in the region. In Iran, in response to the Government’s calls for more tangible and effective responsibility-sharing by resettlement countries, UNHCR continues its efforts to promote and expand resettlement out of Iran. The Contact Group on Iran, chaired by Sweden, worked with the National Steering Committee for the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees, closely associating resettlement efforts with those of voluntary repatriation or improved living conditions for refugees in Iran, as part of a comprehensive approach to solutions for Afghan refugees. The number of UNHCR submissions increased from 1,484 in 2011 to 1,868 in 2012, and resettlement departures rose from 492 in 2011 to 1,260 in 2012. UNHCR continues to advocate with resettlement States to increase resettlement places for refugees from Iran, focusing on the most vulnerable refugees, including those exposed to protection risks (such as Afghan refugee women and girls at risk) and those with serious medical needs. This helps to alleviate the burden on medical and social service providers in the country.

ASIA

refugees from Myanmar out of Thailand to the USA will have come to an end in early 2014.

In Pakistan, following the designation of the country as a priority situation for the strategic use of resettlement, UNHCR increased its resettlement submissions from 371 refugees in 2011 to 1,272 refugees in 2012, and aims to submit 2,200 submissions in 2013 and 4,000 in 2014. In 2012, the Government of Australia allocated an additional quota of 1,000 individual resettlement places to Afghan refugees in Pakistan. The recently established Contact Group, chaired by Australia, is expected to play an important role in ensuring support from authorities in facilitating and expediting refugees’ departures on resettlement and promoting the participation of other potential resettlement countries. Security challenges continue to adversely affect UNHCR’s resettlement activities in Pakistan. Constrained access to refugee populations resulted in efforts to establish interviewing facilities by videoconferencing and medical clearance processes in Quetta. In Afghanistan, resettlement continues to be used as an individual protection tool for a small caseload of refugees facing serious threats or risks to their physical safety, in particular for refugee women and girls at risk, LGBTI refugees, and survivors of torture and other forms of violence, such as refugee survivors of domestic and other forms of sexual and genderbased violence.

133

Nepal 7,320

India 400

Sri Lanka 216

LEGEND:

Country Name UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (persons)

134

South Asia

India ........................................................................................................................................................................... 136 Nepal ......................................................................................................................................................................... 138

South Asia

Sri Lanka.................................................................................................................................................................... 140

Historial Trends of UNHCR’s planned submissions 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

India

ê 695

ê 650

è 650

ê 450

ê 400

Nepal

é 5,450

é 18,289

ê 12,061

ê 9,500

ê 7,320

Sri Lanka

é 150

é 200

ê 50

é 150

é 216 135

India Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

As of 1 January 2013, approximately 100,000 Tibetans and 68,000 Sri Lankan refugees were recognized and assisted by the Government of India and were living in a refugee-like situation. 18,491 refugees from Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Somalia were living in urban areas, mainly in New Delhi, and were recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR in India replace by - there were 120 women and girls at risk, and 1,309 unaccompanied or separated children. 6,300 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 7,500 in 2014.

UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state

The number of Rohingya asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR increased, particularly following the June and October 2012 violence in Rakhine state, Myanmar. They are dispersed around India, primarily in Delhi, Jammu, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

2.2

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern Refugee population

01.01.13

persons

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions India is not a state party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Refugees in India are governed under the Foreigners Act of 1946 which regulates the entry, presence, and departure of foreigners to and from India and the Indian Government’s position on refugee status is generally affected by political and security considerations.

9,633 Myanmar

7,671

Somalia

739

Iraq

113

Various

335

Total refugee population

18,491

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Myanmar

2,824

Afghanistan

571

Various

164

Total asylum-seeker population

3,559

Individuals in a refugee-like situation

persons

Tibet, China

100,000

Sri Lanka

68,000

Total asylum-seeker population

168,000

Total persons of concern

190,050

* There were 7,323 Afghans of Indian origin and 2,310 ethnic Afghans.

In general there are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within India. Detention is used for migration-related offenses, including irregular entry and visa overstay. As of 1 January 2013, there was one registered refugee in detention for migration-related offenses. However, there are occasional reports of unregistered Rohingya asylum-seekers in detention in West Bengal. UNHCR does not have regular access to persons of concern in detention. However, requests for access are usually granted. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees enjoy basic human rights in India. All refugees, irrespective of their origin, may access the national judicial system and governmental health and education services and are allowed to work in the informal sector. Overall, in the context of UNHCR’s caseload, asylum-seekers have access to Indian territory, the principle of non-refoulementt is generally respected, and there is no pressure to repatriate. Until recently the Government of India had an ad hoc approach to refugees according to their origin. The Indian Government’s decision to allow refugees registered with UNHCR to apply for long-stay visas and work permits should have a signiﬁcant positive impact on the situation of refugees. However, for the time being, only Hindu and Sikh Afghan refugees beneﬁt from a special programme to facilitate their local integration. Refugees are often unaware of the local health and education systems and may not speak Hindi, which constitute major barriers to their effective access to public health and education. Foraging at night

136

markets exposes women to sexual and gender-based violence. Persons with speciﬁc needs are particularly vulnerable in a harsh urban environment. India offers employment opportunities to refugees and asylumseekers. Most refugees work to support themselves and their families. However, low wages and lack of governance controls on employers often result in unsafe and unfair work environments, exploitation, and poverty. In view of developments in refugees’ access to education, health, and legal services and a gradual expansion of the protection space, the Ofﬁce has shifted its programmatic priorities from social protection to self-reliance. Accordingly resettlement is used strategically and as a protection tool.

cannot be met in India, including women and girls at risk and other persons with speciﬁc needs, will be prioritized for resettlement. The primary implementing challenges are expected to be: • Unfulﬁlled resettlement expectations amongst some refugees which lead to anger and frustration and feelings of discrimination among refugee communities. Some refugees would like to choose the destination country on the basis of welfare and education facilities for their children.

Women and girls at risk are regularly identified as persons with specific needs, and as part of the fiveyear Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Strategy, they are prioritized for vocational training, income generation support, or resettlement as appropriate. Therefore, at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases will be submitted under the category of women and girls at risk. Refugees identified as potentially in need of resettlement are assessed by the Protection Panel, and if appropriate, the Panel recommends them for resettlement. The Protection Panel is a multifunctional forum that assesses the needs for short and longterm interventions in individual cases. It meets on a regular basis and is a key instrument for protecting the integrity of the resettlement process.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

South Asia

• Long and cumbersome procedures, including security checks, by resettlement countries, which add to the refugees’ frustration and poses potential security risks for UNHCR and partners’ staff as well as guards.

Currently only Hindu and Sikh Afghan refugees have prospects for long-term local integration through naturalization, but the procedures are cumbersome and lengthy. Many refugees registered with UNHCR originate from countries where conditions are not yet conducive to large-scale return. Repatriation is not possible for Somali or Rohingya refugees due to the instability in their areas of origin. UNHCR facilitates the voluntary repatriation of individual Afghan and Sri Lankan refugees. A small number of Chin refugees have enquired about repatriation possibilities, and if the situation in Myanmar and particularly in Chin state evolves positively, more Chin refugees might be interested in repatriating. Therefore, currently most refugees in India have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity.

Resettlement in India is a strategic tool to preserve and expand protection space and to ensure the protection of individuals of all nationalities, improving UNHCR’s standing in the country and with the Government of India.

Refugees in need of resettlement are identified through specific needs codes in proGres, participatory assessments, self-referrals, referrals by UNHCR Outreach, Protection, and Community Services staff and by partners. 400 refugees will be identified for submission in 2014, of whom 180 are Afghan refugees in need of resettlement related to heightened security concerns, including refugees detained for irregular entry; 100 refugees from Myanmar are in need of resettlement because of sexual and gender-based violence and medical and other vulnerabilities; and 120 Somali and other refugees need resettlement because of serious harassment and discrimination by the local population. Refugees with protection needs which

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 400 persons in 2014. There are currently four core staff, including two Senior Durable Solutions Assistants, one Durable Solutions Assistant, and one Associate Durable Solutions Officer, devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review as well as to other durable solutions and focus on the self-reliance programme. In order to meet the target for 2014, the Office will need to maintain existing staffing levels.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Myanmar

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

180

100

Various

120

Total

130

400

130

400

130

400

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

137

96 were children. There were 11 women and girls at risk, and there were no unaccompanied or separated children. 100 new arrivals are expected in Nepal in 2013 and 75 in 2014.

Nepal Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 2.7

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Bhutan (camp)

40,971

Tibet, China (dispersed)

15,000

Pakistan (urban)

169

Various (urban)

124

Total refugee population

56,264

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Various (urban)

Total asylum-seeker population

Total persons of concern

56,287

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 40,971 refugees from Bhutan living in Beldangi and Sanischare camps. This population was recognized on a prima facie basis by the Government of Nepal. Of the total refugee population from Bhutan registered by the Government of Nepal (with UNHCR support), 12,946 were women, 13,905 were men, and 14,120 were children. Some 345 were identiﬁed as women and girls at risk, and 309 were unaccompanied or separated children. As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 293 urban refugees (169 from Pakistan, 50 from Somalia, 47 from Myanmar, and a small number from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iran, Iraq, and Sri Lanka) in urban areas in Kathmandu, Nepal. This population was recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate. Of the total urban refugee population registered by UNHCR in Nepal, 74 were women, 123 were men and 138

Nepal is not a State party to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. UNHCR is working to improve the refugee protection environment by carrying out various advocacy initiatives to encourage the Government of Nepal to accede to international refugee instruments and/ or adopt refugee legislation. In absence of domestic refugee legislation, refugee issues in Nepal are governed under administrative decisions and directives of the Government of Nepal. Refugees from Bhutan and Tibet who arrived prior to 1990 have been recognized by the Government of Nepal in this manner. UNHCR supported the Government of Nepal in conducting registration and verification activities for refugees from Bhutan from 2006 to 2012. There are official restrictions on freedom of movement for refugees from Bhutan; however, in practice the Government of Nepal has tolerated movements in and out of the camps. Refugees have access to basic health and education services in the camps, and receive identity cards from the Government of Nepal. In principle, there are no restrictions on Tibetan refugees’ freedom of movement; however, like other refugees they do not enjoy the right to work. UNHCR continues to advocate for a comprehensive registration exercise for all long-staying Tibetans to obtain official documentation. UNHCR conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) for urban asylum-seekers under its mandate. Urban refugees and asylum-seekers are considered irregular migrants by the Government of Nepal. As such, detention and/or fines may be used for migration-related offences, including for irregular entry and overstay of visas. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees or asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offenses. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in 2012. Upon recognition, urban refugees receive a positive notification letter. Refugees have access to primary health care, education, minimal financial assistance, and to a community center for recreational activities, language classes, and skills training. As refugees do not have the right to work, their living conditions and ability to become self-reliant are adversely affected. While UNHCR continues to work to promote comprehensive solutions for refugees from Bhutan, currently resettlement remains the only durable solution available for them. In regard to the urban refugee population, as all Somali refugees in Nepal originate from Mogadishu, voluntary repatriation in safety and dignity is not currently possible. For the rest of the urban refugee population, voluntary repatriation is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Specific needs codes in proGres as well as a participatory assessment exercise undertaken in February 2013 were used to identify the total resettlement needs for refugees from Bhutan. 7,240 refugees from Bhutan and 80 refugees from other nationalities were identified for group and individual submissions in 2014. For group submissions, the Office will continue to prioritize on an individual basis through self-referrals refugees registered from 2006 to 2008 (who have key protection concerns). Individual submissions will be prepared for resettlement countries that require full RRFs. Dossier submissions for refugees with strong family reunification needs will be made to countries that will not conduct selection missions in Nepal in 2014. The Office will increase its capacity for individual submissions in 2014, primarily for mixed marriage cases and for refugees registered in 2012 who have resettlement needs but do not meet the criteria for US group processing. Increasing numbers of complex cases that are pending submission, the need to ensure the integrity of the submission process, and the lack of sufficient resources are major challenges for the resettlement of refugees from Bhutan in 2014.

For the urban refugee population, proGres specific needs codes, individual and group counselling sessions, internal and external referrals, home visits, participatory assessments, and focus group discussions are being used to identify the total resettlement needs. Based upon these assessments, 135 persons were identified in 2012 for possible resettlement consideration, of which 80 will be submitted in 2014. There are currently 160 persons in the resettlement pipeline. The Government of Nepal’s lengthy process for granting visa fine waivers and exit permits to urban refugees and the need for resettlement countries to consider urban refugees for resettlement will be key challenges for the resettlement of refugees in 2014. In total, the Office plans to submit 7,320 refugees (7,240 camp based refugees from Bhutan and 80 urban refugees) for resettlement consideration in 2014.

South Asia

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

The Office implements a proactive resettlement information outreach strategy for those refugees not currently interested in resettlement and for vulnerable refugees to ensure steady submission rates. This will assist the Office in submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office also receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs. Refugees from Bhutan have endured a protracted refugee situation since their arrival in the early 1990s, with large-scale resettlement, multi-annual resettlement implemented as the main solution to this problem. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 7,240 refugees from Bhutan in 2014. There are currently eight core staff and 39 affiliate workforce, including three ICMC deployees, one IUNV, and 35 locally recruited UNOPS staff devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 7,240 refugees from Bhutan planned for 2014, the Office will include in its submissions the files of refugees from Bhutan who have close family ties in resettlement countries.

Nepal / Refugees from Bhutan / UNHCR / staff members provide information on durable solutions to a mother in the Beldangi refugee camp in eastern Nepal. © UNHCR / P. Ghimire / August 2012

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Bhutan (camp)

1,743

9,240

1,365

7,240

280

1,480

Various (urban)

128

293

1,871

9,533

1,400

7,320

315

1,560

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

139

Sri Lanka Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 110 refugees from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Syria in the urban areas of Colombo and Negombo, Sri Lanka. These populations were recognized on an individual basis under the UNHCR’s mandate. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR in Sri Lanka, 30 were women, 32 were men, and 48 were children. There were no cases of women and girls at risk or unaccompanied or separated children. 500 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 270 in 2014.

UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014*

* This percentage is based on an anticipated increase in refugees registered in 2013 and 2014.

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Pakistan (Urban)

104

Various (Urban)

Total refugee population

110

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Pakistan (Urban)

217

Various (Urban)

Total asylum-seeker population

263

Total persons of concern

373

Sri Lanka is not a State party to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. There is no domestic legislation or procedures and institutions for asylum in Sri Lanka. Refugees in Sri Lanka are governed under the Immigration and Emigration Act and the normal civil and criminal law of the country. Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by UNHCR under its mandate pursuant to an agreement with the Government of Sri Lanka. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Sri Lanka. Once recognized, refugees are permitted to travel within Sri Lanka. Detention is used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry, visa overstay, and engaging in employment. As of 1 January 2013, there was one registered asylum-seeker in detention for a migrationrelated offense. UNHCR is not regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees are provided with access to free health care at government health facilities pursuant to an agreement with the Ministry of Health. Refugees also have access to primary and secondary education. Asylum-seekers and refugees do not have the right to work. Refugees caught working are detained and remain in detention until a solution is found for them in a third country. So far there have been no known instances of asylum-seekers in similar situations. Refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Sri Lanka. The majority of refugees in Sri Lanka are Ahamadis from Pakistan. There have been very few requests for voluntary repatriation in the past. As refugees from Pakistan are unable to seek national protection in the country of origin, prospects for their safe and sustainable return to Pakistan, are non-existent in the foreseeable future.

140

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Speciﬁc needs codes in proGres were used in 2013 to identify the total resettlement needs. 216 persons mainly from Pakistan and Myanmar were identiﬁed for submission in 2014. Female headed households and women and children at risk would be given priority in the order of submission.

South Asia

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: Sri Lanka has only the United States of America and Canada as resettlement options. If the submissions are rejected by them, submissions need to be forwarded to Headquarters to identify another resettlement country for submission on a dossier basis. UNHCR Sri Lanka has expedited resettlement submissions and prioritizes women at risk in view of achieving the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office no longer receives referrals from partners, including NGOs. Refugees from Pakistan and Myanmar will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 216 persons in 2014. There are currently two core staff and an interpreter devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 216 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need additional interpreters. Should the number of refugees significantly increase, additional core staff will be needed. There has been a 600% increase in registration in the first quarter of 2013 in comparison to the previous year. Therefore it is assumed that there will be a radical increase in the recognition rate, which will eventually translate into a similar increase in refugees with resettlement needs.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

200

120

Myanmar

100

Various

Total

316

216

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

141

4VUNVSPH 10

*OPUH PUJS\KPUN /VUN 2VUN :(9 293

;OHPSHUK 4,300

7HJPÃ&#x201E;J 0ZSHUKZ 9LNPVU 7HW\H 5L^ .\PULH 45

4HSH`ZPH 15,000

Indonesia 875

LEGEND:

Country Name UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (persons)

142

East Asia and the Paciﬁc

China (including Hong Kong SAR) and Mongolia ........................................................................................................ 144 Indonesia ................................................................................................................................................................... 148

Paciﬁc Islands Region, Papua New Guinea ................................................................................................................ 153 Thailand ..................................................................................................................................................................... 156

East Asia and the Paciﬁc

Malaysia ..................................................................................................................................................................... 150

Historial Trends of UNHCR’s planned submissions 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

ê 224

é 314

ê 188

é 205

é 303

Indonesia

ê 205

é 520

ê 515

é 1,000

ê 875

Malaysia

é 2,500

é 10,000

ê 7,500

é 13,000

é 15,000

Paciﬁc Islands Region, Papua New Guinea

é 77

ê 46

é 170

ê 45

Thailand

ê 200

é 12,250

é 12,500

ê 6,500

ê 4,300

and Mongolia

143

China (including Hong Kong SAR) and Mongolia Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 142 refugees in China originating from 20 different countries and recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate. They live in an exclusively urban context in the capital and 14 provinces across the country. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR, there were 39 women, 59 men and 44 children. 15 were women and girls at risk, and 17 were unaccompanied or separated children. 240 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 240 in 2014.

Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration

Hong Kong

1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state

Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD)

Refugee population

persons

Various (urban)

117

UNHCR conducts RSD

Total refugee population

117

Identiﬁcation methodology used:

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres

Indonesia

198

Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT)

Pakistan

125

Best estimate

Various (Urban)

512

Total asylum-seeker population

835

Individuals in a refugee-like situation

Total persons of concern

953

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

141

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

250

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Mainland China Refugee population*

persons

Various (urban)

142

Total refugee population

142

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Somalia

214

Various (urban)

Total asylum-seeker population

265

Individuals in a refugee-like situation

300,895*

Total persons of concern

301,302

* There were 300,895 Indochinese refugees living in urban and rural locations registered with the Government of China. Indochinese refugees have the right to work and to access education and health care. They have de facto integrated into Chinese society and have the means to maintain an independent livelihood in China.

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 117 refugees from 21 countries living in urban areas in Hong Kong SAR (Hong Kong). This population was recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate. Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR in Hong Kong, 25 were women, 64 were men, and 28 were children. 10 were women and girls at risk, and there were no unaccompanied or separated children. 1,284 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 1,284 in 2014.

Mongolia Refugee population

persons

China

Total refugee population

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Afghanistan

China

Total asylum-seeker population

Individuals in a refugee-like situation (stateless)

220

Total persons of concern

232

As of 1 January 2013, there were four registered refugees living in the capital of Mongolia, Ulan Bator, and eight asylum-seekers. Among those registered, there are no women and girls at risk and no unaccompanied or separated children. 144

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Mainland China China is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, to date China has not enacted any national asylum legislation. Given that China has no legal framework for asylum determination, UNHCR engages in Refugee Status Determination (RSD). There are no restrictions on freedom of movement within China. Detention was used for migration-related offences only until mid-2008. As of 1 January 2013, there are no refugees or asylum-seekers reported to be in detention for migration-related offences. Mandate refugees do not have the right to work or health care and are dependent on UNHCR assistance. Since November 2012, in ﬁve provinces refugee children have been given access to public education. The restrictive environment in mainland China does not allow for the formal participation of local NGOs. Hong Kong Hong Kong is not a State party to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. There is no domestic legislation dealing with asylum-seekers and refugees, and there are no domestic procedures and institutions for asylum. Entry and stay of persons of concern (PoC) to UNHCR are regulated by the Hong Kong Immigration Ordinance, Cap 115 of 1 April 1962 and granted only at the discretion of the Hong Kong Immigration Department. Currently, in the absence of a national asylum procedure, Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by UNHCR under its mandate.

Though asylum-seekers and refugees are not entitled to any legal residence in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Immigration Department, at its discretion, issues a document known as a recognizance documentt that allows PoC to stay in Hong Kong pending closure of their cases with UNHCR or their departure for a resettlement country. The recognizance document can be obtained after voluntary surrender to or arrest by the immigration authorities.

East Asia and the Paciﬁc

Executive assistants to members of the Mongolian Parliament huddle over the Parliamentarian Handbook on Refugee Protection as they stake out their negotiating position during a role-playing game at a UNHCR workshop. © UNHCR/K. McKinsey

There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Hong Kong. Detention may be used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry and visa overstay. However, Hong Kong uses the recognizance document as an alternative to the detention mechanism whereby instead of detention, the individual is required to sign in with Immigration on a regular basis. As of 1 January 2013, there were an estimated 152 asylum-seekers reported to be in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to PoC in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees have access to public primary and emergency health care and primary and secondary education, but do not have lawful access to employment. Under the Hong Kong Immigration Ordinance, any person taking up informal employment in Hong Kong will be subject to arrest and prosecution. As a result, refugees remain reliant on assistance programmes. As refugees are unable to achieve any form of self-reliance, it is common among the refugee population to feel a loss of dignity and heightened frustration. Refugees face a situation in Hong Kong where they are highly marginalized and in a state of limbo.

145

Though the Government of Hong Kong has a very limited assistance programme for asylum-seekers and refugees, it has made clear that permission to settle permanently will not be given to refugees and that only temporary stay pending resettlement to a third country or return to their country of origin is tolerated. A very limited number of refugees, mainly those who have married local Hong Kong permanent residents, are eligible to apply for a dependency visa. But even in cases of marriage, it is not guaranteed that the refugee will be granted a dependency visa. Therefore, refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Hong Kong. Given the nature of the diverse refugee claims in Hong Kong, voluntary repatriation is also very rarely requested by refugees and is generally not suitable. Mongolia Mongolia is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. There is no national asylum legislation or institution. UNHCR promotes, through national capacity development, the adoption of a national refugee law and accession to the 1951 Convention and the Protocol. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Mongolia and no encampment policy. No refugees or asylum-seekers are reported to be in detention. Refugees are at risk of being deported as they are considered irregular migrants and are sometimes without any valid identification (such as a permanent residency card issued by the Mongolian Immigration Agency). There was one reported case of refoulementt in the previous year. UNHCR-registered refugees and asylum-seekers do not have the right to work or access to public education or health care and hence, are dependent on UNHCR for assistance. Mongolia permits refugees to stay temporarily, pending a durable solution. Due to the sensitivity of cases (specific ethnic groups from China), UNHCR has to find an urgent solution for all recognized refugees. Individuals in a refugeelike situation are de facto not returned forcibly, but they cannot enjoy socio-economic rights, as the Government of Mongolia does not have international obligations to provide them with protection and assistance.

146

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Mainland China Specific needs codes in proGres, participatory assessments, and the Heightened Risk Identification tool (HRIT) were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 200 refugees of various nationalities were identified for submission in 2014, of whom at least 100 are Somali refugees. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to their specific needs, in particular vulnerable women and children and medical cases. One of the key challenges faced by the operation in China is that UNHCR, as the sole assistance provider and in the context of budget constraints, has to resettle all mandate refugees. The complete lack of NGO involvement due to restrictive governmental policies further aggravates the situation. Given the prioritization of vulnerable women, the Office expects to submit at least 15 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014, thus surpassing the 10 per cent minimum submission level. Resettlement is being used strategically, as a tool to promote cooperation and obtain access to asylum-seekers and refugees in detention, and as a catalyst for improving the protection framework for refugees and asylum-seekers in China, making it more effective and predictable. The Office will not have the capacity to complete RRFs for 200 persons in 2014. There are currently no full-time core staff – only a GL-5/Senior Protection Assistant (20 per cent), a Senior Regional Protection Officer (half-time), and one intern – devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions target of 200 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need to maintain current staffing levels and will need to fill the vacant JPO position.

Mongolia

Hong Kong used specific needs codes, the HRIT, participatory assessments, and best estimate methodologies to identify the total resettlement needs. 93 refugees were identified for submission in 2014. There are generally no durable solutions other than resettlement available to refugees in Hong Kong. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to their protection needs and vulnerabilities. One of the key challenges faced by the operation in Hong Kong is the large number of rejected resettlement submissions which nevertheless lack other durable solutions. These cases will be prioritized for internal review and resubmission where appropriate for resettlement as some of these refugees have been in Hong Kong for a protracted period of time. The Office will prioritize the submission of women and girls at risk in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under this category. All cases for resettlement submission are referred internally from the Protection Unit. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 93 persons in 2014. There are currently one core staff (an Assistant Resettlement Officer) and one affiliate workforce staff (UNOPS) devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions target of 93 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need to maintain current staffing levels.

Specific needs codes in proGres and best estimate methodologies were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 10 refugees of various nationalities were identified for submission in 2014. Refugees with specific needs are being identified through participatory assessments, and those cases are prioritized accordingly. In view of the lack of access to local integration in Mongolia, resettlement or voluntary repatriation (rarely requested) are the only durable solutions available to refugees. Resettlement of refugees from Mongolia serves to strengthen the protection space for asylum-seekers and refugees not immediately benefiting from resettlement. The Office does not receive referral of cases by partners. With support from Regional Office Beijing, the Office has the capacity to submit RRFs for the planned 10 refugees in 2014.

East Asia and the Paciﬁc

Hong Kong

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 China (mainland) A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Various

276

332

167

200

Total

276

332

167

200

Hong Kong A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Various

137

240

Total

137

240

Mongolia A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Various

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

147

Of the total refugee population in Indonesia, 189 were women, 1,209 were men, and 421 were children. 90 were women and girls at risk,1 and 85 were unaccompanied or separated children.

Indonesia Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

Indonesia is not a State party to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. In the absence of national asylum legislation, the Indonesian Government’s response to refugee issues tends to be on an ad hoc basis. Currently, legal and social rights and related beneﬁts are not accessible to refugees or asylum-seekers in Indonesia, and consequently they are entirely dependent on support from UNHCR and its partners.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Afghanistan

887

Sri Lanka

230

Myanmar

219

Somali

158

Iraq

125

Islamic Republic of Iran

119

Various

Total refugee population

1,819

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Afghanistan

3,013

Islamic Republic of Iran

844

Iraq

428

Pakistan

425

Sri Lanka

382

Myanmar

376

Somalia

209

Occupied Palestinian Territories

208

Various

241

Total asylum-seeker population

6,126

Total persons of concern

7,945

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 1,819 refugees in Indonesia primarily from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (mainly Rohingyas), Somalia, Iraq, Iran, and other nationalities. Refugees are mainly an urban caseload living in various cities in Indonesia’s archipelago of 17,508 islands. These populations were recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate. 148

The Government of Indonesia has implemented a detention policy for all asylum-seekers and refugees intercepted at sea, which has led to an increase in the number of persons of concern, including women and children (PoCs) in immigration detention centres (IDCs) across the country to 1,434 (18 per cent of the total registered refugee population) by 1 Jan 2013. Despite ongoing interventions by UNHCR, a small number of refugees remain in detention after UNHCR mandate recognition due to the limited availability of assisted communal housing. The majority of the refugees in Indonesia originate from countries where conditions remain not conducive to return. Local integration is not possible as Indonesia is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol and has no domestic asylum legislation in place. Resettlement thus remains the only viable durable solution available for the vast majority of refugees and is used to respond to compelling protection needs that cannot be met in Indonesia. From a regional perspective, resettlement is used strategically as one of the mechanisms put in place in the context of the implementation of the Regional Cooperation Framework (RCF) endorsed by the 4th Bali Process Ministerial Meeting. The use of resettlement is aimed at preserving asylum space in the challenging context of mixed migration and onward movements in the south-east Asian region, and supports ongoing efforts for Indonesia to accede to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 The upward arrival trend of persons of concern in Indonesia since 2009 is likely to continue in the coming years: 3,905 persons were registered with UNHCR in 2010; 4,052 in 2011; and 7,218 in 2012. Some 8,000 e expected to be registered in 2013 and this ﬁgure may increase to 14,000 in 2014.

Women in detention are usually together with their husbands or other adult male relatives and are therefore not registered as “women at risk”.

The specific needs codes in proGres and the participatory assessment approach were used to identify the total resettlement needs. The total projected needs for Indonesia in 2014 are 3,337, while 875 refugees are planned to be submitted in 2014. The resettlement identification methodologies rely on specific needs captured at the time of registration, and refugees’ arrival dates, which also provide an indication of potential vulnerability. Resettlement countries’ eligibility profiles, as well as the potential for return, for example, in the case of Sri Lankan refugees, is also a determining factor in the projected resettlement needs.

The Office records through participatory assessments the specific needs of women and girls in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs.

East Asia and the Paciﬁc

Indonesia / This rickety boat barely carried 63 presumed Rohingya to safety. They were rescued by Indonesian ﬁshermen and disembarked in Aceh in late February 2013. © UNHCR / A.Soﬁnar

UNHCR will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 875 persons in 2014, provided that Australia will continue the ”streamlining” process of cases by UNHCR for resettlement consideration. There are currently three core staff and two ICMC deployees devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: Refugees are scattered across Indonesia, including on the many islands, and UNHCR staff need to undertake regular missions over long distances to prepare RRFs and provide counselling to recognized refugees.

If Australia will not continue the ”streamlining” submissions, in order to meet the submissions of 875 persons planned for 2014, the Ofﬁce will need additional staff (two additional GL5 staff and additional ICMC deployees) to meet any increased demands.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Afghanistan

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

1,291

1,612

340

425

340

425

Sri Lanka

334

418

110

Myanmar

321

402

105

Somalia

232

290

Iraq

206

258

Islamic Republic of Iran

174

218

Various Total

111

139

2,669

3,337

695

875

695

875

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

149

Malaysia Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state

As of 1 January 2013, there were 101,081 persons registered with UNHCR Malaysia, including 89,210 refugees and 11,871 asylum-seekers. In addition, there were 975 individuals in a refugee-like situation, including non-refugee spouses married to refugees. The asylum-seeker and refugee population in Malaysia is entirely urban, often living in or around major cities. Out of the overall number of registered refugees, 91 per cent originate from Myanmar while the remaining 9 per cent come from more than 50 different countries, with the largest groups coming from Sri Lanka, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR in Malaysia, 17,617 were women, 51,247 were men, and 20,346 were children. 3,006 were women and girls at risk, and 806 were unaccompanied or separated children. It is projected that UNHCR will register approximately 18,000 persons in 2014.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

150

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Myanmar (urban)

84,640

Sri Lanka (urban)

2,018

Somalia (urban)

929

Iraq (urban)

475

Afghanistan (urban)

349

Occupied Palestinian Territories (urban)

235

Islamic Republic of Iran (urban)

148

Various (urban)

416

Total refugee population

89,210

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Myanmar (urban)

7,921

Sri Lanka (urban)

1,910

Islamic Republic of Iran (urban)

326

Pakistan (urban)

315

Somalia (urban)

265

Yemen (urban)

239

Iraq (urban)

236

Occupied Palestinian Territories (urban)

144

Various (urban)

515

Total asylum-seeker population

11,871

Asylum-seeker population

975

Total persons of concern

102,056

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Malaysia is not a State party to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees and lacks a legislative and administrative framework to address refugee matters. The Malaysian Government is not involved in any aspect of reception, registration, documentation, or status determination of asylumseekers. Instead, UNHCR performs all of these functions. For most ethnic groups from Myanmar, a presumption of eligibility for refugee status continues to be applied, whereas for groups not from Myanmar, asylum-seekers undergo individual refugee status determination. Registered asylum-seekers are issued UNHCR letters indicating they are “under consideration” for refugee status, while refugees are issued with UNHCR refugee cards. From the Malaysian Government’s perspective, undocumented immigrants, including persons of concern, are considered a threat to national security. The official position is to categorize persons of concern as irregular immigrants in possession of UNHCR identification documents. The Immigration Act criminalizes undocumented migrants and does not exempt refugees and asylum-seekers. However, according to Section 55 of the Act, the Minister of Home Affairs may exempt any person from any provisions of the Act. Unfortunately, this provision so far has not been invoked for the purposes of refugee protection. Law enforcement officials arrest and detain refugees and asylum-seekers, especially those who are awaiting registration with UNHCR, during immigration raids. As of 1 January 2013, a total of 1,077 persons of concern were in detention, the majority of whom were nationals of Myanmar. In total in 2012, 3,144 persons of concern were registered while in detention, and many were subsequently released through UNHCR’s intervention. While there have been no reports of deportation of detained refugees or asylum-seekers to the Thai-Malaysia border since 2009, refoulementt of some individuals has occurred.

During the last year, positive changes have been noted in Myanmar; however, conditions in the country are not yet conducive to voluntary return in safety and dignity. In 2014 UNHCR will continue to pursue resettlement as the most appropriate durable solution for refugees from Myanmar, while at the same time closely monitoring the developments in Myanmar with a view to exploring possible alternative solutions, within a comprehensive strategic framework.

Although UNHCR seeks local solutions for some protracted refugee groups, notably Rohingya from Myanmar, there has been no follow-up by the Malaysian Government since 2006, when a plan to roll-out temporary residence and stay permits was abandoned. While continuing to advocate with the authorities for a local solution, UNHCR seeks parallel resettlement solutions consistent with other ethnic minority populations from Myanmar. For Sri Lankan refugees, voluntary return interest emerged in 2010, and UNHCR began facilitating return for those requesting assistance. However, returns continue to be minimal, and resettlement will be considered for those for whom voluntary return is not possible and who have added vulnerabilities. Resettlement continues to be the only feasible durable solution available to refugees in Malaysia, and is used strategically to create and enhance protection space for the remaining population as well as for new arrivals. The Malaysian Government closely monitors the number of refugees being resettled by UNHCR.

East Asia and the Paciﬁc

Even with UNHCR-issued documents, there are very limited to no local integration prospects, and the protection environment for refugees and asylumseekers remains precarious. These persons have limited access to basic governmental services such as birth registration and primary health care. They are not allowed to earn a sustainable livelihood or to formally work in Malaysia. If they ﬁnd work, they are vulnerable to exploitation in the informal labour market as they have no protection under the law. Further, as “undocumented or irregular migrants” in Malaysia, refugee children do not have access to the public school system.

Malaysia / During a voluntary neighbourhood clean-up drive, Myanmar refugees ﬁll up garbage bags with rubbish from the streets of the residential area where they live in Kuala Lumpur © UNHCR / Y. Ismail / March 2013

151

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 The proGres database was used to identify the total number of refugees in need of resettlement. 15,000 refugees, mostly from Myanmar, have been identified for submission in 2014. Based on the enhanced use of proGres, with all vulnerable applicants highlighted by age, gender, and diversity categories, UNHCR will continue to identify and prioritize vulnerable individuals, giving special attention to women and girls at risk, unaccompanied or separated children, individuals with serious medical conditions, and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and torture. Through proGres identification as well as referrals from other units, refugee communities, NGOs, and partners, cases identified as women and girls at risk in addition to other vulnerable groups will be prioritized for resettlement processing. However, given that the male-to-female overall population ratio is 70 per cent to 30 per cent, the 10 per cent submission objective for women and girls at risk may be difficult to achieve despite the efforts made.

processing can be delayed for one year or more. Refugees from Myanmar benefit from multi-year commitments by Australia and the United States of America and from annual intakes by Canada. Keeping in mind the unfavourable protection environment and challenges of the urban context, the Office considers that 15,000 persons out of the projected refugee population should be prioritized for resettlement in 2014, assuming that the existing UNHCR staff and affiliate workforce staff are maintained in 2014. There are currently 17 UNHCR staff members and five affiliate workforce staff (UNOPS, ICMC). All 22 staff are involved in resettlement counselling, case identification and preparation, and review of resettlement applications. While the Office has enjoyed steady support from resettlement countries, the number of refugees resettled still falls substantially short of the population in need of resettlement.

It is difﬁcult for UNHCR to implement adequate programming and services to individual persons of concern due to lack of legal status in the country. The size of the population, as well as the fact that refugees are spread throughout the country, presents a huge challenge to UNHCR. The number of persons of concern in need of protection and durable solutions continues to rise in Malaysia. Refugees and asylumseekers do not always keep UNHCR updated with their current contact information, which, in turn creates delays in their resettlement processing. Another major challenge is the arrival of additional immediate family members qualifying for derivative status, before or during resettlement processing. Due to the long waiting times for both, derivative status and new registration interviews, their resettlement

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

77,835

123,760

8,900

14,150

6,980

11,100

Somalia

1,005

1,620

120

190

155

Sri Lanka

1,025

1,315

130

165

100

130

Iraq

420

945

105

Islamic Republic of Iran

390

675

Afghanistan

280

675

Pakistan

275

540

Occupied Palestinian Territories

340

540

Yemen

340

405

Sudan

175

270

Various

225

405

82,310

131,150

9,425

15,000

7,395

11,785

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

152

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

PAC PNG Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate NA

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

0.5

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

West Papua, Indonesia

9,368

Various

Total refugee population

9,383

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Various

Total asylum-seeker population

Total persons of concern

9,407

The UNHCR Regional Office in Canberra is responsible for 14 independent States in the Pacific region, in addition to Australia and New Zealand. In the Pacific Islands, UNHCR receives reports of asylum-seeker arrivals from Governments, NGOs, or the individuals themselves on an ad hoc basis. Most reported cases consist of single adult men or families living in urban situations. As of 1 January 2013, a total of 24 persons of concern are known to be in the Pacific Islands region. This number comprises 13 refugees and asylum-seekers in Fiji, two refugees with one non-refugee dependent family member in Tonga, two refugees in Vanuatu, one refugee and two asylumseekers in the Republic of Palau, and three asylumseekers in the Solomon Islands. Of the total population of persons of concern registered by UNHCR and relevant Pacific Island

Governments, four were women, 14 were men, and six were children. There were no unaccompanied or separated children or women and girls at risk, although some vulnerabilities may become exacerbated over time. 10 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and another 10 in 2014. As of 1 January 2013, there are 9,368 refugees from Papua Province, Indonesia (commonly known as West Papua), living in a settlement in East Awin, Western Province, of Papua New Guinea (PNG), as well as in urban and border areas. In total, 2,366 West Papuan refugees live in East Awin refugee settlement, 2,435 live in urban areas, and 4,567 live in border and rural areas. There are 15 non-Melanesian refugees, who all live in urban areas. The Government of PNG encourages West Papuan refugees to live in East Awin settlement by providing Permissive Residency Permits to refugees who have lived at that location for a minimum of six months. Only West Papuan refugees holding such permits are allowed to work. NonMelanesian refugees have no entitlement to work and are dependent on UNHCR and IOM providing them a subsistence allowance to assist with their basic needs. The Government of PNG has not yet ﬁnalized the registration of all West Papuan refugees, and as a consequence no information is available on the number of women and girls at risk or unaccompanied or separated children. Regarding the non-Melanesian refugee population, one was a woman, 11 were men, and three were children. New arrivals are expected to continue at a similar rate in 2013 and 2014.

East Asia and the Paciﬁc

Paciﬁc Islands Region, Papua New Guinea

In addition, it should be noted that the above populations do not include asylum-seekers arriving in Australian territorial waters by boat after 13 August 2012 and subject to transfer by Australia to Nauru or Manus Island (PNG). Such transfers are conducted pursuant to bilateral arrangements concluded by the Government of Australia with the Governments of Nauru and PNG respectively. Responsibility for processing and solutions for persons transferred under these arrangements rests with Australia and the host States and does not have an impact on UNHCR’s resettlement projections.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Fiji, Nauru, PNG, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu are Contracting States to the 1951 Refugee Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, while the other Pacific Islands States are not parties (i.e. Palau, Tonga, and Vanuatu). Fiji, PNG, and Vanuatu are the only States in the Pacific Islands region that have enacted refugee-specific national legislation (although the latter is not a signatory to the Refugee Convention). UNHCR undertakes Refugee Status Determination (RSD) interviews and assessments in all Pacific Islands States that have not ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention, as well as in Convention States which have no national legislation, limited capacity, or competence to implement their commitments. Where possible, this is done jointly in order to strengthen national practices and expertise as is the case of Fiji 153

and Vanuatu. The UNHCR Regional Office continues to work with Pacific Islands Governments, providing practical advice and technical support to encourage accession to the 1951 Convention and improved national legal frameworks. Freedom of movement is generally allowed, although undocumented refugees and asylum-seekers may be considered irregular and detained upon arrival or for migration offences. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees or asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offences. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. At this time, resettlement is generally the only available solution in most cases, particularly due to the absence of adequate pathways to local integration, limited national legal frameworks able to respond to asylum needs, and relatively homogenous ethnic populations. The focus on resettlement in this region will support UNHCR’s capacity-building efforts and provide a clear demonstration of burden-sharing on the part of the international community. The strategic benefits of resettlement include engaging States in providing appropriate reception – along with accompanying rights – to refugees while in the longer term building confidence and trust that will lead to accession to the 1951 Convention and/or the establishment of relevant national laws. Local integration opportunities remain limited for recognized refugees, and the majority of refugees rely on a subsistence allowance provided by UNHCR or IOM (in PNG). Refugees in the Pacific Islands typically experience difficulties in accessing employment, education, housing, and medical services. The majority remains dependent on allowances provided by UNHCR and is unable to attain self-reliance. Hence, most refugees in the Pacific Islands have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration. Papua New Guinea acceded to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, it has entered the following reservations to the 1951 Convention: the right to wage-earning employment (Article 17(1)), housing (Article 21), public education (Article 22(1)), freedom of movement (Article 26), refugees unlawfully in the country of refuge (Article 31), expulsion (Article 32), and naturalization (Article 34). A policy submission for the withdrawal of the seven reservations has previously been tabled for consideration by the National Executive Council. Following a change in national Government, the submission has been renewed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Immigration for endorsement. Currently, national legislation does not provide an adequate framework to deal with asylum-seekers and refugees in PNG. The 1978 Migration Act (as amended in 1989) permits the Minister to “determine a noncitizen to be a refugee”; however, there is no specific refugee legislation or administrative framework relating to the determination of refugee status other than a recent (2013) regulation specifically governing RSD for asylum-seekers transferred from Australia to PNG. UNHCR conducts RSD for all non-Melanesian asylum-seekers arriving spontaneously in PNG, while at the same time supports the establishment of 154

governmental asylum procedures by providing RSD training. The Government of PNG has announced a review of the legislation over the next two years, which will include options for incorporating into national legislation their obligations under the 1951 Convention and Protocol. There are some restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within PNG. West Papuan refugees given Permissive Residency Permits have freedom of movement within the county except movement to and within the border areas. For non-Melanesian asylum-seekers, movement may be restricted until the determination of refugee status is completed, though in practice, such persons are generally permitted free movement within the capital. Detention can be used for migration-related offences, and asylumseekers arriving without meeting the necessary entry requirements are considered irregular under the Migration Act. At the present time, UNHCR is not aware of the detention of any refugees or asylumseekers for immigration-related offences in PNG; however, given the lack of effective legal structures and the limited capacity the PNG authorities, the possibility of detention or refoulementt from PNG cannot be entirely ruled out. The PNG Government’s provision of Permissive Residency Permits encourages West Papuan refugees to reside in East Awin settlement. Although the settlement provides housing and farming land and water to refugees, it is located in a rural area with difficult access, especially to income-generation activities, higher education, and healthcare services. West Papuan refugees without Permissive Residency Permits and those who have remained in the border areas are not authorized to work. Most of these refugees survive through subsistence farming. Refugees living in urban areas often live in makeshift shelters on private or Government land without adequate water and sanitation. They remain at constant risk of eviction, which affects those who are in employment. Due to PNG’s reservations to the 1951 Convention, many refugees lack certain basic human rights such as the right to wage-earning employment, housing, and public education, which are indispensable for their local integration. The scope for local integration has also been limited by the imposition of a fee (approximately 4,000 USD) in support of applications for citizenship. The PNG Government has indicated an intention to significantly reduce this fee. Given that conditions in West Papua do not at present allow for safe and dignified return, UNHCR does not promote the voluntary repatriation of West Papuan refugees. Where an individual refugee opts for voluntary repatriation, UNHCR is able to assist; however, there are logistical constraints which affect any efforts toward voluntary repatriation. These include the difficulty of reaching the remote places of origin of many West Papuan refugees from Indonesia. So far no non-Melanesian refugees have expressed an interest in being repatriated. In the absence of local integration prospects or voluntary repatriation prospects for the majority of non-Melanesian refugees, resettlement is the only available durable solution. Some non-Melanesian refugees may also have additional resettlement needs arising from risks

In 2014, the Office may submit up to 10 West Papuan refugees from urban and rural areas of Papua New Guinea on a case-by-case basis, particularly refugees with specific protection needs who lack foreseeable alternative durable solutions or local integration prospects. Furthermore, the Office anticipates the submission of around 11 non-Melanesian refugees. Resettlement referrals are prioritized according to resettlement need and the urgency. The Regional Office in Canberra maintains one dedicated resettlement staff member who undertakes the majority of case processing related to resettlement, in addition to other resettlement tasks, and is currently able to manage projected resettlement needs in 2014. In 2014, one National Officer in PNG will dedicate a maximum of 25 per cent of his time to resettlement processing. Technical support will be provided by UNHCR Canberra for interview and case assessments. Logistical support may be required to access refugees living in remote or difficult areas.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 UNHCR estimates that approximately 24 individuals may be in need of resettlement from the Pacific Islands region in 2014. This estimate takes account of possible departures during 2013 and assumes that small numbers of new arrivals will continue to take place. All recognized non-Melanesian refugees in the Pacific Islands region are, prima facie, considered to be in need of resettlement as the only durable solution, and to maintain a favorable protection space for any new arrivals. Those cases identified as having heightened resettlement needs are processed for expedited referral. UNHCR has continued to advocate with the Governments of New Zealand and Australia, the key resettlement countries in the region, to continue to provide resettlement opportunities for submissions from the Pacific Islands region. Resettlement from the Pacific Islands region has also benefited from capacity made available by other States, including the USA, Canada, France, and Sweden.

East Asia and the Paciﬁc

to life, liberty, safety, health, or other fundamental human rights and, in such cases, resettlement will be used as a protection tool. Overall, there is no general need for resettlement of larger groups of West Papuan refugees. However, resettlement for West Papuan refugees may be used as a protection tool for individual cases in categories such as women and girls at risk, legal and/or physical protection needs, or lack of foreseeable alternative durable solutions in speciﬁc cases.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

persons

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014 cases

persons

cases

persons

Melanesian

Various

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

155

women, 22,737 were men and 37,809 were children. 1,151 were women and girls at risk, and 1,480 were unaccompanied or separated children. No signiﬁcant numbers of new arrivals of asylum-seekers from Myanmar are expected in 2013 or 2014. New arrivals of urban asylum-seekers are expected to reach 5,000 individuals between 2013 and 2014.

Thailand Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration

Thailand is not a State Party to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees and does not have national legislation governing the admission of asylum-seekers. Refugees and asylum-seekers are treated as irregular migrants in accordance with the Immigration Act and are constantly at risk of arrest, detention, or refoulement.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Myanmar (camp)

83,317

Pakistan (urban)

274

Sri Lanka (urban)

225

Somalia (urban)

136

Various

527

Total refugee population

84,479

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Myanmar (camp)

13,460

Pakistan (urban)

419

Viet Nam (urban)

254

Various

447

Total asylum-seeker population

14,580

Total persons of concern

99,059

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 83,317 refugees from Myanmar living in nine “temporary shelters” along the Thai-Myanmar border, and 1,162 refugees, from 26 countries of origin, residing in Bangkok and the neighbouring areas. The population from Myanmar was recognized and admitted on a group and individual basis by the Royal Thai Government. Urban refugees were recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate and the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Of the total refugee population registered by the Royal Thai Government and UNHCR, 23,933 were 156

UNHCR conducts mandate Refugee Status Determination (RSD) for asylum-seekers in Bangkok, except for asylum-seekers from Myanmar, who are required by the Government of Thailand to report to the “temporary shelters” on the border. Refugee recognition by UNHCR affords limited protection to urban refugees, who are denied the right to work and to move freely. Urban refugees do not have access to legal means of support or formal livelihood opportunities. Children, however, are granted the right to attend Thai public schools. Detention is used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry and overstay of visa. As of 1 January 2013, there were 26 refugees and 16 asylumseekers reported to be in detention in Bangkok for migration-related offences. UNHCR has regular access to persons of concerns in detention. There were eight reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. The Thai Government-administrated Provincial Admissions Boards (PABs) in the refugee-hosting provinces determine whether a asylum-seeker from Myanmar is eligible to be registered and admitted as a “displaced person” into a “temporary shelter”. The registration and admissions process has been disfunctional most of the time since 2006, leaving an estimated 46,000 persons unregistered and unable to be considered for resettlement. In 2013, PABs resumed registration on “fast track” basis for unregistered family members of refugees previously registered and often already resettled. Refugees from Myanmar in the camps are not afforded the right to work or move freely outside of the camps where they would ﬁnd employment. The population is dependent on international aid for shelter, food, medical care, and education. Therefore, all refugees in Thailand have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration. As a result of the protracted situation facing refugees from Myanmar, large-scale group resettlement was initiated in 2005. Since then, nearly 82,000 refugees from Myanmar have been resettled in 14 resettlement countries. In 2013, the United States of America announced the gradual closure of their group resettlement programme and offered a last opportunity to eligible refugees to express interest in resettling in the USA.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

The Office has used the Heightened Risk Identification Tool and participatory assessments in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office receives referrals of refugees identified by partners, including NGOs and community-based organizations. Efforts have been made to ensure resettlement is a central consideration in response to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Resettlement of refugees from Myanmar will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for its strategic use. The commitment of resettlement states, particularly the USA, has been key to creating an opportunity for unregistered refugees in the camps to be admitted for reasons of family unity as well as on protection and medical grounds. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 4,300 persons in 2014. Staffing planned for 2014 include three core staff and 16 affiliate workforce staff, including three ICMC deployees, three IUNVs, and two UNOPS consultants tasked with resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review.

All three methodologies, including specific needs codes in proGres, participatory assessments, and best estimates were used in March 2013 to identify the total resettlement needs. 4,300 refugees were identified for submission in 2014. Refugees from Myanmar identified for submission consist primarily of family members who are expected to be admitted in 2013 and early 2014 following the “fast track” registration by the PABs for unregistered family members. Refugees recognized by UNHCR in Bangkok will be prioritized according to the date refugee status was granted. The following key factors have informed the planning of submissions for 2014: the Royal Thai Government’s continued support for UNHCR conducting RSD for urban refugees and the capacity to respond to a doubling of the asylum-seeker population in Bangkok; the Royal Thai Government’s continued commitment to the “fast track” registration by the PABs for the unregistered family members of refugees from Myanmar in the resettlement process and the need for a continuing commitment from resettlement states to offer resettlement opportunities to urban refugees and refugees from Myanmar in the nine “temporary shelters” in Thailand.

East Asia and the Paciﬁc

Given the political developments in Myanmar and ongoing peace negotiations with armed ethnic groups, the prospects for voluntary return to Myanmar are expected to steadily improve in 2013 and 2014. At this time, however, the conditions in the areas of origin are not fully met for a safe and digniﬁed return, and, at the juncture, UNHCR is not yet in a position to facilitate or promote voluntary repatriation. Self-assisted returns have taken place on a very small scale and on an adhoc basis. Notwithstanding the improved environment in Myanmar, UNHCR will pursue resettlement for refugees in need of protection, refugees in need of reuniﬁcation with their family members, and individuals who will not be able to return to Myanmar due to fear of persecution.

Karenni refugees from Myanmar in Ban Mae Nai Soi camp, Thailand. © UNHCR / R. Arnold / 23 January 2012

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Myanmar (camp)

1,300

4,000

1,150

3,500

170

500

Pakistan (urban)

300

600

150

300

150

Syrian Arab Republic (urban)

250

500

100

200

100

China (urban)

100

Somalia (urban)

100

Sri Lanka (urban)

100

Various (urban)

100

2,050

5,500

1,548

4,300

330

870

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

157

Kazakhstan 100

Kyrgyzstan 100

Tajikistan Turkmenistan 15

LEGEND:

Country Name UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (persons)

158

159

Central Asia

Kazakhstan ................................................................................................................................................................ 160 Kyrgyzstan ................................................................................................................................................................. 162 Tajikistan .................................................................................................................................................................... 164

Central Asia

Turkmenistan ............................................................................................................................................................. 166

Historial Trends of UNHCR’s planned submissions 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Kazakhstan

ê 155

ê 90

é 107

ê 105

ê 100

Kyrgyzstan

é 320

ê 135

ê 125

è 125

ê 100

Tajikistan

é 105

ê 100

ê 60

é 100

é 159

Turkmenistan

è 15

é 35

è 35

ê 15

159

Kazakhstan Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 564 refugees living in Kazakhstan, of which 525 are from Afghanistan and 39 originate from other countries. The vast majority of refugees and asylum-seekers live in urban areas in three regions of Kazakhstan, namely Almaty City, Almaty Oblast, and South Kazakhstan Oblast. 533 refugees were recognized on an individual basis by the State of Kazakhstan under the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Refugees of 2009, and 31 refugees were recognized on an individual basis under UNHCR’s mandate. Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR and the Government of Kazakhstan, 162 were women, 198 were men, and 204 were children. There were 4 women and girls at risk. There were no unaccompanied or separated children. 70 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 100 in 2014.

Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD)

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 0

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Afghanistan (urban)

525

Various (urban)

Total refugee population

564

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Various (dispersed)

Total asylum-seeker population

Total persons of concern

649

Kazakhstan is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Refugees in Kazakhstan are governed under the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Refugees adopted in 2009. The national institution for asylum is the Migration Police Committee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the Migration Police Department of the Department of Internal Affairs (MPD), and appeals are conducted by the MPD and the courts. The last judicial instance is the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards because the legislation pertaining to refugees contains provisions that do not conform with these standards. UNHCR is working with the Government to improve these procedures by highlighting the main protection gaps in Kazakhstan’s legislation pertaining to refugees and asylum-seekers. It is also advocating for the improvement of national legislation and related laws through the InterMinisterial Working Group and other mechanisms, including capacity-building exercises. On 21 June 2012, Kazakhstan’s Commission on Human Rights under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan presented a Special Report on the situation concerning the rights of oralmans (ethnic Kazakh repatriates), stateless persons and refugees in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Report provided a comprehensive overview of the rights of refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons and described present policies of Kazakhstan towards these groups. Particular focus was given to legislative improvements necessary for the state to allow refugees to access employment and receive social assistance. There are no restrictions on government-recognized refugees’ freedom of movement within Kazakhstan. Refugees recognized under UNHCR’s mandate have no legal status in the country and as such are subject to detention by immigration authorities for absence of valid documentation and residence permits in Kazakhstan. As of 1 January 2013, one registered refugee was arrested and detained, but was released shortly upon UNHCR’s intervention; and two asylum-seekers were

160

in detention for migration-related offenses. UNHCR is not regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention and approaches the relevant authorities on a case-by-case basis. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Government-recognized refugees are restricted in their enjoyment of certain rights, including full legal access to employment due to their status as temporarily residing foreigners. Mandate refugees do not have any rights in Kazakhstan. The present durable solutions strategy aims to widen the range of rights of refugees to ensure their meaningful local integration, mainly through advocacy for the amendment of several legislative acts. UNHCR also promotes self-reliance activities to increase the rate of participation of refugees, especially refugee women, in income-generation.

Central Asia

Resettlement is utilized primarily as a protection tool for mandate refugees who have exhausted all recourse in the national asylum procedure. It is also exceptionally considered for government-recognized refugees who have particular vulnerabilities and protection issues. Voluntary repatriation prospects for refugees in Kazakhstan continue to be constrained by on-going persecution and/or instability in their countries of origin. UNHCR considers requests for voluntary repatriation on a case-by-case basis.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 A verification exercise, participatory assessments, the use of proGres in monitoring specific needs, regular meetings with refugee community leaders, and capacity-building of partners in resettlement identification and referral were used to identify the total resettlement needs. Mandate refugees rejected by the national asylum procedure will be prioritized for submission in 2014 due to their lack of legal status and vulnerable protection situation in Kazakhstan. Exceptionally, government-recognized refugees who are in specific protection or vulnerable situations may be considered for resettlement, including women and girls at risk, older persons at risk, and refugees with serious medical conditions for which treatment in Kazakhstan is unavailable. The Office will have the capacity to submit 100 persons for resettlement in 2014. There are currently two core staff devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

persons

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014 cases

persons

cases

persons

Various

100

Total

100

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

161

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Kyrgyzstan Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 0

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Afghanistan (urban)

377

Various(urban)

Total refugee population

437

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Afghanistan (urban)

150

Various (urban)

120

Total asylum-seeker population

270

Total persons of concern

707

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 437 refugees, of which 377 were from Afghanistan, 47 from Uzbekistan, 7 from Syria, and 6 from other countries, living in urban areas of the capital Bishkek City and southern Osh City. Of the 377 Afghan refugees, 131 were recognized on an individual basis under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on Refugees. Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR and the Government in Kyrgyzstan, 114 were women, 173 were men, and 150 were children. There were no women and girls at risk, and no unaccompanied or separated children. 100 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 200 in 2014.

162

The Kyrgyz Republic is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Refugees in the Kyrgyz Republic are governed under the Refugee Law of 25 March 2002, amended in 2006 and 2012. The national institution for asylum is the Ministry of Labor, Migration and Youth (MLMY). First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the MLMY, and appeals are conducted by the three instances of judiciary, including the Supreme Court. However, the State asylum system is characterized by low recognition rates, lengthy and cumbersome naturalization procedures, and political sensitivities surrounding RSD decisions. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards because of political considerations in the decision-making process and discriminatory treatment of applicants depending on their country of origin and due to a limited use of the country of origin information. UNHCR is working with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to improve these procedures by providing training to its governmental RSD staff, sharing country of origin information and guidelines in Russian, enhancing standards in the governmental reception facilities, funding interpreter services, and developing a database tailored for the MLMY’s needs. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Kyrgyzstan. Detention is not used systematically for migration-related offenses. Some foreigners, however, are prosecuted for irregular crossing of the state border and/or visa overstay. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered asylumseekers in detention for migration-related offenses. UNHCR is not regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention and approaches the authorities on a case-by-case basis. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Applicants from China (mainly Uighurs) have no access to the state RSD procedures, and in case of recognition under UNHCR’s mandate, resettlement remains the only available durable solution for them. The same is applicable to refugees from Uzbekistan, in view of their temporary status in the Kyrgyz Republic and the unwillingness of the State to grant them protection as refugees. Recognized Convention refugees have rights to documentation, medical services, work, civil registration (of births, marriages, deaths, and other civil status), and access to courts. Their right to education is on terms equal to other foreigners. Issuance of travel documents, as requested by the 1951 Convention, is not being implemented due to lack of resources. As for mandate refugees and asylum-seekers, they have access to primary education and can stay in the country, but do not have an automatic right to work. UNHCR advocates for mandate refugees to have the same status as Convention refugees. Therefore, mandate refugees (from Afghanistan) have no prospects for long-term local integration in Kyrgyzstan. They have exhausted all available

priority for resettlement processing in view of their compelling physical and legal protection needs.

recourse in the national asylum system. Likewise, UNHCR’s advocacy efforts for their conversion from mandate to Convention status have not yielded results.

Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan / The United Nations Refugee Agency in Kyrgyzstan has established a sewing workshop to support refugee women and to improve the self-reliance of the refugee community. © UNHCR / A. Abdrakhmanova

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: There is currently no protection staff devoted to resettlement activities full time. Two protection staff members are involved in resettlement on a part-time basis. Also the Ofﬁce uses an internal referral system, which includes the Community Services Associate and RSD staff.

The situation in Afghanistan continues to be volatile and unstable and as such is not conducive to return. The majority of mandate Afghan refugees have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity within the foreseeable future.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

Resettlement will be used strategically to enhance protection space for existing and newly-arriving asylum-seekers and refugees and as leverage in the Ofﬁce’s advocacy efforts for local integration.

A participatory assessment conducted in October 2012 and best estimates from January to March 2013 were used to identify the total resettlement needs. Based on this assessment, as well as negative consideration by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic regarding the conversion of 246 Afghan refugees from mandate to Convention status in early 2013, 100 persons were identiﬁed for resettlement submissions in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission based on vulnerabilities, including protection and speciﬁc needs. Mandate refugees from China and Uzbekistan remain the main

The Office (including affiliate workforce staff) will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 100 persons in 2014. There are currently one core staff and one affiliate workforce staff, including one Assistant Protection Officer and one Protection Associate (NUNV), devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review on a part-time basis. There are no staff fully devoted to resettlement in the operation. In order to meet the submissions of 100 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need the deployment of a resettlement caseworker in order to meet the processing needs and requirements.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

150

Uzbekistan

Various

Total

200

100

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

163

Tajikistan Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 2,197 Afghan refugees and 52 refugees of other nationalities (Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan) mainly living in urban areas (Dushanbe, Khujand, Wahdat, Hissar, Rudaki, and Shahrinav). This population was recognized on an individual basis by Tajikistan under the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Refugees”. UNHCR undertakes Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedures under its mandate for refugees who were denied status by the State RSD system where it believes that decisions were not made in line with the 1951 Convention. As of January 2013, the Ofﬁce was assessing refugee claims of 210 cases. Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR in Tajikistan, there were 144 women and girls at risk and 2 unaccompanied or separated children. An estimated 400 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 600 in 2014.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Afghanistan (urban)

2,197

Various

Total refugee population

2,249

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Afghanistan

2,122

Various

Total asylum-seeker population

2,139

Total persons of concern

4,388

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Tajikistan is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Refugees in Tajikistan are governed under the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Refugees” (resolution 992 of 20 July 1994 with its 2012 revision pending ﬁnal submission to the Tajik Parliament). The national institution for asylum is the Department for Citizenship and Work with Refugees (DCWR) and is situated in the Ministry of Interior. First instance RSD is conducted by the DCWR, and appeals are conducted either by the DCWR or by three court instances. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards because of the pre-screening procedures for asylum applicants based on legislation that includes grounds for exclusion and cessation beyond those contained in the 1951 Convention. The law does not have clear safeguards to prevent refoulementt by other state agents besides the Refugee Department, and access to the asylum procedure depends on various preliminary requirements, such as registration with local authorities, medical examination, evidence of residence, and a preliminary interview. There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Tajikistan. Although the national legal framework on asylum contains no provisions in this regard, two Presidential Resolutions, 325 (2000) and 328 (2004), prohibit asylum-seekers and refugees from residing in designated urban areas, including the two main cities of Dushanbe and Khujand, and stipulate an exhaustive list of settlements where temporary residence of refugees and asylum-seekers is allowed. Application of these resolutions is strictly followed by the Government of Tajikistan, and noncompliance can result in the rejection of asylum claims, revocation of refugee status, refusal to issue or extend documents, administrative penalties, and ultimately detention and deportation. Detention is used for migration-related offenses, including irregular entry, failure to register with the relevant authorities within the stipulated period of time, and violation of the rule of stay of foreign

164

including NGOs, regular monitoring, home visits, and counselling sessions.

Refugees have the right to employment, access to health care, primary and secondary education, and the right to reside in the country for the period of their recognition as refugees in accordance with the list of settlements established by the Government of Tajikistan. However, due to governmental resource constraints, unofficial extra costs are incurred by refugees for medical examinations, prescribed medications, medical treatment and education. UNHCR’s persons of concern are often charged higher fees for these services. Resolution 325 has denied refugees who remain outside designated areas the opportunity to find adequate accommodation, access to employment, education, and health care, thereby limiting their chances to achieve a durable solution in Tajikistan. Tajik refugee law stipulates that refugee status should be granted and extended for a period of up to three years. In practice, however, it needs to be renewed with the local authorities every 12 months. The short duration of the validity of refugee identity document makes it difficult for refugees to secure stable employment and become economically self-reliant. Refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Tajikistan. Voluntary repatriation prospects for the majority of refugees in Tajikistan continue to be constrained by on-going persecution and/or instability in their countries of origin. In 2012, six persons approached UNHCR seeking assistance for voluntary repatriation to Afghanistan.

Presently, resettlement is used as a protection tool for refugees rejected by the Government of Tajikistan where UNHCR believes that due process was not observed, rendering these refugees vulnerable to arbitrary detention and/or refoulement. Resettlement is also used for those with pressing medical needs which cannot be addressed in the country of asylum. In addition to being a protection tool, resettlement will be used strategically to enhance the protection space for the existing and newly-arriving asylum-seekers and refugees and as leverage in the Office’s advocacy efforts for local integration. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 159 persons in 2014. There are currently two core staff, including one Protection Officer and one Assistant Protection Officer, devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submission target planned for 2014, the Office will additionally need at least one affiliate workforce staff (IUNV, ICMC etc.).

Central Asia

nationals (Resolution 325). UNHCR does not have access to persons of concern in detention. There were two reported cases of refoulementt in 2012, with another seven cases in 2013 as of 29 March 2013.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 The specific needs codes in proGres and participatory approach methodologies were used in 2012 to identify the total resettlement needs. 159 persons were identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission based on protection needs and vulnerabilities. The Office identified refugees with specific needs among unaccompanied, separated, or divorced refugee women to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office also relies on referrals received from partners,

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Afghanistan

159

Total

159

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

165

Turkmenistan Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

As of 1 January 2013, there were 46 refugees, all of whom are living in urban areas of Ashgabat, Turkmenbashi, and Turkmenabad in Turkmenistan. Of this number, 19 originate from Afghanistan, 26 come from Azerbaijan and Armenia, and 1 is an ethnic Chechen from the Russian Federation. This population was recognized on an individual basis under UNHCR’s mandate. Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR in Turkmenistan, 24 were women, 21 were men, and 1 was a child. There were no women and girls at risk or unaccompanied or separated children. Despite the potential for a spillover effect in 2014 from Afghanistan into neighbouring countries as a result of the drawdown of international forces as well as the presidential elections planned for the same year, the number of new arrivals expected in 2013 is not signiﬁcant, and 15 persons or more are expected to arrive in 2014.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Various

Total refugee population

Total persons of concern

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Turkmenistan is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Refugees in Turkmenistan are governed under the Law “On Refugees”. The national institution for asylum is called State Migration Service of Turkmenistan. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the State Migration Service with judicial review by courts. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards, with lack of access presenting one of the key challenges, i.e. no new asylum-seekers approaching the Office. UNHCR is working with the Government of Turkmenistan to improve these procedures by providing recommendations for amendments to the asylum legislation and by-laws. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Turkmenistan, except for the areas restricted to foreigners as set in the national legislation. Detention is used for migration-related offenses, including irregular entry, visa overstay, etc. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees and asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offenses. As a practice, UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern, if found to be in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees have the rights to work, education, freedom of religion, access to information, access to courts, to choose the place of residence from a designated list, and to apply for nationality in Turkmenistan. According to the national refugee legislation, refugees enjoy the same social and economic rights as nationals of Turkmenistan. However, in practice, given the fact that refugees have no access to governmental employment (which constitutes the main sector of the labour market) and that the private labour market is limited, the economic and financial situation for most refugees is difficult. Most working age refugees make

166

their living as salespersons in markets. There is no social or ﬁnancial assistance provided to refugees by the Government of Turkmenistan. The refugees, as foreigners, are not entitled to medical insurance cards, and the cost of health care services is increasing. Half of the residual refugee population are older adults, and their needs for medical assistance are increasing. UNHCR provides individual ﬁnancial assistance to a few vulnerable older refugees.

Central Asia

Although all refugees are issued with UNHCR refugee certiﬁcates, without citizenship granted to them by the Government of Turkmenistan, they have limited access to governmental services, notably in the employment and health sectors. Without citizenship, they do not fully enjoy social and economic rights. As such, Afghans and other refugees without links to Turkmenistan have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Turkmenistan. Voluntary repatriation prospects for Afghan refugees in Turkmenistan continue to be constrained by on-going persecution and/or instability in their country of origin.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Counselling and the participatory approach methodologies were used in 2012 and early 2013 to identify the total resettlement needs. 15 persons were identified for submission in 2014. The absence of resettlement countries willing to consider the profile of refugees in need of resettlement in Turkmenistan remains a key challenge for the operation. Resettlement will be used strategically to enhance the protection space as well as naturalization prospects for the residual refugee population. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 15 persons in 2014. There are currently two core staff, including one Senior Protection Associate and one Assistant Protection Officer, devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Afghanistan

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

167

Islamic Republic of Iran 4,000

Pakistan 4,000

LEGEND:

Country Name UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (persons)

168

South-West Asia

Islamic Republic of Iran .............................................................................................................................................. 170

South-West Asia

Pakistan ..................................................................................................................................................................... 172

Historial Trends of UNHCR’s planned submissions

Islamic Republic of Iran

Pakistan

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

ê 1,200

é 3,000

é 5,000

ê 2,400

é 4,000

ê 500

é 1,900

ê 1,385

é 2,200

é 4,000 169

Islamic Republic of Iran Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

As of 1 January 2013, 97 per cent of Afghan and Iraqi refugees live in urban areas in Iran. These individuals were recognized on a prima facie basis by the Government of Islamic Republic of Iran (GIRI). In total, there are about 3 million registered and undocumented Afghan and Iraqi refugees in Iran. UNHCR is not in a position to report on how many asylum-seekers are in Iran. Of the total refugee population registered by the GIRI, there were 271,418 women, 357,103 men, and 254,138 children. 19,173 were women and girls at risk. UNHCR is not in a position to comment on the number of unaccompanied or separated children registered by the GIRI. However, out of the total of 209,005 vulnerable refugees recorded by UNHCR through the Health Insurance Scheme, 3,796 fall under unaccompanied or separated children. UNHCR is not in a position to have an estimate of persons expected to arrive in Iran in 2013 and 2014.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

0.5

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Afghanistan

840,158

Iraq

42,501

Total refugee population

882,659

Total persons of concern

882,659

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Iran is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, it has entered the following reservations to the 1951 Convention: the rights to wage-earning employment (Article 17), public relief (Article 23), labour legislation and social security (Article 24), and freedom of movement (Article 26). The GIRI asserts that it conducts ﬁrst instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) on an individual basis. UNHCR is not directly associated with this process and is not aware of any individual being granted refugee status by the GIRI since 2001. Afghans and Iraqis registered as refugees continue to be re-registered annually by the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants’ Affairs (BAFIA) and were recently issued Amayesh cards in 2013. The cost of this card varies by province. Reports indicate that some provinces charge up to USD 41 per card, whereas others indicate a ceiling of USD 70 per family. The Amayesh cards are only valid for one year. While not expressly recognized as refugees, Amayesh card holders are awarded rights in line with obligations of the GIRI under the 1951 Convention. Amayesh card holders may therefore be issued with birth registration documents at hospitals, and they have access to subsidized primary health insurance (provided by UNHCR) and to primary and secondary education. In addition, male card holders between the ages of 18 and 60 are allowed to work in speciﬁc sectors with a temporary work permit. Further positive developments include the decision to issue refugee women with work permits and the permission for refugee girls to be admitted to universities and to obtain student visas in the country. Iran has hosted large numbers of Afghan and Iraqi refugees for over three decades. Despite their longterm presence in the country, the challenges they face in Iran are considerable. The removal of subsidies by the Government and the deteriorating economic situation, particularly the increasing commodity prices

170

and fewer job opportunities among the population of the host country, have had a negative effect on the coping mechanisms of the refugee population.

numbers of medical cases submitted in 2012 and 2013 decreased due to the diminishing resources available for considering a larger number of such cases.

In 2012, 15,006 Afghan refugees voluntarily repatriated to Afghanistan from the Islamic Republic of Iran. The overall return trend remains low.

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for approximately 4,000 persons in 2014. There are currently 10 core staff, four ICMC deployees, and five additional affiliate workforce staff devoted to resettlement counselling and case preparation and review. In order to meet the submissions of 4,000 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need two additional national staff (G4 and G5).

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

South-West Asia

Best estimates were used to project the total resettlement needs in Iran. 4,000 (mainly Afghan) refugees were identified for submission in 2014 in line with the GIRI’s position that resettlement, as a form of effective burden-sharing, should play a more prominent role in the identification of durable solutions for Afghan refugees. To this end, the Iran Contact Group, under the current Chairmanship of the Government of Sweden, will continue to play a pivotal role to encourage resettlement countries to enhance resettlement efforts from the Islamic Republic of Iran and to positively respond to the operational requirements. This should also help to preserve asylum space and contribute to the implementation of the Solutions Strategy for Afghan refugees in Iran. One tangible result of the Contact Group’s activities is the increase in the resettlement quota for Afghan refugees, particularly by Australia. To fill the quota, UNHCR will have to strengthen its capacity to identify cases to be submitted for resettlement. It is hoped that resettlement countries will continue to support strengthening UNHCR’s resources for the processing of resettlement cases. Refugees from Afghanistan and Iraq will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. 60 per cent of cases to be submitted for resettlement in 2014 will be women and girls at risk in need of international protection in 2014; 32 per cent will include individuals with legal and physical protection needs and who lack of foreseeable alternative durable solutions; and 8 per cent will have serious medical conditions, in particular patients with thalassemia, hemophilia, or renal failure. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: Resettlement countries tend to accept mostly widowed women-at-risk, which sometimes may be prioritized over other equally vulnerable cases. The

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Afghanistan

16,400

82,000

846

3,977

425

2,000

Iraq

1,000

5,000

Total

17,400

87,000

851

4,000

430

2,023

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

171

the Status of Refugees. Of the total refugee population registered by the Government of Pakistan and UNHCR, 429,049 were women, 363,306 were men, and 849,722 were children. 2,322 were women and girls at risk, and 2,144 were unaccompanied or separated children.

Pakistan Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration* 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

0.2

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

* Biometrics is used for veriﬁcation against National Database of the Government of Pakistan for registered Afghan refugees and Pakistani nationals.

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Afghanistan (refugee villages and urban)

1,641,361**

Somalia (urban)

517

Various (urban)

199

Total refugee population

1,642,077

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Afghanistan (refugee villages and urban)

3,220

Various (urban)

Total asylum-seeker population

3,284

Total persons of concern

1,645,361

** The total number of Afghan refugees is composed of 1,637,740 persons holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards issued by the Government of Pakistan and 3,621 refugees recognized individually under UNHCR’s mandate.

As of 1 January 2013, 599,846 Afghan refugees were living in refugee villages, while 1,041,515 were living in host communities, including in urban areas. The majority of the Afghan refugees (1,637,740) were registered by the Government of Pakistan on a prima facie basis and hold Proof of Registration (PoR) cards valid until 30 June 2013, while another 3,621 were recognized by UNHCR on behalf of the Government of Pakistan on an individual basis in accordance with its mandate. 716 Somali refugees and other nationals are predominantly living in urban areas and have been individually recognized by UNHCR on the basis of the 1951 Convention relating to 172

In 2013, it is anticipated that 5,000 new asylum applications will be submitted to UNHCR. This number is expected to increase to 7,000 applications in 2014 due to enhanced outreach and proactive identiﬁcation of refugees for resettlement, as well as similar or slightly increased numbers of new asylum-seekers arriving due to the possible instability in Afghanistan, in the context of the withdrawal of international forces.1

Pakistan is not a State party to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. It also has no domestic legal framework or procedures and eligibility institutions in place. Therefore, UNHCR conducts individual Refugee Status Determination (RSD) under its mandate on behalf of the Government of Pakistan. The validity of the PoR card held by Afghan refugees was extended for six months on 12 December 2012 until the end of June 2013. Within this timeframe, the Government of Pakistan has committed to adopting a road map outlining the future status of Afghan refugees. However, following the elections held in May 2013, it is likely that the longer-term legal status of Afghan refugees will remain unclear for most of the year. Possible alternative stay arrangements that already formed part of the Government of Pakistan’s Afghan Management and Repatriation Strategy that expired at the end of 2012 will likely not be implemented until there is a much smaller residual population. In principle there are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Pakistan. However, in areas where military operations are conducted, particularly border areas, certain limitations on their freedom of movement are regularly imposed. Detention is rarely used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry, visa overstay, and use of fraudulent travel documents. Recently, a slight increase of detention cases has been observed in certain parts of Pakistan due to the deteriorating security situation and rounding up of Afghans as part of security operations. There were five reported cases of refoulementt of Afghan PoR cardholders in 2012, which is similar to previous years. Refugees in Pakistan have access to health care and education. However, the health infrastructure remains insufficient, and education opportunities, especially at higher education levels, are limited, in particular outside the 76 refugee villages. The capacity of refugees to attain economic self-sufficiency is limited as they have no legal right to employment or to own property, cannot register a vehicle in their own name, or open a bank account (except in Karachi). Among the Afghan refugee population, only 22.5 per cent are engaged in incomegenerating activities. Generally, refugees are restricted 1

Applications will be lodged both by long-staying Afghan PoR card holders and new arrivals.

to working in the informal sector and are therefore vulnerable to exploitation. Furthermore, refugees report instances of harassment and extortion by law enforcement agencies.

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: • The Ofﬁce continues to be affected by the volatile security situation in Pakistan, particularly in Balochistan province, where many refugees who are considered for resettlement reside. This situation may lead to access difﬁculties and disruption of resettlement activities.

From 2002 to 31 December 2012, UNHCR assisted 3,817,466 Afghan refugees to return voluntarily. In the context of the Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees (SSAR), voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees continues to be the preferred durable solution, despite limited absorption capacity in Afghanistan due to the volatile security situation and possible political instability with the withdrawal of the international forces in 2014.

• The Office operates in an uncertain political environment. The high turnover of government officials and civil servants affects, for example, the ability of the Office and its partners to obtain exit permits for departing refugees.

Refugees currently have no short-term prospects for local integration on a legal basis in Pakistan, although alternative stay arrangements for a residual Afghan refugee population (of a mainly temporary nature, apart from possible naturalization for female heads of household) remains under discussion. The same applies to non-Afghan refugees, whose local integration prospects are often further hampered by their cultural differences from the host community. Whether voluntary repatriation may be an option for them is determined on a case-by-case basis.

• The protracted refugee situation in Pakistan has been perceived as a burden by host communities, often reflected as such in the local media. It also has led to frustrations among the refugee population. • The length of the resettlement process, coupled with the unpredictability of certain security checks, contribute to the challenges for UNHCR and its partners in providing protection and ensuring the required level of assistance for especially vulnerable refugees, including those with serious protection concerns. Approximately 75 per cent of the cases submitted for resettlement in 2012 were referred under the category of women and girls at risk. The Office will therefore have no difficulties in meeting the 10 per cent target for this category of cases in 2013 and 2014. Refugees from Afghanistan will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement as a means to demonstrate the international community’s commitment to responsibility-sharing, thus preserving protection space in Pakistan.

South-West Asia

Meanwhile, the Government of Pakistan still emphasizes the need for increased responsibility-sharing by the international community to support its efforts in hosting and managing such a large population for over 30 years. The SSAR therefore calls for enhanced resettlement of vulnerable groups as a means to demonstrate international solidarity. Increased resettlement is also an important strategic tool to preserve asylum space, to solve the protractedness of the Afghan refugee situation, and to leverage solutions for Afghan and other refugees in Pakistan. An Islamabad-based Contact Group on Resettlement, led by the Government of Australia, was formed in late 2012 to mobilize international support for resettlement from Pakistan on a more predictable, multi-year basis.

The Office will have the capacity to submit 1,850 persons for resettlement in 2014. There are currently 12 core staff and 23 affiliate workforce staff, and staff with temporary contracts primarily devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In 2014, the Office expects to have 23 resettlement staff in total (including 12 core staff).

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Specific needs codes, incorporated in the Population Profiling Verification and Response survey carried out in 2010-2011, protection needs assessments, and a more indepth assessment were used to identify total resettlement needs. 3,850 Afghan and 150 non-Afghan refugees were identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission in accordance with the urgent nature of their protection concerns.

In order to meet the submission target of 1,330 cases/4,000 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need to retain the existing staff as well as add affiliate workforce and UNHCR staff working under temporary contractual status, which means that additional funding sources will need to be identified for 15 staff, as follows: two P2-Associate Resettlement Officers, five GL6Resettlement Associates, six GL5-Senior Resettlement Assistants, and two GL4-Resettlement Assistants.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

8,900

26,800

1,280

3,850

600

1,800

Somalia

140

200

120

Various

110

9,084

27,110

1,330

4,000

617

1,850

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

173

Asia: Media Spotlight Refugee resettlement referral from Nepal reaches six-ﬁgure mark UNHCR News Story

KATHMANDU, Nepal, April 26 (UNHCR) – The resettlement of refugees from Bhutan reached a major milestone this week, with 100,000 people having been referred for resettlement from Nepal to third countries since the programme began in 2007. Nearly 80,000 of them have started their new lives in eight different countries – an important step towards resolving one of the most protracted refugee situations in Asia. “This is an incredible achievement in the history of this refugee programme and for UNHCR,” said Diane Goodman, UNHCR’s acting representative in Nepal. She thanked the Nepalese government, resettlement and donor countries, and partner agencies, commenting also on the courage and resilience of the refugees.

174

Rewati May Darjee will soon join the tens of thousands of refugees who have received a new lease on life in resettlement countries. Together with her husband and two sons, she travelled from Beldangi camp in eastern Nepal to the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu on Thursday, on a plane chartered by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). In the IOM transit centre in Kathmandu, she and her family will be given a ﬁnal medical examination and an orientation course. Next Wednesday, they will take the ﬁnal leg of their journey to their new home in Atlanta in the United States.

Dressed in new clothes and looking a little apprehensive, Rewati reﬂected on what the future might bring, “I am happy that we are ﬁnally going to have our own identity in a new country and not spend our lives as refugees in the camps,” said Rewati. “The camps are emptying quite fast; almost everyone has gone or is in the process of going. I miss my friends who have already left the camps and so do my children.” Since the resettlement programme began six years ago, the UN refugee agency has been interviewing refugees and referring them to resettlement countries for consideration. Once the refugees are accepted by resettlement countries, IOM conducts health assessments, organizes cultural orientation courses and transports the refugees to their new homes.

A large number of humanitarian workers are involved in this programme and the success is a testament to their dedicated efforts. Working at IOM, Silki Agrawal begins her day at dawn, escorting refugees from the camps to the IOM ofﬁce and then to the airport. “We are directly or indirectly contributing to help refugees start their new lives,” she said. UNHCR staff member Tulshi Limbu was just a child when she saw the refugees arriving in Nepal in the early 1990s. “I was astonished to see their challenging situation in terms of food and shelter. After spending 20 years in the refugee camps, resettlement is a great option in helping them start their lives afresh. I feel very proud that, somewhere, my small efforts were a part of this successful operation,” she said.

Asia: Media Spotlight

A number of steps are involved from the time a case is submitted to a resettlement country to the time of departure. Resettlement countries interview the refugees, medical examinations must be done, exit permits issued, cultural orientation conducted and travel arrangements made.

The acceptance rate of UNHCR’s referrals in Nepal by resettlement countries is the highest in the world – at 99.4 per cent of total submissions. The United States has accepted the largest number of refugees (66,134), followed by Canada (5,376), Australia (4,190), New Zealand (747), Denmark (746), Norway (546), the Netherlands (326) and the United Kingdom (317). Referring to the number of submissions to date, IOM Chief of Mission in Nepal Maurizio Busatti said, “We look back at these 100,000 stories with resolve and inspiration. We pay tribute to the courage of these women, men and children and to the generosity of those who welcome them at the other end.” Of the original population of 108,000 refugees originating from Bhutan and living in Nepal, some 38,100 remain in the Sanischare and Beldangi camps in eastern Nepal. Most of them have expressed an interest in the resettlement programme. By Nini Gurung in Kathmandu, Nepal

175

Europe

176

Eastern Europe

Trends in 2012

Azerbaijan

Resettlement needs in Europe increased from 15,507 persons in 2012 to 35,224 in 2013. This increase was the consequence of a surge in the number of persons arriving in Turkey seeking protection, amounting to 30,000 arriving in 2012 alone, mainly of Afghan, Iraqi, and Iranian origin, in addition to the hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees who were hosted in camps and urban areas.

Russian Federation Ukraine

South-Eastern Europe Malta

In Eastern Europe, dysfunctional asylum systems continue to hamper access to effective protection. Access to refugee status determination procedures is limited by legislative requirements which are not in line with international standards. Instances of racism and xenophobia also inhibit successful integration, and on some occasions, are a real threat to the physical security of refugees and asylum-seekers. Resettlement and relocation out of Malta continued to be used as a strategic protection tool to provide effective solutions to the most vulnerable persons in view of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s limited absorption capacity. The number of resettlement submissions increased from 7,716 in 2011 to 8,526 in 2012, mainly due to the large numbers of submissions made from Turkey. Departures to resettlement countries also increased from 4,916 persons in 2011 to 6,473 in 2012, mainly from Turkey where departures increased from 4,388 in 2011 to 5,929 in 2012.

EUROPE

Turkey

177

UNHCR’s total resettlement capacity for 2014 by country of asylum* Exclusively c us e y for o internal te a UNHCR U C use

ICELAND

SWEDEN Faeroe Islands (DNK) NOR WAY

North Sea DENMAR K UNITED KINGDOM OF GR EAT BR ITAIN AND NOR THER N IR ELAND IR ELAND NETHER LANDS

P GER MANY

BELGIUM CZECH R EPUBLIC

LUXEMBOUR G

LIECHTENSTEIN

ATLANTIC OCEAN FR ANCE

AUSTR IA

SWITZER LAND SLOVENIA CR OATIA SAN MAR INO BOSNIA AND HER MONACO M

ITALY ANDOR R A

POR TUGAL

HOLY SEE

SPAIN

MALTA

0 ** UNHCR UNHCR total total resettlement resettlement capacity capacity includes includes core core staffing staffing and and affiliate affiliate workforce. workforce. Printed: 06 June 2013

178

Medite

400

kilometre

20,000

10,000

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

2,000

ContinentMaps_ResettlementCapacity2011_A3.WOR

FFF III CCC SSS SSS

Field Information and Coordination Support Section

UNHCR's estimated total resettlement capacity FINLAND

Ba lt i

Se a

ESTONIA

LITHUANIA

EUROPE

LATVIA

R USSIAN FEDER ATION

Kaliningrad (R US) BELAR US

POLAND

R EPUBLIC UKR AINE

SLOVAKIA

R EPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

HUNGAR Y

Sea of Asov

A R OMANIA

CR OATIA SER BIA*

Caspian Sea

Black Sea

OSNIA AND HER ZEGOVINA BULGAR IA

MONTENEGR O

GEOR GIA

THE FOR MER YUGOSLAV R EPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA ALBANIA

AR MENIA TUR KEY

GR EECE

Mediterranean Sea

400

AZER BAIJAN Nakhichevan (AZE)

CYPR US

800

kilometres mapping@unhcr.org

179

A Syrian child stands amid tents provided by Kızılay, the Turkish Red Crescent Society, for refugees residing in Adiyaman refugee camp. UNHCR provides technical support to the government in assisting the refugees. ©UNHCR/B. Sokol

Regional developments While access to protection in eastern Europe continues to be a challenge, particularly for persons of certain nationalities, some positive developments took place in southern and south-eastern Europe. There have been improvements in the asylum system in Malta regarding the provision of information to asylum-seekers and shortening the time frame for assessments in ﬁrst instance procedures. Also, the adoption of an Asylum Law in Turkey is a signiﬁcant step expected to result in a gradual improvement of the protection environment for refugees and asylumseekers in Turkey. The arrival in Turkey of nearly 350,000 Syrian refugees and the tripling of the number of asylum-seekers from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran in Turkey are posing serious challenges to both the Turkish authorities and UNHCR. In view of this situation, the resettlement needs of refugees with compelling protection vulnerabilities are expected to remain high in 2014 and beyond.

Addressing challenges UNHCR will continue working with the authorities in the Eastern European countries to try to improve access to procedures and the quality of adjudication of claims. At the same time, resettlement will be used for the most compelling protection cases where refoulementt is a real risk. 180

UNHCR will continue assisting the Government of Turkey in developing the asylum system following the adoption of the Asylum Law. Resettlement will be used for a considerable number of refugees as a protection tool and responsibility-sharing mechanism. While Syrian refugees beneﬁt from a temporary protection regime in Turkey, the high number of arrivals overstretching the reception capacity may eventually require resettlement for the most vulnerable. UNHCR is still assessing the situation jointly with the Government of Turkey.

Strengthening the protection environment Resettlement in Eastern Europe will continue to be used for refugees with acute protection needs stemming from their inability to gain access to asylum procedures and being at risk of refoulement. In Turkey, despite the progressive improvements in the asylum regime, resettlement continues to be the main durable solution available to non-European refugees in the absence of voluntary repatriation prospects and very limited opportunities for local integration. Resettlement will continue to be used strategically for the beneﬁt of those who can depart as well as those who will remain in the country of asylum in what are hoped to be improved conditions.

2014 Projected needs and targets Sub-regional overviews Eastern Europe (Azerbaijan, The Russian Federation, and Ukraine)

South-Eastern Europe (Malta and Turkey)

The highest resettlement needs are in Turkey with 20,000 persons, 8,000 of whom UNHCR intends to submit for resettlement in 2014. Most of these refugees originate from Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. Resettlement needs in Turkey may increase should the Government of Turkey call upon the international community to resettle Syrian refugees as a demonstration of responsibility and burden-sharing.

UNHCR Moscow is implementing a comprehensive solutions approach for the legacy caseload (persons who arrived in the Russian Federation before the adoption of the current asylum legislation), and therefore is moving away from seeking resettlement as the preferred durable solution for this group. At the same time, difďŹ culties in accessing effective protection for some refugees coming from central Asia and other countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States require continued resettlement submissions for these individuals.

Resettlement will also continue to be sought for the most vulnerable among the refugee population in Malta, as Malta it is a small island with limited absorption capacity.

EUROPE

The estimated total resettlement needs in SouthEastern Europe are 20,500 persons, and UNHCR will have the capacity to submit 8,475 for resettlement out of this group in 2014.

The estimated total resettlement needs in Eastern Europe in 2014 are 575 persons, all of whom are expected to be submitted for resettlement. These refugees mainly originate from countries in central Asia. The greatest resettlement needs are in the Russian Federation, with 430 persons identiďŹ ed for resettlement submission in 2014.

Europe: 2014 Projected global needs A. Region of Asylum

South-Eastern Europe Eastern Europe Europe Total

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target) in 2014

D. UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

9,900

20,500

4,325

8,475

2,477

4,900

236

575

236

575

181

485

10,136

21,075

4,561

9,050

2,658

5,385

181

Russian Federation 430

Ukraine 70

Azerbaijan 75

LEG GEND:

Country C Cou ountry Name Nam UNH NHCR NHC NH HCR CR submissions p planned for 20 014 ((persons) 014

182

Eastern Europe

Azerbaijan .................................................................................................................................................................. 184 Russian Federation .................................................................................................................................................... 186

Eastern Europe

Ukraine....................................................................................................................................................................... 190

Historial Trends of UNHCR’s planned submissions 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Azerbaijan

é 95

é 170

é 246

ê 129

ê 75

Russian Federation

é 800

ê 600

è 600

ê 400

é 430

Ukraine

ê 60

é 300

è 300

ê 100

ê 70 183

Azerbaijan Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

As of 1 January 2013, there were the total 1,426 refugees of Afghan, Chechen, Iranian, and other nationalities living in urban areas in Baku city in Azerbaijan, and total 42 refugees of Afghan, Chechen, Iranian, and other nationalities residing in rural areas in Azerbaijan. These populations were recognized on an individual and prima facie basis by UNHCR under its mandate and by the Government of Azerbaijan under its 1999 Law on Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons. Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR and the Government of Azerbaijan, 642 were women and girls, 826 were men and boys, including a total of 551 children, 71 women and girls at risk, and 10 unaccompanied or separated children. 150 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 200 in 2014.

Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 10.2

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

5.1

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Russian Federation

781

Afghanistan

573

Various

114

Total refugee population

1,468

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Various

108

Total asylum-seeker population

108

Total persons of concern

1,576

Azerbaijan has been a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees since 1992, without reservations. Refugees in Azerbaijan are governed under the 1999 Law on Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons. The national institution for asylum is the State Migration Service which is also in charge of migration issues. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the RSD Department of the State Migration Service, and appeals are conducted by the Administrative Economic Court. Current RSD procedures do not meet international standards for reasons of delayed registration, high rates of rejection on admissibility grounds, and lack of independent appeal. In 2012, SMS granted refugee status to just one family (3persons). The other 52 applications (107 individuals) received negative decisions. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Azerbaijan. Detention is used for migration-related offences, such as irregular entry. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees and asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offences, but UNHCR has received reports of several such cases during the year. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees do not enjoy the right to employment in Azerbaijan. Restrictive residence registration policy prevents the majority of asylum-seekers and refugees from gaining access to the formal labour market or engaging in entrepreneurial activities. Therefore, they are forced to search for work in the informal labour market and are often subject to labour exploitation. This results in most refugees being heavily dependent on the limited ﬁnancial and medical assistance offered by UNHCR. The ethnic Chechen refugees and refugees from other nationalities recognized under UNHCR’s mandate lack legal status and formal State protection Azerbaijan. The Government of Azerbaijan continues to provide them with basic territorial asylum but without formalizing their status. Local integration is only

184

available to refugees who have additional reasons for formalizing their status as migrants, such as marriage to an Azerbaijani. Refugees without family links to Azerbaijani nationals have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Azerbaijan.

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 75 persons in 2014. There are currently no core staff members devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions planned for 2014, the Office will not need additional workforce; however, there will be a need for strong advocacy with resettlement countries to exercise flexibility in considering these cases in order to meet the submissions goal.

The political situations in the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation and in Afghanistan do not provide prospects for voluntary repatriation for the Chechen and Afghan refugees who comprise the main refugee population in Azerbaijan. Therefore, the absolute majority of refugees recognized under UNHCR’s mandate have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

Eastern Europe

Three methodologies were used from July 2012 to March 2013 to identify the total resettlement needs. 40 Chechen, nine Afghan, 11 Iranian, and 15 refugees of other nationalities were identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to vulnerability such as medical needs, women and girls at risk, separated children, and survivors of violence. The key challenges considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014 relate to the particular profiles of most refugees in light of restrictive resettlement country selection and prospects for local integration. The Office also undertook an age, gender, diversity mainstreaming exercise for refugees and asylumseekers in the form of participatory interviews with a distinct focus on gender issues in April 2012, involving approximately 150 persons. Findings of participatory assessments were used in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. In view of the small caseload, the UNHCR Protection unit in Azerbaijan does not receive external resettlement referrals.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Russian Federation (Chechen Republic)

Afghanistan

Islamic Republic of Iran

Various

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

185

Russian Federation Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 2

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Afghanistan

1,802

Uzbekistan

113

Various

1,964

Total refugee population

3,879

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Afghanistan

326

Various

447

Total asylum-seeker population

773

Total persons of concern

4,652

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 3,879 refugees in Russia, out of a total caseload registered with the Government of 4,652 persons, including asylum-seekers. Most of the refugees are Afghans living in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Refugees in Russia are either granted refugee status or temporary asylum pursuant to the 1993 Refugee Law as amended. As of 1 January 2013, the UNHCR database recorded 1,518 persons, which included the legacy and transition groups (a total of 853 persons who arrived in the Russian Federation before the introduction in 2008 of the refugee status determination (RSD) regulation by the Federal Migration Service) as well as vulnerable newcomers, out of which 426 persons had a valid status with the Russian authorities – either refugee status or temporary asylum. The Ofﬁce stopped processing new arrivals as of 1 January 2013, opting to refer them to partners for guidance in accessing the national asylum procedure, in the expectation that the most vulnerable individuals will be referred back to UNHCR for further treatment, including resettlement consideration in exceptional cases. The Federal Migration Service (FMS) does not provide information on the gender and age breakdown of the refugee populatio. Out of the refugee population registered by UNHCR in Russia, 317 were women, 505 were men, and 241 were children. The FMS expects to receive 3,000 new asylum applications in 2013 and some 4,000 in 2014. The number of applications will largely depend on the evolution of the political and security situation in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of the international forces in 2014.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions The Russian Federation is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Refugees in Russia are governed under 1993 Refugee Law of the Russian Federation (with amendments). The adoption of the new law on refugees, under preparation for several years and extensively commented on by UNHCR is outstanding. The comprehensive legislation is aimed at harmonizing legislation related to asylum, foreigners, and registration and addressing compatibility issues emerged after earlier patchy legislative changes in this ﬁeld. The national institution for asylum is called the FMS. First instance RSD is conducted by the FMS, and appeals are conducted by the FMS and administrative courts. Current RSD procedures, though much improved, short of meeting international standards. Main challenges faced by the refugee and asylum-seeker population include the lack of adequate reception, accommodation, and registration conditions. Owing partially to the legislation in its current form, access to the asylum procedure at international airports remains a challenge. Additionally, the refugee law was amended in 2006/2011 to include exclusion provisions, which however, are not in line with the provisions of the 1951 Convention. It extends the application of exclusion

186

Generally there is no restriction on the local integration of refugees in the Russian Federation, but access to a number of basic rights such as education and gainful employment is heavily linked to the existence of residence registration. For recognized refugees, the required period of residence for naturalization is reduced from ﬁve years to one year. However, access to naturalization is hindered by income and residence registration requirements often unattainable by refugees. Restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement are in place within the Russian Federation. Every resident is required to obtain a registration at the place of sojourn, which limits their ability to relocate freely. Without this registration, refugees and asylum-seekers are unable to beneﬁt from basic social services, including health care, access to the job market, and access to naturalization services. Refugees and asylum-seekers with no visa or registration in Russia remain at risk of deportation, and this exacerbates their vulnerability to racially motivated attacks and police-related incidents. Such incidents have been increasingly reported in 2013, with the introduction of volunteer brigades under the auspices of the FMS to identify irregular migrants in the streets of the main cities of Russia. Detention is used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry, visa overstay, and violation of federal borders. As of 1 January 2013, there were 102 asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were six reported cases of refoulementt in 2012. Although some progress has been achieved in obtaining basic rights for asylum-seekers and refugees, many obstacles remain to full enjoyment of economic and social rights in Russia. Access to education is linked to sojourn registration in the area of the school. This practice requires caseby-case interventions to ensure that refugee and asylum-seeking children can be enrolled in school.

Government-recognized refugees, temporary asylum holders, and asylum-seekers enrolled in state RSD procedures have access to basic health care through medical insurance without the need for residence registration. This insurance, however, does not offer free medication or access to specialized free medical care. Refugees recognized by the Government have unimpeded access to employment. However, asylum-seekers and persons holding temporary asylum status seeking employment require a work permit, while in practice, this is difﬁcult to obtain as residence registration remains a major obstacle. As a result, they cannot work legally, which affects their ability to integrate and become self-reliant. The physical safety of refugees and asylum-seekers is also a serious problem. High levels of xenophobia and racially-motivated attacks on foreigners are pervasive in Russia. The principle of non-refoulementt is increasingly violated in the Russian Federation. This phenomenon is linked mainly to difﬁculties in accessing the territory and the asylum procedure but also to extradition, and disappearance. For most refugees voluntary return in safety and dignity cannot be facilitated or promoted given the risk of persecution which they may risk in their country of origin (Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan).

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

Eastern Europe

to persons who have left their country of origin “for economic reasons or due to hunger, epidemic or natural or man-made emergencies”, and allows for withdrawal of refugee status for persons who committed a drug-related crime and administrative offences in the country of asylum. In addition, the law maintains a 24-hour limit to lodge an asylum application, requires legal entry in the Russia Federation to be allowed to apply for asylum, and excludes foreigners married to Russian citizens from asylum consideration. The Russian authorities issue asylum-seeker certiﬁcates only if the application is being accepted into the RSD procedure, and the right to appeal decisions declaring applications lodged at the border as inadmissible, is not guaranteed. Interpretation services are only available to those persons who are admitted into the procedure. UNHCR is working with the Government to align the asylum practice with international standards, in expert exchanges and seminars with FMS ofﬁcials and case-workers. UNHCR maintains a good working relationship with the FMS at various levels, while building the capacity of legal partners to pursue cases in courts as well as assist asylum-seekers in submitting applications to the FMS.

A comprehensive review of all cases registered with UNHCR in the Russian Federation took place in 2012. In addition, UNHCR established sustainable partner referral mechanisms for cases with particular vulnerabilities of a protection or social/medical nature. As a result, UNHCR has identified a total of 430 persons to be submitted for resettlement in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to compelling vulnerabilities, including persons at imminent risk of refoulementt (largely nationals of Central Asian countries) and victims of sexual and gender-based violence. Relevant legal and social partners referring cases to UNHCR are included in the prioritization exercise. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: High rate of rejections of Central Asian cases with legal and physical protection needs high rate of rejections of Afghan cases; expected reductions in resettlement quotas; and the need to find alternative countries interested in resettlement of protection cases. The Office has also embarked on a capacity-building initiative to train partners on how to refer cases to UNHCR for resettlement consideration. UNHCR regularly visits shelters for trafficking victims and women and girls at risk with the goal of identifying those in need of urgent resettlement. UNHCR strives towards submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office has started to receive quality referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs. A formalized external referral system has been set up following training on the submission 187

categories for resettlement conducted and planned in the future. The external referrals coming from the partners are reviewed and approved by a Durable Solutions Commission that meets on a monthly basis. Resettlement of refugees from Central Asia will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for its strategic use. Given the current trend of forced disappearances and frequent instances of refoulement, regardless of the rulings/interim measures applied by the Russian Supreme Court or the European Court of Human Rights, UNHCR will continue to resort to emergency resettlement/ relocation. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 430 persons in 2014. There are currently two core staff and two affiliate workforce staff, including a Resettlement Officer, Senior Resettlement Assistant, NUNV Durable Solutions Officer, and an interpreter tasked with resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. The Resettlement Unit also works with voluntary repatriation.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Afghanistan

250

Uzbekistan

250

200

Tajikistan

Iraq

Islamic Republic of Iran

Africa (SGBV)

Various

Total

170

430

170

430

125

350

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

188

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

Eastern Europe Afghan mother and her daughters at the Emergency Transit Centre´s playground in Humenné, Slovakia. © UNHCR

189

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 2,807 refugees from 56 countries living in Ukraine. Out of this population 2,609 persons were recognized on an individual basis by the Government of Ukraine in accordance with the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and 198 refugees were recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate.

Ukraine Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place

Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR and the Government of Ukraine, 891 were women and girls, and 1,916 were men and boys. There were 75 unaccompanied or separated children who applied for asylum in Ukraine in 2012. 1,200 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 1,200 in 2014.

proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

2.5

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

190

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Afghanistan

1,480

Armenia

200

Azerbaijan

181

Somalia

112

Russian Federation

105

Various

729

Total refugee population

2,807

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Afghanistan

2,088

Syrian Arab Republic

453

Somalia

264

Iraq

178

Pakistan

174

Democratic Republic of the Congo

139

Occupied Palestinian Territories

129

Guinea

127

Kyrgyzstan

127

Bangladesh

117

Cameroon

113

Russian Federation

110

Georgia

104

Uzbekistan

100

Various

806

Total asylum-seeker population

5,029

Total persons of concern

7,836

Ukraine is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Refugees in Ukraine are governed under the Law On Refugees and Persons in Need of Complementary or Temporary Protection in Ukraine (8 July 2011). The national institution for asylum is called the State Migration Service (SMS). First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by the SMS, and appeals are conducted by the SMS and/ or courts. Current RSD procedures do not fully meet international standards because of the widespread practice to reject asylum applications at the preliminary stage of consideration, with unrealistic short time limits set for appeal cases. The lack of adequate resources for interpretation or for research on country-of-origin information (COI), the broad application of the safe third country notion, and the lack of written technical guidance to eligibility officers on issues of concern. Due to close political links of Ukraine with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, asylum-seekers from these countries with serious protection profiles (e.g. pending extradition requests) have little or no prospects of receiving refugee status in Ukraine. Therefore, the RSD procedure is inadequate to identify persons in need of protection as demonstrated by the low recognition rate of 12.6 per cent. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Ukraine. Detention is used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry/ exit/stay. As of 1 January 2013, there were 35 asylumseekers in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were three confirmed cases of refoulementt in the previous year – two in the context of extradition, and one as a result of abduction. Under Ukranian refugee law, refugees and persons with complementary protection have the same rights and obligations as Ukrainian nationals, including the right to employment and the right to social assistance. In practice refugees face challenges in finding employment, accessing social services, and integrating into the local society. At present, the authorities do not provide any language training, cultural orientation, or employment assistance for refugees. Upon recognition a refugee receives a one-time grant amounting to just over USD 2. Persons

granted complementary protection in accordance with the 2011 refugee law are yet to be issued proper documents to prove their status, and as a result cannot fully enjoy their rights. At the same time, mandate refugee status is not recognized by the authorities, and refugees recognized by UNHCR do not benefit from legal stay and associated rights. Racism and xenophobia are real and regular obstacles to local integration. In addition, asylum-seekers and refugees, due to their vulnerable legal, economic, and social condition are exposed to exploitation (labour and sexual). Individuals facing particular protection risks and/or with compelling social vulnerabilities, have very limited prospects for sustainable local integration in Ukraine. The majority of refugees in Ukraine have no prospects for voluntary repatriation in safety and dignity. Resettlement is used as a protection tool in view of the insufficient quality and efficiency of the national asylum system. In addition, resettlement is used to extend protection to persons with specific needs who cannot receive adequate services in Ukraine.

Eastern Europe

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Three identification methodologies were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 70 refugees were identified for submission in 2014. The projection includes 30 persons from CIS countries with serious protection risks and approximately 40 persons from other countries who have specific needs, including women and girls at risk, individuals with serious medical conditions, survivors of violence and/or torture, and children and adolescents at risk. The majority of cases of refugees identified for resettlement will require extensive eligibility interviews, complex assessments, and in-depth exclusion considerations, often in situations of detention. Processing of such cases is very time and labour-intensive. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 70 persons in 2014. There are currently two core staff and one affiliate workforce staff, including one Associate Resettlement Officer (P2), one Resettlement Associate (G6), and one NUNV, devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Various

Total

CIS countries

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

191

Turkey 8,000

Malta 475

LEGEND:

Country Countr untry try ry N Name UNHC CR submiss submis missions planned for 201 14 (pers (per ersons)

192

South-Eastern Europe

Malta .......................................................................................................................................................................... 194

South-Eastern Europe

Turkey .......................................................................................................................................................................... 19

Historial Trends of UNHCR’s planned submissions 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Malta

ê 700

è 700

ê 100

é 475

Turkey

é 5,200

é 6,000

ê 5,190

é 10,000

ê 8,000

193

As of 1 January 2013, there were 7,516 registered refugees recognized on an individual basis by the State of Malta under the Maltese Refugees Act. Of the total refugee population in Malta, 25% were women, 75% were men, and 15% were children. 1,600 new arrivals are expected in 2013 in 2014 respectively.

Malta Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014*

Persons of concern

Malta is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees and lifted the geographical limitation on the application of Article 1 in 2001. Refugees in Malta are governed under the Refugees Act Chapter 420 of the Laws of Malta. The national institution for asylum is called the Office of the Refugee Commissioner. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by this same office, and appeals are heard by the Refugee Appeals Board. Current RSD procedures do meet international standards. There is a fairly efficient asylum determination system in Malta, especially at first instance. Most cases in Malta are decided within 6 months of the lodging of an application. UNHCR has raised concerns with regards the very low recognition rate at appeals stage during the last decade. UNHCR is working with the Government to improve these procedures by engaging in dialogue with the relevant authorities.

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Somalia

4,734

Eritrea

1,367

Various

1,415

Total refugee population

7,516

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Eritrea

237

Somalia

184

Various

166

Total asylum-seeker population

587

Total persons of concern

8,103*

* These ﬁgures are taken from the UNHCR Annual Statistics Report. However, UNHCR Malta is aware that this does not represent the refugee population currently present in Malta as a number of them would have left the island permanently, on their own.

There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Malta. Detention is used for all asylum-seekers entering Malta in an irregular manner, which usually applies to the vast majority of asylumseekers who arrive in the country. As of 1 January 2013, there were 260 asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. However, UNHCR has noted at least two cases where the terms of access to protection were not clear in relation to rescue at sea situations. Refugees are entitled to a number of rights in Malta such as employment, health care facilities, education (which is free to all children under 16 years of age), social services, travel documents, and identification papers, amongst other rights. Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have more limited access to certain rights such as social security and housing support, while they have no access to the right to family reunification or to apply for citizenship. Therefore, in the current situation, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have limited prospects for longterm local integration in Malta. Although refugees have access to a number of rights, those who do not speak English usually encounter challenges in communication with mainstream service providers, as only health care facilities have a regular presence of cultural mediators. In principle, refugees can rent accommodation, but in practice they find it difficult to access the housing market. In Malta, there is no integration policy in place, though there are support activities relating to education and access to the labour market. Some NGOs also offer assistance to support refugees in becoming

194

self-reliant. UNHCR and its partners advocate for improved access for refugees to mainstream services in Malta.

supports projects implemented by NGOs carrying out empowerment activities with women. Refugees who have been granted subsidiary protection will in particular beneﬁt from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement due to the lack of integration prospects. Being one of the most densely populated countries in Europe and with a small surface area, UNHCR recognizes that Malta is in need of support to provide resettlement solutions. During 2012 Malta received around 1,890 asylum-seekers. Resettlement can complement efforts to ensure that sufﬁcient resources and capacity are available to facilitate longer term settlement of refugees remaining in Malta.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 In August 2012, the Malta UNHCR office updated the current database system, with proGres Lite installed with support from UNHCR HQs. The office continually collects relevant information through direct registration sessions, which includes individual consultations with refugees. This is complemented by UNHCR community visits to refugee households. NGOs and social workers in open centres are also in contact with our office and UNHCR also receives referrals of cases. 500 individuals have been identified as in need of resettlement. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to individual resettlement needs, as well as efforts to achieve selfreliance for refugees in Malta, through the strategic use of resettlement.

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for approximately 475 persons in 2014. There are currently two core staff and two affiliate workforce, including the durable solutions officer, in addition to support from the durable solutions associate and two resettlement assistants for resettlement counselling, and resettlement case preparation and review. UNHCR received some financial support from the Maltese authorities to maintain this capacity. In order to meet the submissions of 475 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need to maintain the additional capacity described above.

South-Eastern Europe

For most asylum-seekers and refugees, voluntary repatriation prospects are limited. The main nationalities present remain Somalis and Eritreans. IOM runs an Assisted Voluntary Return programme that has offered support to a limited number of individuals in recent years. However, most refugees have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

The key challenges considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014 relate to the uncertainty about the number of asylum arrivals during 2013 and the uncertainty about the cooperation from resettlement countries with regard to pledged places for resettlement (EU and non-EU). The Office is also engaging with Government stakeholders to develop standard procedures on sexual and gender-based violence and referral mechanisms. Moreover, protection staff visits accommodation centres regularly to monitor the situation and identify vulnerable cases. These activities support the attainment of the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office also receives referrals of cases identified by partners including NGOs. In addition, UNHCR

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

200

300

200

300

Eritrea

100

Various

100

325

500

325

475

100

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

195

Turkey Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 267,063 refugees in Turkey. Of this number, almost 250,000 were Syrian nationals covered by a temporary protection regime set up by the Government of Turkey in October 2011. This regime consists of an open border policy with assistance and no forced return. While Syrian refugees covered by this regime may on a very exceptional basis be submitted for resettlement based on their proﬁle, neither targeted nor large-scale resettlement is currently being envisaged for this population.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern Refugee population

persons

Syrian Arab Republic

248,466

Iraq

9,478

Afghanistan

3,517

Islamic Republic of Iran

3,040

Somalia

1,669

Sudan

179

Kyrgyzstan

163

Occupied Palestinian Territories

146

Various

405

Total refugee population

267,063

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Afghanistan

4,842

Islamic Republic of Iran

3,663

Iraq

3,431

Somalia

389

Occupied Palestinian Territories

276

Uzbekistan

226

Syrian Arab Republic

200*

Kyrgyzstan

128

Yemen

109

Various

787

Total asylum-seeker population

14,051

Total persons of concern

281,114

* Syrians individually registered for speciﬁc reasons.

196

01.01.13

Over the past three years, the number of persons approaching UNHCR in Turkey – in addition to Syrian nationals – has tripled from 9,000 persons in 2009 to over 30,000 in 2012. While the number of Afghan asylum-seekers increased in the most exponential manner in the last six months of 2012, the number of Iranian and Iraqi asylum-seekers also increased with an average of 36 per cent as compared to arrival ﬁgures in 2011. The steady increase across the board is expected to continue in 2014, both due to the situation in the countries of origin as well as ﬁrst countries of asylum, in particular Syria (for Iraqi refugees) and Iran (for Afghan refugees). In 2013, the arrival rate is expected to continue to grow by an estimated 46 per cent for the nonSyrian population. UNHCR is therefore undertaking measures to streamline registration and refugee status determination (RSD) procedures and to cooperate closely with the newly created Asylum Institution, which will become operational in 2014, in order to decrease waiting periods.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Turkey is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, Turkish law maintains a geographical limitation under which the State provides protection only to refugees originating from Europe. Thus, traditionally, the Government of Turkey has taken full ownership of the RSD process for those originating from Europe (Council of Europe Member States), while UNHCR conducts RSD for all other asylum-seekers. The ﬁrst ever asylum law, the Law on Foreigners and International Protection, was submitted to Parliament in 2012 and adopted in April 2013. The Law signiﬁcantly improves the protection environment and the living conditions for all asylum-seekers and refugees in Turkey. The law provides all asylumseekers and refugees with access to assistance and services, and transfers the responsibility of both policy and operational asylum issues to a civilian institution. This law is subject to a one-year transition period before it becomes fully operational. Resettlement is maintained under the new law, as one of the durable solutions. In 2012 and 2013, the increase in the arrivals led to very lengthy processing times and a registration backlog. Measures that will be taken in 2013 to address this include a stronger partnership with NGOs for reception and pre-registration, increased missions focusing on the processing of applicants in their

The living conditions in the cities vary, but generally non-Syrian refugees are expected to sort out their own living arrangements and cover their expenses, while Syrians can access more stable assistance schemes offered in the camps. While it is technically possible for refugees to obtain a work-permit through their employer, provided certain conditions are met, in practice many refugees work without the required permits. Assistance schemes vary from city to city and are often charity-based. Primary education is compulsory and offered free of charge. Refugees do have limited access to health care. UNHCR is working closely with partners and the Government of Turkey to improve the living conditions of refugees and ensure that they can access social assistance schemes available to the local population. Unaccompanied refugee children in Turkey are covered by the national Child Protection Act and can benefit from state facilities, such as orphanages and safe houses. While access is guaranteed, the placement process can take some time due to capacity limitations at the orphanages. In a similar manner, women at risk can benefit from state protection offered to nationals. However, for a number of reasons, including cultural and language barriers, many women at risk of gender-based violence, such as domestic violence, do not initiate the necessary legal procedures to be able to benefit from the available protection. There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Turkey, and UNHCR is expected to facilitate their movement by obtaining permission from the Government of Turkey, including for refugees to depart to a third country. Despite the progressive improvements in the asylum regime that have taken place, due to the temporary nature of asylum in Turkey, resettlement continues to be the main durable solution available to nonEuropean refugees. Taking into consideration the current situation of the main countries of origin, (Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, and Somalia), voluntary repatriation is not a viable option. Formal local integration opportunities are extremely limited.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 UNHCR is working on a holistic durable solutions strategy within the framework of the submission criteria set by resettlement countries. It uses data from the proGres database and takes advantage of the daily information flow with partners in the various cities to identify the total resettlement needs. 8,000 refugees, mainly from Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan, were identified for submission in 2014. Priority for submission is given to persons with specific vulnerabilities The Office uses a protection referral form to ensure consistency and to prioritize amongst those in need. In 2013, all resettlement countries either maintained or increased their quotas from Turkey. For 2014, UNHCR hopes that new countries will start resettlement programs in Turkey, albeit on a small scale. Within the framework of the resettlement criteria offered by resettlement countries, the larger majority of resettlement submissions are made for vulnerable refugees originating from neighbouring countries. Refugees from Iran and Iraq benefit from multiyear planning and prioritization in an effort to use resettlement strategically further to enhance the protection environment in Turkey. UNHCR continues to use resettlement strategically, as a means of international responsibility-sharing and to enhance reception conditions in Turkey. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: The number of asylum applications from neighbouring countries will continue to increase due to the situation in the region. While resettlement figures are increasing compared to previous years, the number of recognized refugees is also growing steadily, resulting in an increasing number of recognized refugees who stay in Turkey for a prolonged period of time.

South-Eastern Europe

cities of residence, and – where possible - speciﬁc processing strategies by nationality and type of claim.

The Ofﬁce will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 8,000 persons in 2014. There are currently seven core staff and nine afﬁliate workforce staff, including eight NUNVs devoted to resettlement counselling case preparation. The capacity has been increased in 2013 with resettlement funding received from Australia and the USA. This funding is limited to one year only.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Iraq

6,230

13,710

2,250

4,650

1,435

3,000

Islamic Republic of Iran

2,875

4,890

1,350

2,650

950

1,700

310

1,000

300

500

Afghanistan Various Total

160

400

100

200

9,575

20,000

4,000

8,000

2,417

4,800

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

197

Europe: Media Spotlight UN High Commissioner for Refugees welcomes Albanian offer of humanitarian admission for 210 residents of Camp Hurriya, Iraq Press Releases, 18 March 2013

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres, today welcomed a generous offer by the Albanian Government of humanitarian admission for 210 residents from Camp Hurriya in Iraq to Albania. “I am very grateful that the Albanian Government has offered solutions for 210 people from Camp Hurriya,” said Mr Guterres. “The residents of Camp Hurriya urgently need solutions to relocate out of Iraq. We hope they welcome this offer and cooperate to ensure the departure of this important number of people.” The camp has seen a recent deterioration of the security situation of its residents, with a mortar attack on the camp on February 9th killing eight and wounding dozens with subsequent threats made against the residents.

“This generous offer is an demonstration of international solidarity and burden sharing for a vulnerable population”, said Mr Guterres. “I strongly encourage other countries to follow Albania’s lead and offer solutions for the camp residents that enable them to relocate outside of Iraq.” Camp Hurriya, also known as Camp Liberty, has over 3000 residents. For further information, please contact Sybella Wilkes on +41 22 739 7968 http://www.unhcr.org/5146f3839.html

Sudanese refugee family starts a new life upon resettlement in Spain Press Releases, 24 April 2013

MADRID, Spain, April 24 (UNHCR) - Only a week ago, Ibrahim, his wife and children moved from a refugee reception center to a rented ﬂat in Madrid and the house already smells like home. Gone are days of fear, persecution and torture in Sudan and Libya for this Sudanese family resettled in Spain last summer from the UNHCR refugee camp in Tunisia. In July 2012, a group of 80 refugees of different nationalities arrived in Spain under a resettlement programme promoted by UNHCR with the support of the Spanish government. They were distributed between different reception centers all over Spain. Like Ibrahim’s family, these refugees had been living in Tunisia around a year in a tended transit camp located in a desert in Choucha, around 12 kilometers from the Libyan border.

198

Ibrahim, his wife Awatif and their three children aged eight, eleven and thirteen, packed last week their few belongings from the Vallecas Refugee Reception Center (CAR) in Madrid to move to a flat where they will live independently with financial support still provided by the government. They feel happy there. The family has initiated a new stage in their integration process in Spain after interacting in the CAR with asylum-seekers and refugees from different nationalities and backgrounds over half a year. “At first, they resisted to leave the center because without friends or relatives in the country we are for them their only reference,” says Santiago García, director of a CAR in Madrid run by the Ministry of Employment. During their stay in the center, they had their health cards and international protection documents issued. The whole family received psychosocial support, Spanish lessons and the

But for Ibrahim, learning Spanish is becoming a difﬁcult task. “I know that the language is the most important thing now, but I just cannot concentrate; the memories from the past are always buzzing in my head,” he said in a correct English.

“Come here slave, shouted many people in the street to me or to my children,” said Ibrahim. “We knew we should not respond to the provocation, but it was painful, because some of them really meant it.” However, the worst came when he was detained. “Any reason was good for the militaries to send you to jail,” said Ibrahim. “I cannot remember how many days I was imprisoned in Tripoli, subjected to endless interrogation and torture. I lost track of time,” he recalled , showing the scars on his wrist from the electroshocks inﬂicted.

Ibrahim’s ordeal began when he was a youngster in Sudan. He comes from a family of mixed ethnicity -- Arab, from his father’s side and Nuba, from his mother’s. He was born in South Kordofan, a disputed oil-rich area currently under constant air and ground attacks between Sudan and South Sudan forces. The conﬂict has raged since the referendum giving the South independence in 200?. Ibrahim’s persecution began when he spoke out about marginalization of certain areas of the country, about lack of access to education, to water, health or basic infrastructures. Ibrahim was detained, imprisoned and tortured on several occasions.

But now in Spain, Ibrahim feels safe and relaxed. He is very thankful to UNHCR and the Spanish government for offering his family a resettlement place. He tries not to look back.

When this Sudanese refugee ﬂed to Libya, he started a new life. He met and married his wife and had three children. Ibrahim worked in different odd jobs until he could ﬁnd more stable employment as an accountant and shop-keeper. Meanwhile, his wife, Awatif, worked as a cook, hairdresser and beautician. But life in Libya was not a bed of roses for them and for many Africans. Black people were often victims of racist treatment.

María Jesús Vega Spokeswoman UNHCR Spain

Europe: Media Spotlight

children were registered at school. “It is good for them to face the reality and to manage by themselves the modest resources they will receive for some months,” said the director, recognizing that the umbilical cord between refugees and CAR will never be fully cut.

Ibrahim and Awatif are aware of the difﬁcult economic situation in Spain and how challenging it can be to make their own way in life, even with work and residence permits. But after facing so many past challenges, Ibrahim is up to the task and has hope for a better life ahead. “If we were able to survive so far, I should be able to offer my children a better future,” he said.

199

Middle East and North Africa

200

Middle East

Trends in 2012

Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia Israel Jordan Kuwait Lebanon United Arab Emirates Syrian Arab Republic Yemen

North Africa Egypt Libya Mauritania Morocco

East and North Africa (MENA) region submitted urban and camp-based refugees of 19 different nationalities to 19 resettlement countries. Iraqi nationals comprised 58 per cent of the total submissions, while Somali, Sudanese, and Eritrean refugees represented 33 per cent. Since late 2010, the MENA region has been experiencing unprecedented political and social changes which continue to have a significant impact on many of UNHCR’s operations. The volatile security situation in parts of the region has imposed constraints on the ability of resettlement countries to access and interview refugees for resettlement, causing the suspension of resettlement missions in some areas. Consequently, while the resettlement needs remained high, the projected resettlement targets for MENA in 2012 had to be adjusted and reduced by 43 per cent. Due to a number of operational constraints, UNHCR offices were able to submit only 33 per cent of the adjusted targets. In addition, one of the most pressing issues has been how to deal with the large number of cases in the resettlement pipeline awaiting onward processing. The High Commissioner’s Global Solidarity Initiative launched in 2013, aimed at resettling refugees who fled the violence in Libya and then stayed in the border areas of Egypt and Tunisia, resulted in another 5,000 refugees submitted for resettlement in 2012. The operation is now phasing out with the closure of camp Shousha in mid-2013, although resettlement processing at the Egyptian border is expected to continue into 2014.

MENA

Iraq

Another key solutions activity has focused on some 3,000 Iranians in Camp Hurriya (Camp Liberty), northeast of the Baghdad International Airport. About 160 individuals from this group were submitted for resettlement consideration, of which only 27 were accepted and 8 departed to resettlement countries by the end of 2012. Similar modest numbers of camp residents were accepted through humanitarian admission. Emergency, urgent, and medical dossier submissions continued to be an important protection tool in the MENA region. However, the frequent inability of resettlement countries to ﬁnd a municipality or accommodation to receive refugees led to delays in departures of some of these cases. Nonetheless, resettlement departures increased by 50 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011.

201

UNHCRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s total resettlement capacity for 2014 by country of asylum* Exclusively for internal UNHCR use

ATLANTIC OCEAN

TUNISIA

Mediterranean Sea

MOR OCCO

ALGER IA LIBYA

Western Sahara

MAUR ITANIA

** UNHCR UNHCR total total resettlement resettlement capacity capacity includes includes core core staffing staffing and and affiliate affiliate workforce. workforce. Printed: 06 June 2013

202

20,000

Sources: UNHCR, Global Insight digital mapping ÂŠ 1998 Europa Technologies Ltd.

10,000

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

2,000

ContinentMaps_ResettlementCapacity2011_A3.WOR

FFF III CCC SSS SSS

Field Information and Coordination Support Section

UNHCR's estimated total resettlement capacity

Black Sea

Caspian Sea

MENA

SYR IAN AR AB R EPUBLIC

LEBANON IR AQ WEST BANK

JOR DAN

GAZA STR IP

ISR AEL KUWAIT EGYPT Pe rs AIN BAHR ia n Gu QATAR lf

SAUDI AR ABIA

UNITED AR AB EMIR ATES

d Re

OMAN

a Se

YEMEN

Gulf

of Ad

Socotra (YEM)

Arabian Sea

250

500

kilometres

mapping@unhcr.org

203

Cooling off in Za’tari camp in Jordan. © UNHCR/ A. Eurdolian/ August 2012

Regional developments Resettlement of Iraqi refugees continued to figure prominently on the agenda in the MENA region, although in much lower numbers than in previous years. To date, over 130,000 Iraqi refugees have been submitted for resettlement from the Middle East since 2007. However, the Syria conflict has negatively affected resettlement processing out of Syria, which remains the largest resettlement operation in MENA. The number of submissions of Iraqi refugees from Syria decreased from 16,161 submissions in 2011 to only 5,753 in 2012. Some 13,280 Iraqi refugees fled the violence in Syria to neighbouring countries, to which some resettlement States responded by ensuring that their programmes continued in the refugees’ new countries of asylum. Refugees of other nationalities in Syria were similarly affected by the security situation, and in response to the Flash Appeal for the resettlement of non-Iraqi refugees in Syria issued in August 2012, by mid-2013 dossier submissions of 161 refugees were made to six resettlement countries. UNHCR’s response to the needs of Syrian refugees has focused on the overwhelming need for emergency and lifesaving responses in the region, and resettlement in 2012 remained limited to a small number of compelling protection cases. In 2013, UNHCR took measures to enhance the use of resettlement for individuals with compelling vulnerabilities and urgent protection needs and is now advocating for resettlement States to increase their available quotas in order to accommodate the growing needs. UNHCR has also prepared for contingency plans for larger-scale resettlement in the event that this is necessitated by the protection situation in the region. At the same time, a Humanitarian Admission Pilot (HAP) has been initiated by Germany, to move 5,000 of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees from the region 204

using expedited procedures in 2013. Humanitarian admission is critical for securing the immediate protection and rapid departure of refugees with urgent and compelling needs while the resettlement programme is in its initial phases of implementation. UNHCR’s aim is to expand the humanitarian admission programme by involving other destination countries in this effort, while in parallel increasing its resettlement submissions.

Addressing challenges The MENA Regional Resettlement Hub continued to make use of the Evacuation Transit Facility (ETF) in Romania, by transferring some 370 refugees from the region to the facility (43 per cent of whom were in Syria). In addition, the IOM arranged with the respective countries an exit route for refugees accepted for resettlement from Syria via the Beirut Airport, which allowed for the departure of accepted refugees who otherwise would have been stranded in Syria. Alternatives to face-to-face interviewing to ensure continued resettlement processing in the region, including videoconference interviewing, processing on a dossier basis, and using the ETFs, will continue to be pursued and are critical for effectively responding to the increasingly challenging situation.

Strengthening the protection environment During 2012, resettlement in the MENA region continued to be a tool of protection and a key durable solution for refugees. Resettlement also contributed to responsibility and burden-sharing with countries in the region hosting large numbers of refugees. Resettlement was aimed at enhancing the protection environment for the large majority of refugees not able to beneﬁt from resettlement.

2014 Projected needs and targets

In Syria, the protection and assistance needs of refugees continue to increase following the deterioration of the situation in the country. The future of resettlement from Syria will depend on the ability of resettlement countries to continue processing dossier cases, conduct videoconference interviews, and use ETFs in the absence of possibilities for face-to-face interviewing.

The total projected resettlement needs for the MENA region, identified by UNHCR offices are 33,838 persons, but the projected submissions in 2014 are 8,650 refugees, due to adverse security conditions, a difficult working environment, and limited human resources available in the region. Should working conditions improve, targets are expected to increase in 2014, notably for the resettlement of Syrian refugees.

The volatile political and security situation in Yemen has seriously affected the resettlement operation, especially with the suspension of the resettlement missions. Hence, while the total resettlement needs in Yemen are estimated to be 8,272 persons, projected submissions are for only 300 refugees in 2014.

The Middle East and the Gulf The total projected resettlement needs for the Middle East and the Gulf are 28,577 persons. As UNHCR’s main focus has been on addressing the emergency situation by providing shelter and lifesaving assistance to Syrian refugees, a small number of Syrians have been submitted for resettlement since the unrest began. An enhanced resettlement strategy was introduced in early 2013 to ensure solutions for the most vulnerable refugees with compelling protection needs. Up to 2,000 Syrian refugees are expected to be submitted for resettlement or emergency medical evacuation in 2013, mainly from Lebanon, but also from other countries in the region, and this number is likely to increase in 2014. In addition, 10,000 Syrian refugees are expected to be relocated from the region to third countries through humanitarian admission (including 5,000 to Germany). Next to the resettlement of Syrian refugees, resettlement of Iraqi refugees in the Middle East will continue to be a priority. In 2014, it is estimated that over 5,000 Iraqi refugees will be submitted for resettlement, mainly from Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. This ﬁgure may have to be revisited depending on developments in Syria as well as in Iraq.

In the Gulf, a region with an urban population characterized by mixed asylum and migration ﬂows, resettlement in 2014 will remain a limited but crucial instrument of protection for individual refugees, including those in detention. 250 persons are projected to be in need of resettlement out of the Gulf in 2014.

North Africa The total projected resettlement needs for countries in North Africa are 5,261 persons. North Africa is characterized by mixed migration movements from sub-Saharan Africa, with modest refugee populations registered in the host countries. For UNHCR, the challenge is to ensure access to those in need of protection and to those in need of resettlement, while avoiding the impression that resettlement might be an alternative migration route. UNHCR’s resettlement policy is based on a regional approach to strengthen protection mechanisms in the region and to ﬁnd durable solutions aimed at self-reliance and livelihood opportunities for the large majority of the refugees, while resettlement is proposed for a minority of refugees with compelling protection needs.

MENA

Sub-regional overviews

In Iraq, efforts will continue to ﬁnd a solution for the over 3,000 Iranians in Camp Liberty.

Generally, resettlement will continue to be an integral part of the implementation of the ‘10 Point Plan of Action’, intended to help manage asylum and migration in the region.

MENA: 2014 Projected global needs A. Region of Asylum

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target) in 2014

D. UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Middle East

9,334

28,577

2,440

6,355

1,928

5,011

North Africa

1,996

5,261

965

2,295

689

1,640

Middle East & North Africa Total

11,330

33,838

3,405

8,650

2,617

6,651

205

Syrian Arab Republic 2,500

Lebanon

Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia

1,700

Israel

Iraq

100

United Arab Emirates 150

Jordan 1,200

Kuwait 250

LEGEND:

Country Name me UNHCR submissions ns planned for 2014 (persons)

206

Yemen 300

Middle East

Regional Resettlement Unit ........................................................................................................................................ 208 Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.................................................................................................................... 210 Iraq............................................................................................................................................................................. 212 Israel .......................................................................................................................................................................... 214 Jordan........................................................................................................................................................................ 216 Kuwait ........................................................................................................................................................................ 218 Lebanon ..................................................................................................................................................................... 220 United Arab Emirates ................................................................................................................................................. 222

Yemen ........................................................................................................................................................................ 226

Middle East

Syrian Arab Republic.................................................................................................................................................. 224

Historial Trends of UNHCR’s planned submissions 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia

ê 140

ê 100

é 130

ê 100

è 100

Iraq

ê 640

é 820

ê 735

ê 75

ê 55

Israel

ê 70

é 80

ê 70

é 100

Jordan

ê 3,350

ê 4,000

ê 2,600

é 3,000

ê 1,200

Kuwait

100

é 300

ê 190

é 250

Lebanon

ê 1,280

é 1,881

é 3,200

ê 2,000

ê 1,700

United Arab Emirates

200

é 230

ê 130

é 150

Syrian Arab Republic

ê 6,500

é 16,000

ê 13,000

ê 2,500

è 2,500

Yemen

ê 400

é 1,060

é 1,500

ê 300

è 300 207

Regional Resettlement Unit Resettlement within the Regional Solutions Strategy Resettlement forms a key part of the regional solutions strategy for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Since late 2010, the MENA region has been experiencing major political and social changes leading to significant displacement in 2012. The scale of displacement resulting from the conflict in Syria has been unprecedented, significantly stretching the delivery capacity of host countries, UNHCR, and partners. The region also remains at crossroads for mixed migration movements for both transit and destination purposes. While the MENA region is largely marked by the absence of formal national asylum systems, it continues to host significant numbers of refugees. While their numbers have been gradually decreasing, there are still some 130,000 Iraqi refugees registered mainly with UNHCR in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. By early 2013, over 900,000 Syrian refugees were being assisted by UNHCR in MENA countries (plus another 230,000 in Turkey). Other major refugee groups in the region are some 54,000 Malian refugees in Mauritania, while Yemen hosts more than 273,000 refugees of mainly Somali origin. Hundreds of thousands of individuals remain internally displaced in Iraq, Yemen, and Syria. The provision of protection, basic humanitarian assistance, and self-reliance opportunities, while searching for durable solutions, remains a priority for UNHCR in the region. Resettlement continues to be a solution for a considerable number of refugees, a protection tool for refugees with urgent needs, and a durable solution for refugees in protracted situations.

Role and Scope of the MENA Regional Resettlement Hub The MENA Regional Resettlement Hub, based in Beirut, covers Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Yemen, Israel, the Gulf countries (UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, KSA, Oman, and Qatar), Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, and Mauritania. The key functions of the MENA Regional Resettlement Hub include regional coordination, operational support, and capacity-building through support missions to UNHCR ﬁeld ofﬁces, oversight, and monitoring. The Hub conducts quality control review of resettlement cases, reports resettlement statistics and trends, monitors achievements towards targets, and serves as a regional interlocutor for UNHCR Headquarters and resettlement countries. It also provides resettlement training, including on prevention and responses to resettlement fraud.

208

Key Activities to Support Resettlement in 2014 The MENA Regional Resettlement Hub will continue supporting UNHCR offices in the region with Iraqi refugee resettlement and finding solutions through humanitarian admission and consular readmission for Iranians in Camp Liberty in Iraq. It will also support efforts to find solutions for Syrian refugees through an enhanced resettlement strategy focusing on vulnerable groups, including refugees with medical needs and other vulnerabilities or compelling protection needs. The Hub will further support moves towards large-scale resettlement referrals of Syrian refugees in the event this is necessitated by the protection situation in the region. The MENA Regional Resettlement Hub will continue managing the submission of emergency, urgent, and medical cases and facilitating the use of the Emergency Transit Centres in Romania and Slovakia for emergency cases in need of immediate protection while their resettlement cases are processed. It will also facilitate videoconference resettlement interviews between Amman, Beirut, and Damascus, as well as cooperation with IOM and host countries to enable the departure of refugees from Syria via Lebanon to resettlement countries. In addition, the MENA Regional Resettlement Hub provided guidance to support to UNHCR field offices on fraud investigation, anti-fraud risk assessments and compliance with resettlement anti-fraud policy and procedures. In this regard UNHCR is planning the roll-out proGres Lite in 2014, a web-based database, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This is a dedicated database, making security requirements related to access to data easier to implement, and allowing regional and Headquarters staff to access fraud case management data. Through proGres Lite, fraud events will be reported by all field offices on a quarterly basis according to a standard reporting template.The Resettlement Service will analyse the reports, identify fraud trends, and propose ways to address gaps in the implementation of anti-fraud policies. There are also on-going training initiatives such as the development of a new Learning Programme to enhance in-depth interviewing and investigation skills for UNHCR anti-fraud focal points in the field.

Staffing and Resource Needs The MENA Regional Resettlement Hub currently has two international and three national staff and three affiliate workforce staff on ICMC deployments. In order to meet the objectives for 2014, the MENA Regional Resettlement Hub will fill a vacant G5 position and will need two more ICMC deployments and one P3 Durable Solutions Officer to work on developing a comprehensive solutions strategy for the region. Additional resources may be needed in case wider resettlement is undertaken for Syrian refugees beyond targeted submissions of individuals with compelling protection needs.

Middle East Qobayat, Lebanon/Rahab holds her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s robe, her only keepsake, after his death from shelling in their home in Syria. She cries while holding his garment because it still smells faintly of him. She tells me he was soft and sweet and loved his children. After months of moving from village to village to avoid shelling, Rahab and her children came to Lebanon after their home was burned to the ground. ÂŠ UNHCR / E.Dorfman / May 20, 2013

209

Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 1,084 refugees living in urban areas in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. These populations were recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, nearly 300 were women, 400 were men, and 400 were children. An estimated 150 persons are expected to arrive in 2013 and 150 persons in 2014 (this estimation does not include Syrian nationals).

Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Iraq (urban)

534

Eritrea (urban)

379

Various (urban)

171

Total refugee population

1,084

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Iraq (urban)

138

Various (urban)

Total asylum-seeker population

221

Total persons of concern

1,305

Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are not parties to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees and have neither national asylum systems in place nor institutions or legislation governing refugee issues. Currently Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedures are carried out by UNHCR under its mandate. The stay of recognized refugees in these counties is temporarily tolerated pending the identiﬁcation of another durable solution, i.e. voluntary repatriation or resettlement. With the lack of local integration prospects or voluntary repatriation in the foreseeable future, resettlement is considered as the only viable durable solution and a vital instrument of protection for the majority of refugees in these countries. Based on immigration law, there are no restrictions on freedom of movement within Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia for refugees holding a residence permit. However, refugees without residence permits can be subject to arrest and deportation. Detention is used sometimes for migration-related offences, including irregular entry and visa overstay. As of 1 January 2013, there was one registered refugee in detention for migration-related offences. Once the necessary authorizations are received (which is a lengthy process), UNHCR is granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Refugees with valid residence permits have the rights to health care, freedom of movement, and all rights given to foreigners in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. However, refugees who do not hold a valid residence permit and are irregular in those countries are not granted any rights, i.e. they cannot work and cannot access the public health care or education. UNHCR Regional Ofﬁce in Riyadh is providing assistance to families who do not have residence permits and therefore cannot be self-reliant. This category of refugees has no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The Iraqi refugee population is the main refugee group in this region, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return in light of the unstable security situation in Iraq.

210

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 Direct contacts, self-referrals, and assessment visits were used to identify the total resettlement needs. UNHCR estimates that 100 refugees in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia will be submitted for resettlement in 2014, of whom the majority is Iraqi. This projection was made based on a number of considerations. The following key challenge was considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: there is no staff fully devoted to resettlement activities. The Ofﬁce has also used the direct contacts and home visit assessments to identify the refugees that might be at risk in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014.

Middle East

The Ofﬁce will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 100 persons in 2014. There are currently two core staff partially doing resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 100 persons planned for 2014, the Ofﬁce will need support from the Resettlement Hub in Beirut, including support missions.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Iraq

Various

Total

100

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

211

39,031 were men, and 38,673 were children. 204 were women and girls at risk, and 172 were unaccompanied or separated children.

Iraq Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

Iraq is not a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Refugees in Iraq are governed under the Political Refugee Act 1971. The national institution for asylum is called the Permanent Committee of the Ministry of Interior (PCMI). Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by UNHCR under its mandate.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Syrian Arab Republic (urban - 32,427 / camp - 31,159)

63,586

Turkey (urban - 4,944 / camp - 10,552)

15,496

Occupied Palestinian Territories (urban)

11,467

Islamic Republic of Iran (urban - 8,090 / camp - 169)

8,259

Various

Total refugee population

98,822

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Islamic Republic of Iran (urban)

2,801

Syria (urban)

1,185

Turkey (urban)

829

Various

Total asylum-seeker population

4,914

Total persons of concern

103,736

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 41,880 refugees mostly of Syrian, Turkish, and Iranian nationalities living in Dohuk, Mahkmour, Al Qa’im, and Al Waleed camps in Iraq, and 56,942 of mostly Syrian, Palestinian, Iranian, and Turkish origin in urban areas in the Kurdistan Region, Baghdad, and other cities. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR and the Government in Iraq, 21,118 were women,

212

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Iraq. Restrictions on freedom of movement between the south/central Iraq and the Kurdistan region apply for refugees who do not have government-issued refugee identification. In addition, refugees who wish to return to their country of origin need to obtain an exit visa to formally leave Iraq. Syrians in Al Qa’im are in principle confined to refugee camps, unlike other refugees or asylum-seekers in Iraq. Detention is used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry, informal documentation, and visa overstay. As of 1 January 2013, there were an estimated 11 registered refugees and asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention, albeit with difficulty. Refugees registered with the PCMI have rights to formal residence, public services including education and public health care, and private sector employment. However, public services are lacking in quantity and quality. Syrians who fled the ongoing conflict in their country have not been recognized as refugees or asylum-seekers by the central Government of Iraq, which negatively affects their living situation and self-reliance. The continued violence in central Iraq and discrimination against some groups – in particular persons of Palestinian origin – has resulted in further difficulties for refugees. In the Kurdistan region, the situation of refugees is more favorable in comparison to other regions, in particular for ethnic Kurds. Refugees in Iraq have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration. While some refugee populations – largely ethnic Kurds – could have prospects for local integration in the Kurdistan region, they may still have resettlement needs due to traumatic experiences they have encountered, risks they are facing in Iraq, or vital needs that cannot be accommodated in Iraq. While under the 2006 Iraqi Nationality Law, some refugees may qualify for Iraqi nationality; in practice such cases are yet to be noted. As of February 2013, the humanitarian situation in Syria remained dire, with more persons arriving in Iraq seeking protection. Therefore, Syrians as well as most of the other refugee populations in Iraq, have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity in the near future.

Iraq / Domiz camp for Syrian refugees, Dohuk, Kurdistan Region. © UNHCR / J. Seregni / October 2012

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

The Office increased its staffing in 2012 and will undertake verification of the Palestinian population in Baghdad in 2013. It is hoped that this will contribute to the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office expects to receive referrals of cases, particularly Syrian refugees, identified by partners, including NGOs, the International Rescue Committee (for SGBV), Save the Children, and ACTED (for children-at-risk).

The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: • Resettlement countries are reluctant to consider certain refugee populations, for example refugees with links to certain groups, refugees in a protracted situation, and refugees of Palestinian origin. Needs for refugees remain high, despite the small security improvements.

Middle East

• As of 31 December 2012, the backlog in RSD (4,914 individuals) restricts the number of individuals for whom resettlement procedures can be initiated. Due to the lack of consolidated registration databases, data is sometimes unreliable.

Speciﬁc needs codes in proGres, participatory assessments, and best estimates were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 45 Syrian refugees, 45 Palestinian refugees, and 10 refugees of other nationalities were identiﬁed for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to the urgency of their needs, with particular focus on individuals at risk of deportation and facing imminent threats to their life; those with medical needs; LGBTI individuals; survivors of sexual and other forms of gender-based violence (SGBV); and women and children at risk.

The Ofﬁce will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 100 persons in 2014. There is currently one core staff (G6 protection associate) devoted to resettlement counselling and resettlement case preparation and review. The Ofﬁce is not planning to submit more cases than can be completed using its core staff capacity; therefore no additional workforce is needed for 2014.

• Given the volatile security situation in Iraq, a number of resettlement countries do not have a permanent presence or do not send selection missions, and UNHCR staff also have limited access to refugees.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

persons

Occupied Palestinian Territories

200

Various

30 230

Total

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014 cases

persons

cases

persons

600

660

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

213

Israel Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

As of 01 January 2013, there were 101 individuals recognized as refugees on an individual basis by the Government of Israel under the 1951 Convention. In addition, there were 7,712 asylum-seekers in Israel, including 1,100 Eritrean nationals and 1,000 Sudanese nationals, and several hundred of other nationalities, the majority of whom are held in administrative detention facilities. As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 46,198 individuals in a refugee-like situation in Israel. Of this population, there were 36,247 Eritrean nationals, 9,743 Sudanese nationals, and 208 Congolese (DRC) nationals, all living in urban areas in Israel. They hold conditional release (from detention) visas, which are considered a form of temporary protection.

Of the total refugee population, 30 were women, 47 were men, and 24 were children. UNHCR is not in a position to report on the number of women and girls at risk, and there are no unaccompanied or separated children. 150 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 150 in 2014.

Best estimate 12

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

214

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Various

101

Total refugee population

101

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Eritrea (detention)

1,100

Sudan (detention)

1,000

South Sudan (urban/detention)

150

Côte d’Ivoire (urban/detention)

150

Nigeria (urban/detention)

120

Ethiopia (urban/detention)

100

Various (urban/detention)

5,092

Total asylum-seeker population

7,712

Individuals in a refugee-like situation

persons

Eritrea (urban)

36,247

Sudan (urban)

9,743

Democratic Republic of the Congo (urban)

208

Total refugee-like population

46,198

Total persons of concern

54,011

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Israel is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, there is no national legal refugee framework. In July 2009, UNHCR handed over responsibility for conducting Refugee Status Determination (RSD) to the Ministry of Interior. In 2011, the Regulation on Processing the Claims of Asylum-Seekers in Israel, which outlines the Government’s RSD procedures, went into effect. The national institution for asylum is the Population Immigration and Border Authority (PIBA) within the Ministry of Interior. First instance RSD is conducted by the RSD unit (within PIBA), and is reviewed by the National Status Granting Board. UNHCR continues to work with the Government of Israel to strengthen these procedures through capacity building. UNHCR conducts mandate RSD interviews for asylum-seekers and persons in a refugee-like situation who are identified as having serious protection concerns and are in need of resettlement. There are no restrictions on the freedom of movement of refugees, asylum-seekers, and persons in a refugee-like situation if they obtain a “conditional release” visa, which is normally renewed every 4 months; however, some individuals are required to sign at a Ministry of Interior Office every week. Detention is used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry. The implementation of the Anti-Infiltration Law in June 2012 has resulted in long-term detention of many asylum-seekers. As of 1 January 2013, there were approximately 2,500 asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offenses. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention.

Refugees have the right to work and have access to National Medical Insurance and social welfare services. Asylum-seekers and persons in a refugeelike situation do not have the right to work in Israel, although in practice informal work is tolerated. Asylum-seekers and persons in a refugee-like situation also do not have access to national social welfare services and health care, leaving many individuals extremely vulnerable and unable to meet their and their family’s basic needs.

Refugees of all nationalities will benefit from multiyear planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement to encourage Israel to improve their treatment of refugees and the rights they should be provided under the 1951 Convention. With a small but significant increase of resettlement taking place, this should enable the authorities to improve treatment, including access to basic services, for the larger group of persons of concern in Israel. In order to meet the submission of 100 persons planned for 2014, the Office will additionally require an ICMC resettlement deployee to supervise case identification, processing, and review in 2013, to be replaced by a JPO planned for 2014. There are currently six core staff in addition to two affiliate workforce staff and two UNOPS RSD consultants involved in resettlement identification, counselling, case preparation, and review. However, there are no staff solely dedicated to resettlement tasks.

Refugees, asylum-seekers, and persons in a refugeelike situation do not have prospects for long-term local integration in Israel. The Ministry of Interior reviews the refugee claims of recognized refugees in every one to three years with a view towards the cessation of their refugee status. There is no immediate prospect of voluntary return in safety and dignity for most Eritreans and Sudanese in Israel, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

Middle East

UNHCR has relied on best estimates to identify the total resettlement needs. 100 individuals, mainly from Eritrea and Sudan, were identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to the urgency of their needs. The key challenge considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014 are the lack of a strong mechanism for case identification and confusion amongst partners concerning the refugee criteria and resettlement needs. The Office has strengthened its activities for identification of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), torture, and abuse, including single women with children who are unable to work because of their vulnerabilities, in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs who work with asylum-seekers who are victims of torture, SGBV, and domestic violence.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Sudan

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Various

Total

100

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

215

Jordan Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

from Jordan. The strategy was an integral element of the protection response to the Syria refugee situation and was aimed at addressing the resettlement needs, mainly of women and children at risk, medical cases, survivors or violence and torture and refugees with family links abroad. UNHCR was in the process of developing simpliﬁed processing tools and modalities with resettlement countries in order to swiftly meet the rising resettlement needs. For Jordan the total resettlement need for 2014 will be adjusted by the end of 2013 to reﬂect those of Syrian refugees.

Government owns proGres database

Apart from the Syrian refugees, as of 1 January 2013, there were 28,686 refugees in Jordan with Iraqi refugees being a predominantly urban caseload. Refugees are recognised on an individual basis by UNHCR. Current projections suggest that a further increase of Syrian refugees in Jordan by the end of 2013. This will require an adjustment of the total resettlement needs targets.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

1.5

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Iraq

27,814

Sudan

412

Somalia

318

Various

142

Total refugee population

28,686

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Iraq

1,584

Sudan

403

Egypt

144

Various

342

Total asylum-seeker population

2,473

Total persons of concern

31,159

As a result of the ongoing violence and conﬂict in Syria, Jordan had received more than 450,000 Syrian refugees by June 2013. The overwhelming majority of Syrian refugees are residing with host families and collective centres in towns and rural areas. In Jordan the Government has also created large camps. UNHCR and its partners deploy signiﬁcant efforts to provide basic assistance and conduct community outreach to mobilize refugee communities thereby improving the protection of their members, notably women and children and addressing their needs, which are many. At the time of writing, UNHCR was developing a strategy to enhance the use of resettlement for vulnerable Syrian refugees 216

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Jordan is not a State party to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, and it does not have any national refugee legislation. Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by UNHCR. UNHCR’s relationship with the Government of Jordan (GoJ) is governed by a Memorandum of Understanding, which stipulates that UNHCR has to find a solution for recognized refugees within six months of their arrival. All foreigners in Jordan (with the exception of Syrian nationals) fall under the provisions of the Law on the Residence of Foreigners, and are allowed to stay for three months. Anyone who has overstayed their residency is liable for hefty overstay fines or at risk of deportation. While the GoJ has, to date, never engaged in largescale deportations, asylum-seekers and recognized refugees find themselves in a constant situation of uncertainty. Syrian nationals on the other hand, do not require a residence permit, although they do require work permits in order to work in Jordan. Refugees without work permits are not allowed to work. Many refugees therefore struggle to meet their basic needs especially in urban areas. During 2012, 112 asylum-seekers and 33 refugees were detained for various reasons, among which include migration-related offences. It remains difficult for UNHCR to obtain precise information as to the reasons for administrative detention. Syrian refugees who entered the territory informally have seen their freedom of movement curtailed, yet the principle of non-refoulementt has continued to be upheld by the GoJ, and the borders have remained open. The security conditions in Iraq and Syria remain precarious, assistance is meagre, and services are unreliable. Conditions in Iraq and Syria are currently not conducive to voluntary repatriation. In view of the lack of local integration prospects and in the absence of organized repatriation of the refugee population in Jordan, resettlement remains the most viable durable solution for many of the refugees, including Iraqi and Syrian nationals.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

A Syrian refugee carries insulated sleeping pads to his family’s tent in Za’atri refugee camp.

The arrival trends from 2012 and projected arrival rates expected in 2013 were used to identify the total resettlement needs. Apart from Syrian refugees, 1,250 refugees (1,000 Iraqi, 200 mainly Somali and Sudanese) were identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to the vulnerability and protection problems experienced in Jordan. The majority of cases will be identified at the Registration and RSD stage. NGOs also refer cases to UNHCR for assessment of resettlement needs. UNHCR has started to work more closely with NGOs that conduct outreach activities, in order to reach a wider audience in the refugee community and to provide correct information about solutions, as well as manage refugee expectations. Women and girls at risk, unaccompanied minors or separated children, and elderly refugees are prioritized and are fast-tracked for registration and resettlement consideration. Best Interests Determination and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence panels can also assist in the resettlement assessment process. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: The influx of Syrian refugees into Jordan and its possible impact on the operation and the ongoing arrivals of Iraqi refugees fleeing from Syria.

Resettlement of refugees from Iraq will beneﬁt from multi-year planning and prioritization for its strategic use. For this population, the conditions in the country of origin are not yet conducive to voluntary repatriation, whereas local integration is not a realistic possibility in Jordan, making resettlement the only durable solution available for this population. The use of resettlement as a solution has contributed to maintaining the current protection space and accruing beneﬁts to others in need of protection, beyond the ones selected for resettlement.

Middle East

The Office will have the capacity to submit 1,250 persons who are estimated to qualify for resettlement submission in 2014, not counting the resettlement of Syrian refugees. There are currently 11 core staff and three affiliate workforce staff (two UNOPS interpreters and one ICMC resettlement deployee) devoted to interpretation, identification of cases, counselling, case preparation, case review, and pre-departure arrangements. The projected resettlement needs and staffing might need to be adjusted upwards to respond to the need to enhance resettlement of Syrian refugees.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Iraq

500

1,000

500

1,000

500

1,000

Various

100

200

100

200

100

200

Total

600

1,200

600

1,200

600

1,200

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

217

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 674 refugees living in urban areas in Kuwait. In addition there were 829 asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR in Kuwait, 196 were women, 240 were men, and 238 were children. 800 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and some 850 in 2014.

Kuwait Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration

Kuwait is not a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Refugees in Kuwait are governed under Kuwait immigration law. Kuwait does not have a national asylum system in place, and in its absence, UNHCR conducts Refugee Status Determination under its mandate. UNHCR continues to work with counterparts to enhance the protection space in Kuwait.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

218

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Iraq (urban)

484

Somalia (urban)

121

Various (urban)

Total refugee population

674

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Iraq (urban)

420

Somalia (urban)

192

Iran (urban)

121

Various (urban)

Total asylum-seeker population

829

Total persons of concern

1,503

The majority of refugees and persons of concern (PoC) live in Kuwait with valid residence permits, and as such they enjoy freedom of movement and access to all basic services. However, there are a number of PoC who are unable to renew their residence permits, and in view of the potential risk of deportation facing these cases, UNHCR has been processing them for resettlement. Therefore, refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Kuwait, and resettlement is considered to be a vital protection tool. In Kuwait, detention is used for migration-related offences, which include irregular entry and visa/ residency overstay. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees or asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is in regular contact with the deportation authorities, who grant UNHCR access to PoC in detention and, in some instances, inform UNHCR if any person detained in the centre expresses his/her wish to contact UNHCR and seek asylum. No cases of refoulementt against PoC occurred in the previous year. The majority of refugees in Kuwait, who are mainly from Iraq, Islamic Republic of Iran, and Somalia, have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 UNHCR uses information in proGres to identify the total resettlement needs. 250 refugees, mainly from Iraq and Somalia, are expected to be identified for resettlement submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for submission according to their protection needs and vulnerabilities. The following key challenge was considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: the staffing capacity for resettlement is practically nonexistent. The Office continues to resettle refugees who do not have valid residence in Kuwait. Resettlement of such cases is seen as helping maintain the protection space for other refugees in Kuwait and ensuring that UNHCR maintains access to PoC.

Middle East

UNHCR will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 250 persons in 2014. Resettlement activities in Kuwait are dealt by the Protection Officer who currently needs to devote 50 per cent of his working time to resettlement activities. Therefore, the Office will need to request at least one affiliate workforce staff to assist in conducting resettlement activities. In order to meet the submissions of 250 persons planned for 2014, UNHCR Kuwait will additionally need support missions from the MENA Resettlement Hub to be conducted during the second half of the year.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs cases

persons

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014 cases

persons

cases

persons

150

Somalia

Various

Total

250

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

219

Lebanon Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state Government conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) UNHCR conducts RSD Identiﬁcation methodology used: Speciﬁc Needs Codes / proGres Participatory approach (assessment and/or HRIT) Best estimate 9 1.6

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Syria (urban)

126,755*

Iraq (urban)

6,500

Sudan (urban)

166

Various (urban)

117

Total refugee population

133,538

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Iraq (urban)

847

Syria (urban)

242

Sudan (urban)

224

Egypt (urban)

114

Various (urban)

486

Total asylum-seeker population

1,913

Individuals in a refugee-like situation

persons

Dependants of refugees from other nationalities (excluding the Lebanese)

402

Total persons of concern

135,853

* In addition to some 43,000 awaiting registration

As a result of the ongoing violence and conﬂict in Syria, Lebanon had received more than 450,000 Syrian refugees by June 2013. The overwhelming majority of Syrian refugees are residing with host families and collective centres in towns and rural areas. UNHCR and its partners deploy signiﬁcant efforts to provide basic assistance 220

and conduct community outreach to mobilize refugee communities thereby improving the protection of their members, notably women and children and addressing their needs, which are many. At the time of writing, UNHCR was developing a strategy to enhance the use of resettlement for vulnerable Syrian refugees from Lebanon. The strategy was an integral element of the protection response to the Syria refugee situation and was aimed at addressing the resettlement needs, mainly of women and children at risk, medical cases, survivors or violence and torture and refugees with family links abroad. UNHCR was in the process of developing simplified processing tools and modalities with resettlement countries in order to swiftly meet the rising resettlement needs. For Lebanon the total resettlement need for 2014 will be adjusted by the end of 2013 to reflect those of Syrian refugees. Apart from the Syrian refugees, as of 1 January 2013, there were 133,538 registered refugees in Lebanon, including 126,755 Syrian refugees in addition to 43,000 Syrian refugees awaiting registration. Of the non-Syrian refugee population, those from Iraq constituted the largest group accounting for 6,500 refugees. Refugees in Lebanon are scattered among 980 municipalities across the country. Lebanon hosts one of the largest registered urban refugee populations in the world. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR in Lebanon, 1,648 were women, 2,876 were men, and 2,259 were children. 175 were identified as women and girls at risk, and 11 were unaccompanied or separated children. UNHCR reports that by mid-2013 more than 54,000 persons of Palestinian origin from Syria have crossed into Lebanon. Current projections suggest that over one million Syrian refugees could be in Lebanon by the end of 2013. It is unlikely that the non-Syrian refugee population in Lebanon will rise significantly in 2013 and 2014.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Lebanon is not a State party to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. No legislative, institutional or administrative framework exists. To address the speciﬁc needs of refugees and asylum-seekers in Lebanon. Notably, however, hundreds of thousands Syrian refugees have been received and protected on a humanitarian basis, including those who entered through unofﬁcial border crossings. Until June 2012, Iraqi refugees were recognized on a prima facie basis. Since that time, they, together with the other non-Syrian refugees, have been recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate. Non-Syrian refugees have traditionally been vulnerable to detention and deportation for irregular entry/stay. Asylum-seekers and refugees are subject to the same provisions in domestic law that apply to other foreigners: the 1962 Law Regulating the Entry and Stay of Foreigners in Lebanon. This law does not distinguish between refugees and migrants. As a

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

result, while the majority of refugees enter Lebanon through official border crossings, those who enter without prior authorization, or who overstay their visa, are considered to be irregularly in the country and are at risk of being fined, detained for considerable lengths of time, and deported. This situation characterizes 75 per cent of the population of nonSyrian refugees and asylum-seekers in Lebanon. Without permission to stay until a durable solution is found, many live under considerable hardship. The majority are unable to find formal employment and face high costs of living and exploitative conditions in the informal work sector. Severe economic hardship has led to relatively high school dropout rates as children work to support their families.

The massive influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon requires UNHCR to primarily focus on emergency assistance and meaningful protection delivery for all affected by the crisis. As part of this strategy, resettlement of Syrian refugees has been used for refugees having immediate legal and physical protection needs and vulnerabilities that cannot be addressed effectively in Lebanon. This strategy will be revised depending on the evolving situation on the ground, including in Syria, towards possible wider resettlement efforts. The proGres database was used to identify the total resettlement needs for non-Syrians, based on the number of new arrivals and recognition rates from October 2012 to February 2013, as well as the projected processing capacity of the RSD unit. 1,600 Iraqi refugees and 100 refugees of other nationalities were identified for submission in 2014. Cases for resettlement submission will include all refugees falling under one or more resettlement submission categories. The uncertainty of the evolution of the Syrian conflict remains the key challenge in determining 2014 figures for both Syrians and non-Syrian refugees coming to Lebanon from Syria. Through registration and protection monitoring in the field, UNHCR is able to identify and submit at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs.

Resettlement remains the only viable durable solution for non-Syrian refugees given that the Government of Lebanon has maintained that Lebanon cannot be a country of permanent asylum as also laid down in a Memoradum of Understanding with UNHCR. For these refugees, their stay in Lebanon is precarious, whereas for the vast majority, conditions in their countries of origin are not conducive to return in safety and dignity. Last year only 64 Iraqi refugees opted to return – a number which is unlikely to change in the near future.

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 1,000 persons in 2014. There are currently one core staff and three affiliate workforce staff, including one core staff and 1.5 affiliate workforce staff devoted to resettlement counselling and resettlement case preparation and review. In order to meet the submissions of 2,200 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need an additional two caseworkers devoted to resettlement case preparation. The enhancement of resettlement of Syrian refugees will require additional staff and affiliate workforce in considerable numbers.

Middle East

Detention for irregular entry/stay is a real risk for non-Syrian refugees. In 2012 UNHCR was regularly granted access to refugees and registered asylumseekers in detention. Detained refugees and asylumseekers, regardless of the reason, can be arbitrarily held beyond the length of the sentence served, and the risk of deportation is high. In 2012, 50 refugees were deported by the Lebanese authorities; although 33 of them had signed forms agreeing to deportation, UNHCR does not consider this voluntary given the very harsh conditions of detention. As most non-Syrian refugees do not have formal residency in Lebanon, they have very limited recognized rights. However, regardless of their legal status in the country, they do have access to primary and secondary education and public health care.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Sudan Various Total

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

1,300

3,515

565

1,600

200

500

1,405

3,695

625

1,700

200

500

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

221

United Arab Emirates Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 638 refugees in the United Arab Emirates, the majority of which were Iraqis living in urban areas (mainly Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi). This population was recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate. Of the total population registered by UNHCR in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 361 were women and girls, 368 were men and boys.

proGres database in place

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

222

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Iraq (urban)

555

Various (urban)

Total refugee population

638

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Iraq (urban)

Various (urban)

Total asylum-seeker population

Total persons of concern

729

The UAE is not a State party to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. There is no legal framework to govern the relationship between UNHCR and the Government of the UAE. The UNHCR Ofﬁce in the UAE, which was opened in 1989, works under the umbrella of the UNDP. Refugees in the UAE are subject to national immigration laws (the Expatriate law). The national institution for asylum is the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Interior. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is conducted by UNHCR. UNHCR is working with the Government of the UAE on capacity-building activities and on promoting refugee protection. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within the UAE provided that refugees and asylums-seekers abide by national immigration laws and have a valid legal residence. Detention is used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry and visa overstay. As of 1 January 2013, there were 46 registered refugees in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is granted access to persons of concern in detention whenever a request is made. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. All refugees who abide by national immigration laws and are able to acquire legal residency have the same rights as residents in the UAE, including access to health care and employment. On the contrary, refugees without legal residency are treated as irregular migrants and have no rights in the country. Their stay is temporarily tolerated and due to a request by UNHCR and with a guarantee that they will be departing the country within a short period of time under the resettlement programme. In the UAE, work sponsorship is a prerequisite for legal residency. Refugees who overstay their residency face a risk of detention and deportation. Refugees with a low salary scale, who are unable to become self-reliant due to the high living expenses, are more vulnerable. UNHCR provides temporary ﬁnancial assistance to those refugees who are unable to sustain themselves until their departure under the resettlement programme. Refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in the UAE.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 UNHCR implements a targeted registration programme in order to identify cases with specific needs for the purpose of resettlement consideration. 150 refugees are expected to be identified for submission in 2014. UNHCR is receiving an increasing number of applications for registration of refugees from Syria, which may require a later review of the total resettlement needs. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission depending upon their vulnerabilities. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: There is no staff member fully devoted to resettlement, and the Office has a small budget for protection activities, limiting the possibility of requesting support missions and setting a higher target despite the need. Most identification of cases with specific needs is made by the Office. A very small number of cases are referred to UNHCR by partners. Refugees from Iraq will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. UNHCR will continue to use resettlement in a strategic manner to foster tolerance by the authorities and as the only available protection tool.

Middle East

The Ofﬁce will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 150 persons in 2014. There are currently three Protection core staff – one for registration, one for resettlement interviews, and one devoted for resettlement counseling and departures. There are no staff fully dedicated to resettlement activities. In order to meet the submissions of 150 persons planned for 2014, UNHCR will additionally need at least one support mission from the MENA Regional Resettlement Hub.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Iraq

250

120

Various

Total

105

300

150

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

223

Syrian Arab Republic

Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR in the Syrian Arab Republic, nearly 22,000 were women, 21,000 were men, and 25,000 were children. 4,719 were women and girls at risk, and 216 were unaccompanied or separated children. 1,500 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 1,500 in 2014.

Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Government owns proGres database

The Syrian Arab Republic is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention or 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees and has no national legal framework for refugees. Nevertheless, the refugees’ presence in Syria remains generally tolerated by the host country, and the policy on admission and formal stay remains favourable for refugees and other persons of concern. All asylum-seekers in Syria undergo individual refugee status determination (RSD) by UNHCR.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

3.7

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Iraq

61,071

Somalia

2,217

Afghanistan

1,728

Palestinians ex-Iraq

1,656

Sudan

598

Various

545

Total refugee population

67,815

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Iraq

931

Sudan

692

Afghanistan

193

Somalia

Various

1,772

Total asylum-seeker population

3,674

Total persons of concern

71,489

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 61,071 Iraqi, 1,513 ex-Iraq Palestinian, and 5,088 refugees of other nationalities in urban areas in Syria; in addition, 143 Palestinian refugees ex-Iraq were living in the Al Hol camp in the Hassakeh area. The majority of the Iraqi population was recognized on a prima facie basis, while the non-Iraqi population was recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate. 224

There are no formal restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within the Syrian Arab Republic. However, in practice, due to the widespread violence conﬂict, insecurity in the country, and the existence of frequent check points, undocumented refugees in particular face increasing problems. Many refugees residing in areas affected by military operations have also been forced to relocate inside the country. Detention is used for migration-related offences, including lack of updated documentation and/or residency permits. In addition, a number of refugees have also been detained mainly at checkpoints for security-related issues. As of 1 January 2013, there were 48 registered refugees and four asylum-seekers in detention in Syria. Of these, 10 were detained due to migration-related offences (lack of documents). UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention for migration-related offences. Despite the civil unrest that started in the country in March 2011, refugees formally still enjoy a number of rights. Refugees in Syria have access to Syrian Government-supported health and education services in the country. However, Syrian legislation limits formal employment of refugees in the country. Refugees previously had access to the informal labour market in Syria but are now directly affected by the collapse of large parts of the economic sector and are increasingly dependent on direct assistance from UNHCR and its partners. Increased tensions between refugee and host communities have been observed, often caused by suspicions of political and religious differences. The protection and assistance needs of refugees have increased as the situation in the country has deteriorated. The frequency and severity of security and protection incidents affecting refugees rose perceptibly in mid-2012, with increases in reported killings, kidnappings, domestic violence, threats, and harassment. The overall conditions in Iraq have remained inadequate for the safe, sustainable, and digniﬁed large-scale return of Iraqi refugees. In 2012, voluntary

repatriation signiﬁcantly increased compared to previous years with 3,755 individuals assisted by the Ofﬁce. However, refugees indicated that economic hardship, political instability in Syria, and lack of prospects for resettlement were the main reasons for their decision to return. For most non-Iraqi refugees, the situation in their country of origin is deemed unstable and not conducive to return – notably for Somali, Sudanese, and Afghan refugees. Local integration is not a sustainable option, whether for Iraqi or non-Iraqi refugees.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

Middle East

The specific needs codes in the UNHCR proGres database were used in March 2013 to identify the total resettlement needs which were established at 2,500 refugees for 2014. This also includes a number of refugees who have been submitted for resettlement already, but are unable to continue their processing due to security constraints. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to compelling vulnerabilities and/or protection risks in the country of asylum. The security and accessibility of refugees, staff, and resettlement countries to UNHCR Offices in Syria during the ongoing armed conflict were considered key challenges when determining the submissions planned for 2014. The Office has enhanced cooperation between its Resettlement and Community Services units in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 2,500 persons in 2014. There are currently 23 core staff devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, the Office does not foresee the possibility of using affiliated workforce staff in 2014. In order to meet the submissions target of 2,500 persons planned for 2014, the Office will additionally need support from the Regional HUB in Beirut with missions as feasible in light of the current security situation.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Iraq

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

4,200

12,800

660

2,000

660

2,000

Occupied Palestinian Territories (ex-Iraq)

160

500

250

Somalia

100

500

150

Various Total

200

100

4,510

14,000

800

2,500

800

2,500

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

225

Yemen Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 208,647 Somali refugees and 9,488 refugees from other nationalities in urban areas in Sana’a, Aden, Mukalla, Mahara, and Taiz as well as 18,262 Somali refugees and 785 Ethiopian refugees living in Kharaz camp. The Somali population is recognized on a prima facie basis by the Government of Yemen, while the nonSomali population is recognized by UNHCR under its mandate. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR and the Government of Yemen, 61,267 were women, 129,612 were men, and 46,303 were children. 3,743 were women and girls at risk, and 1,377 were unaccompanied or separated children. 20,000 Somali refugees and 2,000 refugees from other nationalities are expected to arrive in 2013 and approximately the same number in 2014.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

0.1

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Somalia

226,909

Ethiopia

5,221

Iraq

3,431

Eritrea

1,055

Occupied Palestinian Territories

401

Various

165

Total refugee population

237,182

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Ethiopia

5,574

Eritrea

452

Iraq

143

Various

314

Total asylum-seeker population

6,483

Total persons of concern

243,665

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Yemen is a State Party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Through UNHCR’s efforts and the Government of Yemen’s hospitality, asylum space has been maintained. However, Yemen is yet to adopt national refugee legislation and an asylum system. The three entities responsible for refugee matters are the National Committee for Refugee Affairs, its subCommittee, and the Bureau of Refugee Affairs. The Government of Yemen recognizes Somali refugees who arrived after 1991 on a prima facie basis, whereas UNHCR conducts Refugee Status Determination (RSD) for other nationalities. UNHCR is advocating for the development and adoption of national refugee law and asylum procedures, and is carrying out targeted capacity-building for governmental entities to undertake registration and RSD in Yemen. There are restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Yemen. While Somali refugees have access to documentation and freedom of movement, this has not been the case for refugees from other countries. Detention is used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry and visa overstay. Since 2010, Eritrean nationals arriving at Hodeida Harbor in particular have been detained for irregular entry. As of 1 January 2013, there were 192 registered refugees and 73 asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offences. In most cases UNHCR is granted access to persons of concern in detention. There were no reported cases of refoulementt in the previous year. Owing to the dire economic situation and volatile security situation many refugees who were once selfreliant have become increasingly vulnerable. There has been an erosion the outreach and quality of public services, and the deteriorating economy is driving up the cost of living for most Yemenis as well as for refugees and asylum-seekers. Work opportunities are limited, including in service jobs and in the informal economy. The number of refugees who need basic assistance is expected to rise with continuing ﬂows of new arrivals in Yemen. UNHCR and its partners have

226

the main responsibility to meet basic needs of these vulnerable refugees.

The Office will proactively identify cases in close coordination between protection, RSD, community services, and resettlement staff as well as partners, in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk. The Office will continue receiving referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs. Additionally, proGres will be used to identify families that have expressed an interest in resettlement, in which one or more members of the family have been identified as being a woman or girl at risk.

Yemen’s health system has been affected by the 2011 civil unrest and economic crisis, and medical facilities are lacking in supplies and staff. Refugees used to have access to primary, secondary, and tertiary health care provided by the UNHCR’s partners. In 2012, however, partner-run health facilities became over-stretched, resulting in the introduction of a costsharing system with minimal fees for urban refugees in 2013. Opportunities for refugees to achieve legal, social, and economic integration are limited, and therefore there are no immediate prospects for longterm local integration in Yemen.

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 300 persons in 2014 with five core staff and four affiliate workforce staff: one Resettlement Officer (P3), two Resettlement Associates (G6), one Senior Resettlement Assistant (G5), one ICMC deployee, one UNOPS consultant, and two NUNV staff tasked with resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review.

UNHCR Yemen conducts a voluntary repatriation programme for refugees to the autonomous regions of Puntland and Somaliland. However, most of the Somali refugees in Yemen are from south-central Somalia, which so far has not been an area to which UNHCR facilitates voluntary repatriation. Other nationalities, such as Eritreans, also lack prospects for voluntary return given the limitation to local integration. Resettlement is available for a small number of the most vulnerable refugees.

Middle East

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 The specific needs codes in proGres were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 160 Somali, 100 Ethiopian, and 20 Eritrean refugees and 20 refugees from other countries have been identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to their needs, including those with security concerns in Yemen, those in need of family reunification, those with medical needs, women and girls at risk, victims of violence and torture, unaccompanied children, or those in indefinite immigration detention. Resettlement activities are significantly affected by the suspension of missions from resettlement countries to Yemen due to the fragile security situation. In view of the limited offers for dossier submissions, in 2014, UNHCR only expects to process 300 persons for resettlement.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

Somalia

1,924

7,696

Ethiopia

278

444

Eritrea

Various Total

persons

cases

persons

160

100

2,274

8,272

130

300

196

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

227

Morocco 125

Libya 150

Mauritania 20

LEGEND:

Country Name UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (persons)

228

Egypt 2,000

North Africa

Egypt.......................................................................................................................................................................... 230 Libya .......................................................................................................................................................................... 232 Mauritania .................................................................................................................................................................. 234

North Africa

Morocco .................................................................................................................................................................... 236

Historial Trends of UNHCR’s planned submissions 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

Egypt

ê 900

ê 800

é 1,251

é 2,000

è 2,000

Libya

1,000

è 1,000

é 1,800

ê 100

é 150

Mauritania

ê 23

ê 17

è 17

é 20

Morocco

é 45

é 51

é 65

é 125 229

Egypt Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database Biometrics used at registration 1951 Refugee Convention / 1967 Protocol signatory state

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 26,669 of refugees of different nationalities living in urban areas, mainly in Cairo and a few in Alexandria, Egypt. These populations have been recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR, and the older caseloads of Somali and Iraqi origin on a prima facie basis under UNHCR’s mandate; the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees; or the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. There are no formal camps, but some 2,000 refugees, who had ﬂed the violence in Libya in 2011 remained along the Egyptian-Libyan land border in Salloum on 1 January 2013. Of the total refugee and asylum-seeker population registered by the UNHCR in Egypt, 17,530 were women, 18,991 were men, and 19,861 were children. 654 were women and girls at risk, and 928 were unaccompanied or separated children. 9,000 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 9,000 in 2014 (excluding arrivals from Syria).

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

7.5

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern Refugee population

01.01.13

persons 11,409

Somalia (urban)

6,389

Iraq (urban)

5,839

Eritrea (urban)

1,218

Ethiopia (urban)

854

South Sudan* (urban)

148

Various (urban)

812

Total refugee population

26,669

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Syrian Arab Republic (urban)

12,992***

Sudan (urban)

10,583**

Ethiopia (urban)

1,350

Somalia (urban)

1,206

Iraq (urban)

1,095

Eritrea urban)

1,069

South Sudan (urban)

559

Various (urban)

859

Total asylum-seeker population

29,713

Total persons of concern

56,382

UNHCR is working on disaggregating the statistics of Sudanese and South Sudanese for the entire population. Veriﬁcation of ethnicity has not yet been completed.

** RSD has been suspended for Sudanese since June 2004, but was restarted for certain groups in 2009; hence the large number of asylum-seekers. 4,176 asylum-seekers would be eligible for South Sudanese nationality based on ethnicity. *** Under temporary protection.

230

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Egypt is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. However, it has entered the following reservations to the 1951 Convention: the rights to personal status (Article 12(1)), rationing (Article 20), primary education (Article 22(1)), public relief (Article 23), and labour legislation and social security (Article 24). Egypt is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. There is no national asylum framework in Egypt. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) and appeals are conducted by UNHCR. There are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Egypt. Detention is used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry and attempts to exit the country informally. As of 1 January 2013, there were 34 registered refugees and asylum-seekers in detention, mostly for migrationrelated offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention, so long as they have been registered with UNHCR. In addition, civil society groups and NGOs regularly inform UNHCR of several other hundreds not yet registered but who reportedly want to seek asylum. Refugees have the right to temporary residence and freedom of movement, and some nationalities, such as Sudanese and Syrian refugees, have access to public primary education in Egypt. The situation of refugees and asylum-seekers in Egypt is characterized by difﬁcult socio-economic conditions, poverty, and a sensitive political and security environment. These problems are compounded by continuing legal, administrative, and practical obstacles to access to employment, public schools, health care, and public relief. In addition, the sharp increase in the prices of basic commodities continued to have an effect on the Egyptian poor as well as persons of concern to UNHCR. In this environment, UNHCR and its partners have continued to support refugees and asylum-seekers, particularly

the most vulnerable, to meet their basic protection and assistance needs, including to access affordable health care and education. Therefore, refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Egypt. Potential for voluntary repatriation in safety and dignity may be considered on a case-by-case basis for South Sudanese and some Iraqi refugees originating from areas considered relatively safe. However, most other refugees have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity, and UNHCR continues to advise against their return.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

number of refugees, especially those held in detention – whether registered or unregistered, and who reportedly want to seek asylum. In addition, UNHCR might undertake file reviews of the Syrian refugee population for resettlement consideration. The reviews will be done based on referrals made to the resettlement unit from other internal units and possibly external referrals. The Office will pursue the same approach of needs-based assessments to determine who would be in need of resettlement. Priority and special attention will be given to refugees with urgent legal and physical protection needs, women and girls at risk, survivors of violence and torture, and medical cases. The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 2,000 persons in 2014. There are currently eight core staff and three affiliate workforce staff, including two ICMC resettlement deployees and one RefugePoint deployee, devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions target for 2014, the Office will need to maintain the same number of core staff and affiliate workforce staff.

The specific needs codes in proGres, participatory approach, and identification of needs methodologies continue to be used to identify the total resettlement needs. 2,000 refugees from various nationalities have been identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to their specific needs. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: accurate data on proGres reflecting the bio-data and specific needs; criteria set by resettlement countries; and staffing capacity.

North Africa

The Office has also consulted NGOs, affiliate workforce and refugee communities in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners, including NGOs. Refugees from Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Ethiopia, and Eritrea will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement. Many fall under the protracted caseload for which there are no alternative durable solutions other than resettlement. UNHCR continues to adopt an approach using resettlement strategically to benefit a greater

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Sudan

260

650

260

650

200

500

Somalia

200

500

200

500

160

400

Iraq

120

300

120

300

200

Eritrea

100

250

100

250

150

Ethiopia

150

100

Various Total

150

100

800

2,000

800

2,000

580

1,450

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

231

Libya Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 10,586 refugees living in Libya. Most of the refugees are living in urban areas in coastal regions. Those refugees with families, mainly of Syrian, Palestinian, and Iraqi origin, have managed to secure basic rented accommodation through family or friends. Single men and women with children, mainly from Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia, share overcrowded rented accommodation. Refugees in Libya are recognized by UNHCR under its mandate. Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR in Libya, 1,672 were women, 2,253 were men, and 6,661 were children. 53 were women and girls at risk, and 19 were unaccompanied or separated children. The Syrian community in the country estimates that by the end of 2012, their size was approximately 100,000. UNHCR is expected to gradually commence registration of Syrian refugees.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Syrian Arab Republic

3,721

Occupied Palestinian Territories

3,002

Iraq

2,467

Sudan

651

Eritrea

473

Somalia

176

Various

Total refugee population

10,586

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Eritrea

1,254

Iraq

603

Somalia

600

Sudan

365

Various

160

Total asylum-seeker population

2,982

Individuals in a refugee-like situation (including those in detention)

10,000*

Total persons of concern

23,568

* Persons of concern who were already in Libya and not registered with UNHCR before 2010, and/or persons of concern who have arrived since 2011 and were unable to register with UNHCR in the absence of an agreement between UNHCR and the Libyan government.

232

With the intensiﬁcation of the conﬂict in Syria, an increased number of Syrian nationals (as well as Palestinians ex-Syria) are expected to continue to try seeking asylum in Libya in 2013. Thus, it is likely that Syrians will remain the largest group of persons of concern (PoC) in 2013, followed by Eritrean and Somali nationals. On the other hand, the numbers of Iraqis applying for asylum to UNHCR is expected to continue to decrease, in accordance with the trend observed over the past years. The estimated number of non-Syrian new arrivals (mainly from sub-Saharan Africa) in 2014 is 10,000.

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions Libya is not a State party to the 1951 Convention or the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Although Libya has ratified the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, it has not yet established any national legislation or effective administrative structures to deal with refugees and asylum-seekers. The absence of an agreement between UNHCR and the Libyan Government continues to pose serious challenges. UNHCR has been operating in this context ever since it was allowed to resume its presence in Libya in September 2011. The Office has been compelled to limit its registration activities to individuals coming from Syria. Refugee status determination and resettlement activities are still suspended. UNHCR continues to make considerable efforts to advocate with the Government of Libya and the local authorities on the protection of PoC, alternatives to detention, and a temporary migrant registration system. Nevertheless, PoC, particularly those detained on an ad hoc basis and in overcrowded detention sites, face serious protection concerns with regard to accessing food, water, and health care, as well as physical mistreatment and labour exploitation. Therefore, at present most refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Libya.

Detention is used for migration-related offences, including irregular entry. In May 2012, the Government of Libya established the Department Combating Irregular Migration (DCIM) within the Ministry of Interior to deal with irregular migrants. As of 1 January 2013, UNHCR had gained access to a total of 8,504 PoC in 33 out of 38 migration detention centers. In February 2013, UNHCR was given permission to commence registration of PoC in detention. 3,056 new individuals were registered by UNHCR in 2012 alone, mostly of Syrian (2,430), Palestinian (ex-Syria) (373), Somali (72), and Eritrean (72) origins. In 2012, 41 Iraqi refugees were assisted by UNHCR to voluntarily repatriate. However, most refugees in Libya have no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 150 persons in 2014. There are currently no core staff devoted to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. There is one G5 Senior Durable Solutions Assistant on staff in Tripoli who is currently monitoring the needs of refugees in detention, and who has coordinated the limited number of voluntary repatriations in the past. In order to meet the submissions of 150 persons planned for 2014, the current Senior Durable Solutions Assistant (or another national protection staff member) will have to assume resettlement responsibilities half-time, under the overall supervision of the Senior Protection Officer (in the absence of core Resettlement Officer positions). If/when a decision is made to include vulnerable Syrians, staff capacity and needs will need to be revised.

Specific needs codes in proGres were used by UNHCR in March 2013 to identify the total resettlement needs. 60 Eritrean, 80 Somali, and 10 Iraqi refugees were identified for submission in 2014. The Office has also prioritized the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners.

North Africa

The key challenge in determining the submissions planned for 2014 was the lack of community-based approaches, participatory assessments, or the use of the Heightened Risk Identification Tool to identify resettlement needs. Most importantly, there is no knowledge of when and/or if an agreement will be reached with the Libyan government by which UNHCR may be permitted to resettle refugees. If no such agreement is reached, UNHCR will not be able to meet its submissions goal. The Syrian refugee population has not been included in the projected target for 2014 due to the uncertainty of an agreement with the Libyan Government. The projected figure may be reviewed later in the year, to reflect whether Syrian refugees will be included in the submissions. Refugees from all countries of origin will benefit from multi-year planning and prioritization for the strategic use of resettlement.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

385

473

176

Iraq

626

2,467

Total

1,107

3,116

150

Somalia

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

233

children; there were no identiﬁed unaccompanied or separated children.

Mauritania

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place

Mauritania is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Mauritania is also a State party to the 1969 Convention Governing the Speciﬁc Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Both Conventions have been transposed into national law by the Decree 0222005 of 3 March 2005. First instance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) and appeals are conducted by UNHCR. UNHCR has been working with the Government of Mauritania since 2010 to draft the national asylum law that will govern refugees and deﬁne national RSD. Currently, the draft law is on the agenda of the Council of Ministers, awaiting approval before being submitted to the Parliament for adoption.

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Mali (Mbera Camp)

54,028

Côte d’Ivoire (Nouakhchott and Nouadhibou) 276 Various

191

Total refugee population

54,495

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Côte d’Ivoire (Nouakhchott and Nouadhibou) 479 Democratic Republic of the Congo (Nouakhchott and Nouadhibou)

180

Various

164

Total asylum-seeker population

823

Total persons of concern

55,318

Malian refugees living in Mbéra Camp, in south-east Mauritania, and 467 refugees of various nationalities in the urban areas of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. The camp population was recognized on a prima facie basis, and the urban population was recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate. Of the total refugee population registered by the UNHCR in Mauritania, 29,824 were women and men and 24,671 were children. Of the total urban refugee population registered by UNHCR in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, 201 were women and 266 were men. Eight were women and girls at risk and 178 were

234

There are no major restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Mauritania. Refugees can pass checkpoints on the main connecting routes with a valid refugee card. Detention is used for migrationrelated offences, including irregular stay and visa overstay. On a regular basis, police operations are carried out in urban areas aiming at identifying undocumented aliens without permission to stay. As a result, refugees and asylum-seekers are, on some occasions, detained at police stations. They are usually freed upon clariﬁcation or intervention by UNHCR or its partner NGO. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees or asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offences. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. In general terms, refugees have access to education and health services in Mauritania. They are, however, confronted to a certain extent with administrative obstacles that require UNHCR’s or its partner’s intervention on a regular basis. Mauritania’s economy is highly informal, in which individuals may easily take up an activity; however, they remain unprotected by laws. In regularized sectors, refugees encounter administrative obstacles when submitting applications for permits. Mauritania’s informal economy therefore offers both opportunities and risks to individuals who strive to become self-reliant. Persons with legal protection needs related to their sexual orientation tend to encounter more difﬁculties with law enforcement authorities and in general face a higher risk of exclusion in the labour market. Refugees with particular legal and/or physical protection needs or serious medical conditions have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Mauritania. For the caseload of Ivorian and Congolese (DRC) refugees, voluntary repatriation is supported whenever individuals express their wish to return. However, Ivorian and Congolese (DRC) refugees have generally no prospects for repatriation in safety and dignity. Given the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Côte d’Ivoire, no voluntary return campaign is envisaged or encouraged by UNHCR.

Tall, with piercing but kindly eyes, Ahmadou is an ethnic Tuareg community leader from central Mali.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 20 persons in 2014. There are currently five core staff, including one Protection Officer, one Associate Protection Officer, one Associate Community Services Officer and two Protection Associates that devote part of their time to resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 20 persons planned for 2014, the Office will need to maintain its current staffing.

Regarding the Malian population living in Mbéra refugee camp, with an improved protection and security environment, no resettlement is planned for 2014. For the urban population, data from proGres and veriﬁed information from protection reports by UNHCR’s partner were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 20 individuals were identiﬁed for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to their category: legal and/or physical protection needs, women and girls at risk, and medical needs.

North Africa

In order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014, the Office is also using information drawn from SGBV reports. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by its partner, a local NGO that carries out registration of asylum requests and community services.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Senegal

Côte d’Ivoire

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Various

Total

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

235

Morocco Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures in place Resettlement anti-fraud mechanisms in place proGres database in place UNHCR owns proGres database Government owns proGres database

Protection environment and prospects for durable solutions

Percentage of cases submitted in 2012 under the Women and Girls at Risk category

Percentage of registered refugees identiﬁed for resettlement submission in 2014

Persons of concern

As of 1 January 2013, there were a total of 312 Ivorian, 181 Congolese, 147 Iraqi, and 104 refugees of various nationalities living in urban areas in Morocco. This population was recognized on an individual basis by UNHCR under its mandate. Of the total refugee population registered by UNHCR in Morocco, 182 were women, 393 were men, and 169 were children. 80 were women and girls at risk, and 20 were unaccompanied or separated children. 3,800 new arrivals are expected in 2013 and 4,300 in 2014.

01.01.13

Refugee population

persons

Côte d’Ivoire

312

Democratic Republic of the Congo

181

Iraq

147

Various

104

Total refugee population

744

Asylum-seeker population

persons

Côte d’Ivoire

307

Nigeria

237

Democratic Republic of the Congo

228

Mali

126

Cameroon

104

Various

334

Total asylum-seeker population

1,336

Total persons of concern

2,080

Morocco is a State party to the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Although Morocco is party to the 1951 Refugee Convention, there are no procedures for the identification and the protection of refugees. Decree no. 2 - 51-1256, applying the 1951 Refugee Convention, is the legislative framework regulating refugee and asylum issues. To date, this Decree is not implemented. In the absence of an efficient national asylum procedure, UNHCR has been conducting the registration, refugee status determination (RSD), and documentation of refugees. It is expected that the Government of Morocco will gradually take over this responsibility. Refugee rights enumerated in the 1951 Convention have not yet been incorporated in any specific legislation. Refugees and asylum-seekers documented by UNHCR do not have access to the labour market, a formal residence permit, or other rights enumerated in the 1951 Convention. While there are no restrictions on refugees’ freedom of movement within Morocco, in practice, 2012 witnessed frequent identity checks, resulting in arrests of persons of concern. As of 1 January 2013, there were no registered refugees and asylum-seekers in detention for migration-related offenses. UNHCR is regularly granted access to persons of concern in detention. Refugees do not have the right to formal residence or any other right enumerated in the 1951 Refugee Convention in Morocco. Therefore, refugees have no immediate prospects for long-term local integration in Morocco. Also, most refugees registered with UNHCR do not consider voluntary repatriation a viable option.

Projected resettlement needs and submissions planned for 2014 The specific needs codes and participatory approach were used to identify the total resettlement needs. 125 refugees from Côte d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and LGBTI persons (various nationalities) were identified for submission in 2014. Cases will be prioritized for resettlement submission according to specific vulnerabilities and protection risks in country of asylum. The following key challenges were considered in determining the submissions planned for 2014: lack of dedicated resettlement staff or availability of

236

protection staff to focus on preparing resettlement submissions, due to competing priorities and increased pressure on the registration and the RSD procedure due to rising number of asylum-seekers since mid-2012. The Office has also continued the use of home visits by Community Services staff and strengthened its sexual and gender-based violence referral system in order to achieve the objective of submitting at least 10 per cent of resettlement cases under the category of women and girls at risk in 2014. The Office further receives referrals of cases identified by partners.

North Africa

The Office will have the capacity to complete RRFs for 20 persons in 2014. There are currently two core staff, one P3 Protection Officer and one G6 RSD Associate, involved on part time basis in resettlement counselling, case preparation, and review. In order to meet the submissions of 125 persons planned for 2014, the Office will additionally need one affiliate workforce staff for at least six months.

Projected resettlement needs and UNHCR capacity for 2014 A. Population group (country/territory of origin)

Democratic Republic of the Congo

B. Total projected resettlement needs

C. Total UNHCR submissions D. UNHCR core staff planned for 2014 (target)* capacity in 2014

cases

persons

cases

persons

cases

persons

Various

Total

125

* Based upon UNHCR total capacity (core staff + afﬁliate workforce) in 2014

237

Media UNHCR’s Guterres: Syria refugees reach one million Press Releases, 6 March 2013

Data received from UNHCR’s ofﬁces in the Syria region shows that the number of Syrians either registered as refugees or being assisted as such has now reached the one million mark.

“These countries should not only be recognized for their unstinting commitment to keeping their borders open for Syrian refugees, they should be massively supported as well,” said Guterres.

“With a million people in ﬂight, millions more displaced internally, and thousands of people continuing to cross the border every day, Syria is spiraling towards full-scale disaster,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres. “We are doing everything we can to help, but the international humanitarian response capacity is dangerously stretched. This tragedy has to be stopped.”

In December, the UN’s Regional Response Plan for Syrian Refugees estimated that 1.1 million Syrian refugees would arrive in neighbouring countries by the end of June 2013. UNHCR is in the process adjusting this plan accordingly in light of the new ﬁgures. Currently, the plan is only approximately 25 per cent funded.

The number of Syrian refugees fleeing their country has increased dramatically since the beginning of the year. Over 400,000 have become refugees since 1st January 2013. They arrive traumatized, without possessions and having lost members of their families. Around half of the refugees are children, the majority under the age of eleven. Most have fled to Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt. Increasingly, Syrians are also fleeing to North Africa and Europe. “This number translates into one million people who are dependent on the generosity of host countries, the response of humanitarian agencies and the financial support of governments and individuals,” said Guterres. Guterres noted that the impact of this large number of refugees arriving in neighbouring countries is severe. Lebanon’s population has increased by as much as 10 per cent. Jordan’s energy, water, health and education services are being strained to the limit. Turkey has spent over US$600 million setting up 17 refugee camps, with more under construction. Iraq, juggling its own crisis with more than one million Iraqis internally displaced, has received over one hundred thousand Syrian refugees in the past year.

238

Absent a political solution to the conﬂict, Guterres said, “at a minimum, humanitarian actors should receive the funds needed to save lives and ease suffering.” The Syria crisis will be two years old next week. High Commissioner Guterres will be travelling to the region later this week to visit UNHCR operations in Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon. For additional information Press contacts: Melissa Fleming +41 79 557 9122 ﬂeming@unhcr.org Sybella Wilkes +41 79 557 9138 wilkes@unhcr.org Adrian Edwards +41 79 557 9120 edwards@unhcr.org Reem Alsalem +961 71 911 388 alsalem@unhcr.org

MENA: Media Spotlight Two young Syrian refugees in a collective shelter in Lebanon. Programmes for the refugees are being affected by funding shortages. ÂŠ UNHCR / Salah Malkawi/ July 2012.

239

Teenage Somali refugee aims to become a hip hop superstar CHOUCHA TRANSIT CAMP, Tunisia, March 29 (UNHCR)

Saber has his future mapped out. “It’s clear to me I’m going to be a big star,” says the budding hip hop artist. But then he adds, “Without my family, my dream is nothing,” and it hits you that however conﬁdent he may be, he’s still a vulnerable teenager who needs help. The 17-year-old refugee has been stuck at the Choucha transit centre near the Tunisian-Libya border crossing for a year and now waits anxiously to hear if the United States – the home of hip hop – has accepted him for resettlement. It’s a slow process, but as an unaccompanied minor he is regarded by the UN refugee agency as particularly vulnerable. Isabelle Misic, a senior UNHCR protection ofﬁcer, said unaccompanied minors “not only face the hardship of staying in another country as children, but they are also at risk of abuse and exploitation in the absence of their parents.” UNHCR closely monitors the situation of children in Choucha and has helped establish community networks to support some 100 unaccompanied minors still in the camp, in addition to 240

providing schooling, sport and recreational activities through the Danish Refugee Council. Saber fled the war in his native Somalia five years ago, ending up in Libya before fleeing to Tunisia in March last year after anti-government protests that led to the eventual downfall of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime. He clearly wants to get out of Choucha. “It’s too cold, or too hot. It’s windy. I dont feel happy in this place.” Seeing other unaccompanied children leave for resettlement in Europe recently has been difficult. But the teenager has been making the most of his time, gathering a loyal following among the more than 3,000 refugees and asylum-seekers – mainly single young males from sub-Saharan Africa – for his hip hop wizardry. The young man, as “S’Joe,” performs once a week at a community centre run at the site by the Danish Refugee Council. When UNHCR visited, he was entertaining dozens of young children at a party held to keep spirits up for those awaiting news on resettlement to third countries.

“There was a security problem in my country,” he told UNHCR, understating the bitter conﬂict that began ravaging Somalia four years before he was even born. “Also, I never had any opportunity to get a proper education in Mogadishu,” added Saber, the eldest of nine children, citing his other key reason for leaving the Somali capital. After two months in Ethiopia, his Mogadishu neighbours left for Europe, leaving the youngster on his own. He fell in with a group of young Somali men who agreed to take him with them to the Sudan capital, Khartoum. “I stayed in Khartoum for eight months and I tried to get work, but employers said I was too young.” So he joined another group who were going to Libya. “I didn’t have to pay. We entered Libya at Kufra [in the south-east].” His luck ran out near the eastern town of Ajdabiya, where he and his guardians were arrested and detained for six months, only being released after paying money. Saber’s next stop was Tripoli, at the end of 2008, where his musical career began. “I liked music so I created a group called ‘Oncod Again’ [Thunder Again],” he said. The teen rapped in Somali, while his older bandmates – three girls and one guy – provided backing. He also learned “from Libyan friends, who bought me a guitar” and says now that, “When people saw me, I said I was trying to be a musician and they supported me.” The band performed mostly in people’s homes, but were ready to move to the next level. “On March 17, we were planning to do a big concert,” Saber recalled, “But the war intervened.” Nine days before the gig, he had joined the tens of thousands of other foreigners streaming across the border into Tunisia at Ras Adjir, just seven kilometres from Choucha. “I was afraid about the war and sought safety,” he explained.

“We look for beats and then do whatever we want,” SD said, adding: “We sing about the things around us.” Saber also regularly watches MTV on a neighbour’s set for inspiration. And the two have already created a portfolio of work, with titles like “Tears of Pain,” “Disguise my Limits,” “Choucha Gospel” and “Don’t Go Back,” which is a message to those in Choucha who think of returning to Libya to make the dangerous sea crossing to Europe. And aside from fuelling his ambition and optimism, hip hop is also helping with Saber’s education. He sings mostly in Somali, but notes that for real success “there is something missing – English.” So he’s been attending language classes, determined to add another string to his hip hop bow. Meanwhile, two things prey on his mind – his family and resettlement, following referral of his case to the United States for consideration. With the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross he talks to his kin every Friday by telephone. He hopes that one day they will be reunited in a new country, where they can all follow their dreams. By Leo Dobbs in Choucha Transit Centre, Tunisia To watch the video: unhcr.org/v-4f7431d06

MENA: Media Spotlight

Saber has clearly never suffered from a lack of self-belief. When he was just 12 he decided to leave Mogadishu without telling his family, as “I was afraid they would say I couldn’t go because I was too young,” and headed off with a neighbouring family to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.

There’s not a lot to do in Choucha, but Saber has been pursuing his dream here. And he’s found a mentor and teacher, a 30-year-old rapper who introduced himself as “SD.” The Nigerian has been teaching “S’Joe” how to rap and write lyrics. SD saw his pupil performing at the Danish Refugee Council’s community centre. “I thought this guy is good,” but lacked musical training and decent equipment, said SD, who has been sharing his knowledge. For starters, they have to use a mobile phone to download backing music because they don’t have a computer that would allow them to create their own sounds.

241

UNHCR Headquarters, Geneva, Case Processing Unit The Processing Unit (PU) of the Resettlement Service at UNHCR Headquarters facilitates the dossier submission of resettlement cases received from Regional and Field Ofﬁces. The PU also facilitates the processing of Family Reuniﬁcation applications for refugees in Latin America.

Resettlement Throughout 2012, the PU submitted 369 resettlement applications on behalf of 8171 refugees from 38 countries of origin, including stateless persons. A number of resettlement submissions were also made by the Refugee Resettlement Hubs, in particular resettlement applications on behalf of 465 refugees were submitted by the Beirut Hub and applications on behalf of 186 refugees were submitted by the Nairobi Hub.2 The highest numbers of dossier submissions were made by UNHCR Field and Regional Ofﬁces in the Russian Federation (12 per cent), the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of South Africa, and Azerbaijan (7 per cent each). Dossier submissions for urgent and emergency processing were referred from 59 countries of asylum. Refugees from Afghanistan comprised 15 per cent of the submissions, Somalia 10 per cent, and the Democratic Republic of Congo 9 per cent. Dossier submissions were made to Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden. This includes dossier submissions to France and the Netherlands under normal priority. Dossier submissions to Australia, Canada and New Zealand were made locally. Dossier submissions are a critical component of the resettlement programme, particularly where resettlement country selection missions cannot effectuated as a result of the security conditions or refugees being scattered widely in small groups throughout a sub-region. Dossier submissions provide

242

Of which 83 cases / 198 persons were resubmissions, meaning that the total submissions represented 286 new cases / 619 persons.

While the overall global management of resettlement places remains with the Resettlement Service, some 44 per cent of the total resettlement places available under resettlement countries emergency, urgent and medical sub-quotas have been delegated to the Resettlement Hubs (the Beirut Hub 31 per cent and the Nairobi Hub 13 percent) for direct submission to resettlement countries. The remaining 56 per cent of places are used for submission through the Processing Unit in the Resettlement Service.

an avenue to use resettlement as a tool of protection for particularly vulnerable refugees. Most importantly, they enable expedited resettlement processing for refugees having urgent or emergency protection or medical needs, which constitute the majority of all referrals submitted on dossier. Of the PU resettlement submissions recorded in 2012, 62 per cent were under the Legal and/or Physical Protection Needs category as a primary resettlement need. Many of these submissions involved refugees who were at imminent risk of being arrested and detained in the country of asylum and deported, extradited, or refouled d to their country of origin, mostly due to domestic immigration violations and restrictive or absent asylum systems. Others involved refugees trapped in airport transit zones. These refugees were often difficult for UNHCR to access, and their emergency resettlement on dossier basis often was the only available means for securing their immediate protection. Dossier places for refugees with medical needs counted for 27 per cent of PU resettlement referrals on dossier basis had medical needs. In many countries of asylum there are limited locally available options for medical treatment for refugees, especially in Africa from which 68 per cent of the emergency referrals under the medical needs category originated in 2012. Most refugees with life-threatening illnesses or severe disabilities have no or minimal access to basic health care. In addition, many refugees are trying to cope with the consequences of their flight, the trauma and violence endured, and the daily living conditions in their new surroundings. Many also live in protracted situations of poverty and insecurity, primarily in camp settings. For these refugees and their families, expedited resettlement on a dossier basis often is the only option for ensuring their survival and preventing further deterioration of their medical condition. Among the PU resettlement referrals on dossier basis in 2012, 25 per cent represented women and girls at risk, many on urgent and emergency basis. Refugee women and girls are frequently subjected to sexual and gender-based violence, including exploitation, forced marriage, domestic violence, and harmful traditional practices. Refugee women and girls are compelled to engage in survival sex or become victims of human traffickers due to situations of coercion, poverty, and gender inequality. Often immediate interventions were needed as psychosocial support and local protection measures including safe houses were unavailable. In such situations, urgent or emergency resettlement provided for an immediate protection response. Around 2,000 persons are estimated to be in need of resettlement on dossier submissions in 2014, including urgent, emergency, and medical cases submitted either through the PU, HQ or the Resettlement Hubs. At current staffing levels, UNHCR has the capacity to process these refugees for resettlement. However, it is anticipated that normal or ad hoc dossier submissions will increase as new resettlement countries emerge, thereby requiring enhanced resources and support from the Resettlement Service and the Hubs.

Annexes

A Sudanese refugee from Darfur waives goodbye to his friends in Shousha, as he leaves for resettlement to the US. © UNHCR/R. Nuri

Family Reunification UNHCR’s Family Reunification Travel Assistance Project assists families by providing financial assistance to refugees who cannot afford the costs of reunification. The Project accepts applications from UNHCR Field Offices and aims to encourage these and resettlement countries to assume a dedicated role in the family reunification process including financially. As of 2013, the PU has limited its financial support to applications for family reunification from UNHCR Field Offices in Latin America. Throughout 2012, the PU received 23 applications, concerning over 62 persons, for family reunification. These applications consisted mostly of reunification with family members originating from Somalia (17 per cent), Haiti (17 per cent) and Ethiopia (9 per cent). The main countries of destination in 2012 were Ireland (37 per cent), Brazil (26 per cent) and Mexico (18 per cent). In 2012, 53 per cent of the family members authorized to travel were children, 6 per cent of these children were unaccompanied minors.3 So far in 20134, 7 applications for family reunification were received by the PU, consisting of 23 persons, mostly from Colombia (35 per cent) and Syria (17 per cent). Applications for family reunification of children remained high (55 per cent). The main destination countries by mid-2013 were Argentina (40 per cent), Brazil (23 per cent) and Chile (23 per cent).

These unaccompanied minors have been separated from both parents and other relatives and are not being cared for by an adult who, by law or custom, is responsible for doing so, in the country of origin or the country of asylum and have been reuniﬁed with one or both parents in the country of destination.

Statistics are calculated up to May 2013.

243

244

Annexes Annex 1: Standardized methodology in identifying and estimating the number of refugees in need of resettlement and UNHCR capacity y ............................................................................. 246

Annex 2: UNHCR Projected Global Resettlement Needs 2014 ....................................................................... 248 UNHCR projected global resettlement needs and capacity for 2014 with the region of refugeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; countries of asylum ............................................................................... 248 UNHCR projected global resettlement needs and capacity for 2014 with the region of refugeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; countries of origi ................................................................................... 248 UNHCR projected global resettlement needs 2014 by country of asylum...................................................... 249 UNHCR projected global resettlement needs 2014 by country of origin .........................................................251 Top 10s ............................................................................................................................................................. 252 Combined Statistics......................................................................................................................................... 254

Annex 3: UNHCR Global Resettlement Statistical Report 2012 ..................................................................... 259 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 259 Summary of Major Trends................................................................................................................................ 259

Top Ten: UNHCR Resettlement Submissions in 2012 ..................................................................................... 260 UNHCR Resettlement Submissions in 2012.................................................................................................... 261

Annexes

At a Glance Figures .......................................................................................................................................... 259

Top Ten: UNHCR Resettlement Departures in 2012........................................................................................ 262 UNHCR Resettlement Departures in 2012 ...................................................................................................... 263 UNHCR Resettlement by Submission Category in 2012................................................................................. 263 UNHCR Resettlement Under the Women and Girls at Risk Category in 2012 ................................................ 264 UNHCR Resettlement Under the Medical Needs Category in 2012 ............................................................... 265 UNHCR Resettlement by Priority in 2012 ........................................................................................................ 265 Acceptance Rates of UNHCR Submissions by Resettlement Countries in 2012 ........................................... 267 UNHCR Resettlement Departures 2008-2012................................................................................................. 268 Protracted Refugee Situations Where Resettlement Takes Place 2010-2012 ................................................ 269 Per Capita Resettlement by Country of Resettlement in 2012........................................................................ 269

245

Annex 1 Standardized methodology Identifying and estimating the number of refugees in need of resettlement and UNHCR capacity The figures in this document indicating the projected global resettlement needs for 2014 have been drawn from the Operations Plans for 2014 and the Summary Protection Assessments prepared by UNHCR country Offices. Pursuant to UNHCR’s priority to use resettlement as a protection tool and as part of a comprehensive durable solutions strategy, UNHCR Country Offices undertake a yearly exercise of proactive planning for resettlement as an integral part of the planning process. They forecast refugee resettlement needs and UNHCR’s capacity to address them in the next calender year. Each Office is required to report resettlement needs based on the actual resettlement needs and, where applicable, involving the strategic use of resettlement. In addition to the Operations Plans for 2014, UNHCR Country Offices’ Summary Protection Assessments, which outline the core protection problems currently affecting UNHCR’s populations of concern, provide important information to assist with forward planning, especially with regard to the challenges and opportunities to promote resettlement, scope for working with partners, staffing and resources, and making effective use of resettlement tools such as the Baseline Standard Operating Procedures, proGres, participatory assessments, and other ways to identify refugees at heightened risk. In the planning for 2014, UNHCR continued to apply standard methodologies to determine the number of refugees in need of resettlement, further ensuring systematic needs-based resettlement projections. A standard approach was used by Country Offices to determine the role and scope for resettlement within its overall protection and solutions strategy. This determination is normally based on considerations related to the protection environment/ framework in the country and the effective availability of other durable solutions. In this context, resettlement is both a protection tool as well as a durable solution that can be used strategically to help resolve specific refugee situations even if such interventions are not seen to be urgent or life-saving. The methodologies used are underpinned by a few basic principles. First, the estimation of the number of refugees in need of resettlement depends on the quality of registration data. The estimated needs for resettlement are primarily based on the data available in proGres.1 Additionally, government registration records – where available – or WFP food distribution databases are used to inform decisions about the needs. Second, in addition to making effective use of proGres and other data sources, the projection of resettlement needs is derived from information gathered during participatory assessments with refugees and other interactions with Persons of Concern (PoCs), such as needs assessment surveys, e.g. using the Heightened Risk Identification Tool (HRIT).2

Methodology A: Uses the Specific Needs Codes (SNC) in proGres to estimate the number of people in need of resettlement. This methodology requires Offices to create a report from proGres showing the number of persons who have specific needs that correspond to a likelihood of resettlement eligibility. The guidelines further provide breakdown of SNC into high/medium or variable/low resettlement likelihood.

Methodology B: Uses community-based approaches, participatory assessments, and the HRIT to inform resettlement needs of people of concern to UNHCR as well as to key partners. The HRIT links participatory assessments and individual assessment methodologies to identify refugees at risk.

Methodology C: Uses “best estimates” based upon limited available data. This methodology requires country Ofﬁces to provide a “best estimate” of the projected resettlement needs by using relevant internal and external data.

246

proGres is UNHCR’s refugee registration platform.

The HRIT was developed to enhance UNHCR’s effectiveness in identifying refugees at risk by linking community-based / participatory assessments and individual assessment methodologies. It has been designed for use by UNHCR staff involved in community services and protection activities (including resettlement) and partner agencies, and the second version was released in 2010. See: UN High Commissioner for Refugees, The Heightened Risk Identiﬁcation Tool (User Guide), June 2010, Second Edition, available at: http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/46f7c0cd2.html

The most thorough and reliable approach combines all of the above methodologies with an emphasis on methodologies A and B. Methodology C alone is normally only used when Offices do not have access to proGres data and are unable to conduct participatory assessments or a representative sample survey of the refugee population. For the 2014 planning cycle, Methodology C alone was used by only five Offices, while the vast majority of Country Offices (approximately 69 Offices) combined various methodologies to ensure a comprehensive and multi-year approach to this exercise. In the planning for 2014, UNHCR continued to apply a standardized methodology to estimate the capacity of Country Offices to process cases for resettlement according to identified resettlement needs. For the purpose of providing a level of consistency in determining the capacity of Offices to assess and submit refugees for resettlement according to identified needs, Offices made a calculation based on: (1) the quality of registration and RSD; (ii) factors such as access to the population of concern; and (iii) the number of resettlement caseworkers.

STEP 1: UNHCR Ofﬁces estimate the number of Resettlement Registration Forms (RRFs) a caseworker can complete in a given week according to the quality of registration and Refugee Status Determination. A standard benchmark matrix was developed to provide the estimated range of individual RRFs to be completed by a caseworker in a given week.

STEP 2: Once the estimated range of individual RRFs to be completed by a caseworker is determined, UNHCR Ofﬁces identify the realistic number of RRFs a caseworker can complete in a given week based on additional factors affecting RRF production, such as access to the refugee population, quality of needs assessment/identiﬁcation, and caseworkers’ extended duties beyond RRF production.

STEP 3: Following Step 1 and Step 2 above, UNHCR Ofﬁces are able to estimate the capacity of the Ofﬁce to

Given the wide range of variables which could affect the estimated number of cases an Ofﬁce might expect to submit for resettlement using the group resettlement methodology and/or abridged RRFs, Ofﬁces are advised to estimate the benchmarks most appropriate for their population of concern.

Annexes

submit individual RRFs in a calendar year by multiplying the number of RRFs estimated in Step 2 by the number of dedicated resettlement caseworkers in an Office, then multiplying by the number of weeks the staff are on duty. The resulting figure provides a rudimentary estimate of the number of RRFs or cases an Office has the capacity to submit in a year. This figure is multiplied by the average number of persons in each RRF/case (or the average family size of the refugee population) to give an indication of the number of persons represented.

Instead of providing both global resettlement needs and resettlement needs in a given programme year, the 2014 projections focus on realistic 2014 targets. The 2014 targets are equivalent to UNHCR’s total capacity inclusive of afﬁliate workforce. The 2014 projections therefore highlight the gap between UNHCR’s yearly target and its core staff capacity. UNHCR core staff capacity in this context refers to the core staff capacity planned for 2014. Core staff refers to staff dedicated to resettlement activities, not counting deployees, consultants, or other temporary staff. In operations where there are no staff members dedicated to resettlement activities, protection staff who spend 25 per cent or more of their work time dedicated to resettlement are counted within “core staff capacity”. JPO staff (resettlement) who will continue to be posted during 2014 are counted as core staff. UNHCR total capacity in this context refers to UNHCR total capacity to process and submit for resettlement, including both UNHCR core staff capacity and afﬁliated workforce, such as deployees, consultants, or other temporary staff.

247

Annex 2 UNHCR Projected Global Resettlement Needs 2014 UNHCR projected global resettlement needs and capacity for 2014 with the region of refugees’ countries of asylum Region of Asylum

Total projected resettlement needs

UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target)

UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Africa

88,455

340,267

11,124

37,466

4,581

16,457

The Americas

8,445

30,288

624

2,114

271

889

116,204

265,447

15,786

36,833

10,131

19,899

Europe

10,136

21,075

4,561

9,050

2,658

5,385

Middle East & North Africa

11,330

33,838

3,405

8,650

2,617

6,651

234,570

690,915

35,500

94,113

20,258

49,281

Asia & the Paciﬁc

Grand Total

UNHCR projected global resettlement needs and capacity for 2014 with the region of refugees’ countries of origin Region of Asylum

UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target)

UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Africa

92,601

349,909

12,123

39,235

5,300

17,762

The Americas

8,400

30,191

594

2,053

254

853

114,296

259,688

16,559

38,552

10,513

20,721

16,068

43,069

4,616

10,752

3,316

7,752

3,193

8,018

1,596

3,481

863

2,153

234,570

690,915

35,500

94,113

20,258

49,281

Asia & the Paciﬁc Europe Middle East & North Africa Various Grand Total

248

Total projected resettlement needs

UNHCR projected global resettlement needs 2014 by country of asylum Sub-Region of Asylum

Country of Asylum

Total projected resettlement needs

UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target)

UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

2,060

10,300

540

2,700

300

1,500

Cameroon

230

920

350

250

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

Central Africa & the Great Lakes

East & Horn of Africa

Southern Africa

West Africa

Burundi

356

637

356

637

Gabon

225

100

Republic of the Congo

182

546

210

Rwanda

3,800

13,300

857

3,000

342

1,200

United Republic of Tanzania

3,544

17,720

904

4,520

452

2,260

Chad

18,710

74,840

415

1,600

415

1,600

Djibouti

1,818

10,175

209

720

260

Eritrea

425

Ethiopia

4,315

13,885

1,490

3,890

433

1,130

Kenya

39,761

151,741

2,108

6,280

1,161

3,837

Somalia

125

Sudan

767

2,815

767

2,815

150

560

Uganda

5,355

18,265

1,440

4,270

445

1,415

Angola

300

1,500

100

500

200

Botswana

163

670

133

400

Malawi

864

2,592

233

700

Mozambique

300

Namibia

408

1,630

185

740

South Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, Lesotho and Swaziland

1,734

5,200

450

1,350

199

600

Zambia

1,712

5,913

275

1,000

134

504

Zimbabwe

210

850

110

450

110

450

C么te d'Ivoire

170

Ghana

112

200

112

200

112

200

Republic of Guinea

200

120

Liberia

1,600

4,763

200

Nigeria

Togo

280

184

88,455

340,267

11,124

37,466

4,581

16,457

Caribbean States, Dominican Republic, Cuba

Costa Rica

8,345

30,045

570

2,000

230

800

Africa Total

Annexes

Africa

The Americas Central Africa & the Great Lakes

Ecuador Panama

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

108

8,445

30,288

624

2,114

271

889

The Americas Total

249

Sub-Region of Asylum

Country of Asylum

Total projected resettlement needs

UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target)

UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Kazakhstan

100

Kyrgyzstan

200

100

Tajikistan

159

Turkmenistan

China

276

332

167

200

Hong Kong

137

240

Indonesia

2,669

3,337

695

875

695

875

Malaysia

82,310

131,150

9,425

15,000

7,395

11,785

Mongolia

PaciďŹ c Islands Region, Papua New Guinea

2,050

5,500

1,548

4,300

330

870

Asia Central Asia

East Asia & the PaciďŹ c

Thailand South Asia

India

130

400

130

400

130

400

Nepal

1,871

9,533

1,400

7,320

315

1,560

316

216

Islamic Rep. of Iran

17,400

87,000

851

4,000

430

2,023

Pakistan

9,084

27,110

1,330

4,000

617

1,850

116,204

265,447

15,786

36,833

10,131

19,899

Azerbaijan

Russian Federation

170

430

170

430

125

350

Ukraine

Malta

325

500

325

475

100

Turkey

9,575

20,000

4,000

8,000

2,417

4,800

10,136

21,075

4,561

9,050

2,658

5,385

Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia

100

Iraq

230

660

Israel

100

Jordan

600

1,200

600

1,200

600

1,200

Kuwait

250

Lebanon

1,405

3,695

625

1,700

200

500

Syrian Arab Rep.

4,510

14,000

800

2,500

800

2,500

105

300

150

2,274

8,272

130

300

196

Egypt

800

2,000

800

2,000

580

1,450

Libya

1,107

3,116

150

Mauritania

Morocco

125

11,330

33,838

3,405

8,650

2,617

6,651

234,570

690,915

35,500

94,113

20,258

49,281

Sri Lanka South-West Asia Asia Total Europe Eastern Europe

South-Eastern Europe Europe Total

Middle East & North Africa Middle East

United Arab Emirates Yemen North Africa

Middle East & North AfricaTotal

Grand Total

250

UNHCR projected global resettlement needs 2014 by country of origin Sub-Region of Asylum

Country of Origin

Total projected resettlement needs

UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target)

UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Burundi

1,062

4,303

493

2,043

208

916

Central African Republic

1,913

7,653

175

650

150

550

316

597

316

597

16,766

65,638

4,485

16,592

1,725

6,778

459

1,292

159

406

109

2,059

6,411

152

474

131

261

Africa Central Africa & the Great Lakes

Republic of the Congo Dem. Rep. of the Congo Rwanda South Sudan East & Horn of Africa

Chad

105

Eritrea

3,485

7,660

1,849

4,624

516

1,156

Ethiopia

1,049

3,065

471

1,221

254

694

Somalia

45,736

178,237

2,974

9,661

1,530

5,117

Sudan

17,900

69,436

820

2,236

664

1,925

105

Uganda West Africa

1,615

4,873

140

463

122

Liberia

Côte d'Ivoire

235

Mali

Senegal

Sierra Leone

230

Togo

92,601

349,909

12,123

39,235

5,300

17,762

Africa Total

Central Africa & the Great Lakes

Colombia

8,396

30,183

590

2,045

250

845

El Salvador

Honduras

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) The Americas Total

8,445

30,288

624

2,114

271

889

Asia Central Asia East Asia & the Paciﬁc

Tajikistan

Uzbekistan

100

1,743

9,240

1,365

7,240

280

1,480

Bhutan China Myanmar

100

79,514

128,362

10,185

17,935

7,285

11,885

South Asia

Sri Lanka

1,409

1,833

252

350

200

270

South-West Asia

Afghanistan

27,425

112,850

2,987

9,497

1,527

4,761

Islamic Rep. of Iran

3,454

5,814

1,455

2,816

1,040

1,841

636

1,359

213

499

108

339

114,288

259,688

16,551

38,542

10,505

20,711

14,773

40,507

4,331

10,135

3,096

7,250

Occupied Palestinian Territories

700

1,640

140

355

130

345

Syrian Arab Republic

255

517

105

217

117

Yemen

340

405

Middle East & North Africa Total

16,068

43,069

4,616

10,752

3,316

7,752

Various Total

3,201

8,018

1,604

3,491

871

2,163

Grand Total

234,570

690,915

35,500

94,113

20,258

49,281

Pakistan Asia Total

Annexes

The Americas

Europe Eastern Europe

Russian Federation

Europe Total Middle East & North Africa Middle East

Iraq

251

Top 10s Country of Origin

Total projected resettlement needs Cases

Persons

UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target) Cases

UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Persons

Cases

Persons

1,530

5,117

TOP TEN TOTAL PROJECTED RESETTLEMENT NEEDS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Somalia

45,736

178,237

2,974

9,661

Myanmar

79,514

128,362

10,185

17,935

7,285

11,885

Afghanistan

27,425

112,850

2,987

9,497

1,527

4,761

Sudan

17,900

69,436

820

2,236

664

1,925

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

16,766

65,638

4,485

16,592

1,725

6,778

Iraq

14,773

40,507

4,331

10,135

3,096

7,250

Colombia

8,396

30,183

590

2,045

250

845

Bhutan

1,743

9,240

1,365

7,240

280

1,480

Eritrea

3,485

7,660

1,849

4,624

516

1,156

Central African Rep.

1,913

7,653

175

650

150

550

All Others

16,919

41,149

5,739

13,498

3,235

7,534

234,570

690,915

35,500

94,113

20,258

49,281

Grand Total

TOP TEN UNHCR SUBMISSIONS PLANNED FOR 2014 (target) BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Myanmar

79,514

128,362

10,185

17,935

7,285

11,885

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

16,766

65,638

4,485

16,592

1,725

6,778

Iraq

14,773

40,507

4,331

10,135

3,096

7,250

Somalia

45,736

178,237

2,974

9,661

1,530

5,117

Afghanistan

27,425

112,850

2,987

9,497

1,527

4,761

Bhutan

1,743

9,240

1,365

7,240

280

1,480

Eritrea

3,485

7,660

1,849

4,624

516

1,156

Islamic Rep. of Iran

3,454

5,814

1,455

2,816

1,040

1,841

Sudan

17,900

69,436

820

2,236

664

1,925

Colombia

8,396

30,183

590

2,045

250

845

All Others

15,378

42,988

4,459

11,332

2,345

6,243

234,570

690,915

35,500

94,113

20,258

49,281

Grand Total

TOP TEN CORE STAFF CAPACITY IN 2014 BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN Myanmar

79,514

128,362

10,185

17,935

7,285

11,885

Iraq

14,773

40,507

4,331

10,135

3,096

7,250

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

16,766

65,638

4,485

16,592

1,725

6,778

Somalia

45,736

178,237

2,974

9,661

1,530

5,117

Afghanistan

27,425

112,850

2,987

9,497

1,527

4,761

Sudan

17,900

69,436

820

2,236

664

1,925

Islamic Rep. of Iran

3,454

5,814

1,455

2,816

1,040

1,841

Bhutan

1,743

9,240

1,365

7,240

280

1,480

Eritrea

3,485

7,660

1,849

4,624

516

1,156

Burundi

1,062

4,303

493

2,043

208

916

All Others

22,712

68,868

4,556

11,334

2,387

6,172

234,570

690,915

35,500

94,113

20,258

49,281

Grand Total

252

Country of Asylum

Total projected resettlement needs Cases

Persons

UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target) Cases

UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Persons

Cases

Persons

TOP TEN TOTAL PROJECTED RESETTLEMENT NEEDS BY COUNTRY OF ASYLUM Kenya

39,761

151,741

2,108

6,280

1,161

3,837

Malaysia

82,310

131,150

9,425

15,000

7,395

11,785

Islamic Rep. of Iran

17,400

87,000

851

4,000

430

2,023

Chad

18,710

74,840

415

1,600

415

1,600

Ecuador

8,345

30,045

570

2,000

230

800

Pakistan

9,084

27,110

1,330

4,000

617

1,850

Turkey

9,575

20,000

4,000

8,000

2,417

4,800

Uganda

5,355

18,265

1,440

4,270

445

1,415

United Republic of Tanzania

3,544

17,720

904

4,520

452

2,260

Syrian Arab Rep.

4,510

14,000

800

2,500

800

2,500

All Others

35,976

119,044

13,657

41,943

5,896

16,411

Grand Total

234,570

690,915

35,500

94,113

20,258

49,281

Malaysia

82,310

131,150

9,425

15,000

7,395

11,785

Turkey

9,575

20,000

4,000

8,000

2,417

4,800

Nepal

1,871

9,533

1,400

7,320

315

1,560

Kenya

39,761

151,741

2,108

6,280

1,161

3,837

United Republic of Tanzania

3,544

17,720

904

4,520

452

2,260

Thailand

2,050

5,500

1,548

4,300

330

870

Uganda

5,355

18,265

1,440

4,270

445

1,415

Islamic Rep. of Iran

17,400

87,000

851

4,000

430

2,023

Pakistan

9,084

27,110

1,330

4,000

617

1,850

Ethiopia

4,315

13,885

1,490

3,890

433

1,130

All Others

59,305

209,011

11,004

32,533

6,263

17,751

Grand Total

234,570

690,915

35,500

94,113

20,258

49,281

Annexes

TOP TEN UNHCR SUBMISSIONS PLANNED FOR 2014 (target) BY COUNTRY OF ASYLUM

TOP TEN CORE STAFF CAPACITY IN 2014 BY COUNTRY OF ASLYUM Malaysia

82,310

131,150

9,425

15,000

7,395

11,785

Turkey

9,575

20,000

4,000

8,000

2,417

4,800

Kenya

39,761

151,741

2,108

6,280

1,161

3,837

Syrian Arab Rep.

4,510

14,000

800

2,500

800

2,500

United Republic of Tanzania

3,544

17,720

904

4,520

452

2,260

Islamic Rep. of Iran

17,400

87,000

851

4,000

430

2,023

Pakistan

9,084

27,110

1,330

4,000

617

1,850

Chad

18,710

74,840

415

1,600

415

1,600

Nepal

1,871

9,533

1,400

7,320

315

1,560

Burundi

2,060

10,300

540

2,700

300

1,500

All Others

45,745

147,521

13,727

38,193

5,956

15,566

234,570

690,915

35,500

94,113

20,258

49,281

Grand Total

253

Combined Statistics Sub-Region of Asylum

Country of Origin

Total projected resettlement needs

UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target)

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014 Cases

Persons

Africa Angola Botswana

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

150

750

250

100

Various

150

750

250

100

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

100

Rwanda

Somalia

443

265

Various

2,000

10,000

540

2,700

300

1,500

Burundi

Dem. Rep. of the Congo Various

300

Cameroon

Central African Rep.

200

800

300

200

Chad

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

Various

1,713

6,853

100

350

100

350

Sudan

16,875

67,500

300

1,200

300

1,200

Various

122

487

Liberia

150

Various

Dem. Rep. of the Republic of the Congo Congo Rwanda

316

597

316

597

Djibouti

Eritrea

154

210

150

Ethiopia

Somalia

1,650

9,900

101

505

200

Chad

Côte d’Ivoire

Eritrea Ethiopia

Gabon Ghana

Kenya

Central African Rep.

Various

Somalia

410

Various

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

Eritrea

1,520

2,650

595

975

150

225

Somalia

2,050

9,905

480

2,210

106

475

Sudan

440

800

110

175

100

Various

300

515

300

515

105

315

Chad

Various

150

30 32

Côte d'Ivoire

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

Iraq

Liberia

Pakistan

Sierra Leone

Somalia

Sudan

Syrian Arab Republic

Togo

Burundi

192

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

525

1,375

416

1,117

189

532

Eritrea

134

109

Ethiopia

594

1,946

281

741

132

419

Rwanda

Somalia

36,380

141,511

1,132

3,673

664

2,514

2,059

6,411

152

474

131

261

Sudan

Uganda

105

South Sudan

254

Liberia

Malawi

Mozambique Namibia

Nigeria

Republic of the Congo

Republic of Guinea

Country of Origin

Total projected resettlement needs

UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target)

UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

C么te d'Ivoire

1,500

4,500

180

Sierra Leone

225

Various

Burundi

190

571

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

377

1,131

163

490

Rwanda

297

890

112

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

210

Various

Burundi

150

100

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

350

1,400

150

600

Various

Chad

C么te d'Ivoire

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

Sudan

Various

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

150

450

114

Rwanda

Various

C么te d'Ivoire

100

Liberia

Various

3,800

13,300

857

3,000

342

1,200 20

Rwanda

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

Somalia

Ethiopia

115

Various

667

2,000

133

400

120

1,000

3,000

266

800

150

450

South Africa, Burundi Indian Ocean Dem. Rep. of the Congo Islands, Lesotho Rwanda and Swaziland Somalia Sudan

Togo

Uganda

Various

100

110

Eritrea

715

2,690

715

2,690

120

480

Ethiopia

Various

C么te d'Ivoire

150

100

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

Mali

Rwanda

Various

Burundi

190

565

200

65 1,165

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

United Republic of Tanzania

4,285

15,000

1,145

3,500

345

Eritrea

365

1,000

100

200

Ethiopia

300

100

Somalia

400

1,200

200

Various

200

Burundi

540

2,700

300

1,500

150

750

3,000

15,000

600

3,000

300

1,500

1,169

4,091

200

700

217

Dem. Rep. of the Congo Various

Zambia

Dem. Rep. of the Congo Somalia

413

225

212

Various

454

1,409

Annexes

Sub-Region of Asylum

255

Sub-Region of Asylum

Country of Origin

Total projected resettlement needs Cases

Zimbabwe

Persons

UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target) Cases

Persons

UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014 Cases

Persons

Burundi

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

160

650

300

Rwanda

Various

88,455

340,267

11,124

37,466

4,581

16,457

Africa Total The Americas Caribbean States, Dominican Republic, Cuba

Various

Costa Rica

Colombia

El Salvador

Honduras

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

Various

8,345

30,045

570

2,000

230

800

108

8,445

30,288

624

2,114

271

889

Ecuador

Colombia

Panama

Various

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

Colombia

The Americas Total Asia China

Various

276

332

167

200

Hong Kong

Various

137

240

India

Afghanistan

180

Myanmar

100

Various

120

1,291

1,612

340

425

340

425

Iraq

206

258

Islamic Rep. of Iran

174

218

60 105

Indonesia

Afghanistan

Myanmar

321

402

105

Somalia

232

290

Sri Lanka

334

418

110

111

139

Islamic Rep. of Iran

Various Afghanistan

16,400

82,000

846

3,977

425

2,000

Iraq

1,000

5,000

Kazakhstan

Various

100

Afghanistan

150

Uzbekistan

Kyrgyzstan

Various Malaysia

280

675

Iraq

420

945

105

Islamic Rep. of Iran

390

675

Myanmar

77,835

123,760

8,900

14,150

6,980

11,100

Pakistan

275

540

Afghanistan

Occupied Palestinian Territories

256

340

540

Somalia

1,005

1,620

120

190

155

Sri Lanka

130

1,025

1,315

130

165

100

Sudan

175

270

Yemen

340

405

40 35

Various

225

405

Mongolia

Various

Nepal

Bhutan

1,743

9,240

1,365

7,240

280

1,480

Various

128

293

Sub-Region of Asylum

Country of Origin

Pakistan

Afghanistan

Total projected resettlement needs

UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target)

UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

8,900

26,800

1,280

3,850

600

1,800

Somalia

140

200

120

Various

110

PaciďŹ c Islands Region, Papua New Guinea

Various

Sri Lanka

Myanmar

100

Pakistan

200

120

Various

Tajikistan

Afghanistan

159

Thailand

China

100

Myanmar

1,300

4,000

1,150

3,500

170

500

Pakistan

300

600

150

300

150

Somalia

100

Sri Lanka

100

Syrian Arab Republic

250

500

100

200

100

Various

100

Afghanistan

116,204

265,447

15,786

36,833

10,131

19,899

Turkmenistan Asia Total

Azerbaijan

Malta

Russian Federation

Turkey

Ukraine

Afghanistan

Islamic Rep. of Iran

Russian Federation

Various

100

Somalia

Eritrea

200

300

200

300

Various

100

Afghanistan

250

200

Iraq

Islamic Rep. of Iran

Tajikistan

Uzbekistan

Various

Afghanistan

310

1,000

300

500

Iraq

6,230

13,710

2,250

4,650

1,435

3,000

Islamic Rep. of Iran

1,700

2,875

4,890

1,350

2,650

950

Various

160

400

100

200

Various

10,136

21,075

4,561

9,050

2,658

5,385

100

250

100

250

150

Europe Total

Annexes

Europe

Middle East & North Africa Egypt

Iraq Israel

Jordan

Eritrea Ethiopia

150

100

Iraq

120

300

120

300

200

Somalia

200

500

200

500

160

400

Sudan

260

650

260

650

200

500

Various

150

100

Occupied Palestinian Territories

200

600

Various

Eritrea

Sudan

Various

Iraq

500

1,000

500

1,000

500

1,000

Various

100

200

100

200

100

200

257

Sub-Region of Asylum

Country of Origin

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Cases

Persons

Kuwait

Iraq

150

Somalia

Various

1,300

3,515

565

1,600

200

500

Sudan

Various

Eritrea

385

473

Iraq

626

2,467

Somalia

176

C么te d'Ivoire

Lebanon

Libya

Mauritania

Morocco

Iraq

UNHCR submissions planned for 2014 (target) in 2014

UNHCR core staff capacity in 2014

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

Senegal

Various

C么te d'Ivoire

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

Various

Bahrain, Oman, Iraq Qatar, and Saudi Various Arabia

Syrian Arab Rep. Iraq

4,200

12,800

660

2,000

660

2,000

Occupied Palestinian Territories

160

500

250

Somalia

100

500

150

Various

200

100

United Arab Emirates

Iraq

250

120

Various

Yemen

Eritrea

Ethiopia

278

444

100

Somalia

1,924

7,696

160

Various

11,330

33,838

3,405

8,650

2,617

6,651

234,570

690,915

35,500

94,113

20,258

49,281

Middle East & North Africa Total Grand Total

258

Total projected resettlement needs

Annex 3 UNHCR Global Resettlement Statistical Report 2012 Introduction This report summarizes the resettlement activities of UNHCR Offices worldwide in 2012. The information for this report is drawn from the UNHCR Resettlement Statistical Reports (RSR), which are submitted by UNHCR Country Offices on a quarterly basis. Certain information in this report is organized by regions, reflecting the five UNHCR Regional Bureaux: Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and MENA (Middle East and North Africa). For the purposes of this report, country of asylum refers to the country from which refugees are submitted to and from which they departed for resettlement. Country of resettlement refers to the country to which refugees are submitted for resettlement and to which they arrive on resettlement. Country of origin refers to the country where refugees derive their nationality. The submission figures include those made through UNHCR Regional Resettlement Hubs, Regional Offices as well as Headquarters.

Summary of Major Trends Submissions: In 2012, UNHCR submitted 74,835 refugees for resettlement1. This is a 18 per cent decrease from 91,843 refugees in 2011. Submission levels declined primarily due to resource constraints, restrictive processing criteria, and deteriorating security conditions in some host countries which hampered UNHCR’s access to refugee populations for resettlement processing. However, submissions resulting from the up-scaled resettlement of Congolese (DRC) refugees and from priority situations for the strategic use of resettlement saw a signiﬁcant upsurge, particularly in Pakistan, Ecuador, Islamic Republic of Iran, and Turkey. Departures increased 12 per cent, from 61,649 refugees in 2011. Increased departures can be attributed to a number of factors. Successful efforts were made by States to expedite security clearances and to interview refugees in inaccessible areas through videoconferencing. IOM and UNHCR jointly established a cross-border departure platform utilizing Beirut as exit point, for refugees accepted for resettlement from Syrian Arab Republic.

Annexes

Departures: In 2012, 69,252 refugees departed to 26 countries of resettlement2.

Origin: The largest number of refugees submitted for resettlement were refugees from Myanmar (22,074), followed by refugees from Iraq (10,760), Bhutan (9,923) and Somalia (7,174). In total the four nationalities made up more than 66 per cent of all submissions. Resettlement: The three major countries of resettlement were: the United States of America (53,053 persons departed), Australia (5,079), and Canada (4,755). Asylum: The largest number of refugees were submitted from Malaysia (15,813), followed by Nepal (10,049) and Turkey (7,913). Nepal was the country from which the most refugees departed (16,754), followed by Malaysia (10,489), and Thailand (7,274).

At a Glance Figures Submissions Departures Countries of Asylum

Countries of Origin3 4

Countries of Resettlement 1 2

3 4

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

74,835

91,843

108,042

128,558

121,214

69,252

61,649

72,914

84,657

65,859

This figure includes 4,935 individual resubmissions (1,720 cases) UNHCR’s Global Trends Report notes 71,300 persons departed for resettlement with UNHCR’s assistance in 2012, inclusive of cases which UNHCR was not involved at submission stage. This Global Resettlement Statistical Report 2012 only includes cases that UNHCR was involved from the onset of the resettlement procedures, i.e. from submission to departure. Based on submission figures Based on departure figures

259

Top Ten: UNHCR Resettlement Submissions in 2012 Country of Asylum Malaysia

15,813

Nepal

10,049

Turkey

7,913

Thailand

7,286

Kenya

3,239

Egypt

2,828

Ethiopia

2,447

Syrian Arab Rep.

2,325

Rwanda

2,160

Islamic Rep. of Iran

1,893

All Others

18,882

Total

74,835

Country of Origin

Persons

Myanmar

22,074

Iraq

10,760

Bhutan

9,923

Somalia

7,174

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

6,475

Afghanistan

4,565

Islamic Rep. of Iran

2,877

Sudan

2,632

Eritrea

1,893

Colombia

1,780

All Others

4,682

Total

74,835

Country of Resettlement

Persons

USA

50,097

Australia

9,988

Canada

6,226

Sweden

2,044

United Kingdom

1,236

Norway

1,189

Finland

979

New Zealand

942

Denmark

588

Netherlands

587

All Others

959

Total

260

Persons

74,835

4,000

8,000

12,000

16,000

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

UNHCR Resettlement Submissions in 2012 Submissions by Region of Asylum

Cases

Persons

Per cent Total (persons)

Asia and Paciﬁc

14,729

38,020

50.8

Africa

4,744

15,710

21.0

MENA

4,430

10,519

14.1

Europe

4,184

8,526

11.4

683

2,060

2.7

Grand Total

28,770

74,835

100.0

Submissions by Region of Origin

Cases

Persons

Per cent Total (persons)

Asia and Paciﬁc

16,172

40,841

54.6

Africa

7,767

20,828

27.8

MENA

4,160

11,095

14.8

The Americas

636

1,988

2.7

Europe

Unknown/Unspeciﬁed

28,770

74,835

100.0

The Americas

Grand Total

UNHCR Submissions by Region of Asylum 2008-2012 60,000 50,000

Annexes

40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0 2008 Asia and Paciﬁc

2009 Africa

2010 MENA

Europe

2011

2012

The Americas

261

Top Ten: UNHCR Resettlement Departures in 2012 Country of Asylum Nepal

16,754

Malaysia

10,489

Thailand

7,274

Turkey

5,929

Jordan

3,534

Syrian Arab Rep.

3,501

Lebanon

2,979

Kenya

2,659

Ethiopia

2,618

Tunisia

1,933

All Others

11,582

Total

69,252

Country of Origin

Persons

Myanmar

17,359

Bhutan

16,674

Iraq

13,556

Somalia

6,610

Dem. Rep. of the Congo

2,722

Afghanistan

2,626

Eritrea

2,120

Islamic Rep. of Iran

2,059

Sudan

1,483

Ethiopia

1,308

All Others

2,735

Total

Country of Resettlement USA

4,000

8,000

12,000

16,000

4,000

8,000

12,000

16,000

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

69,252

Persons 53,053

Australia

5,079

Canada

4,755

Sweden

1,483

Norway

1,137

United Kingdom

989

Finland

763

New Zealand

719

Denmark

324

Germany

323

All Others

627

Total

262

Persons

69,252

50,000

UNHCR Resettlement Departures in 2012 Departures by Region of Asylum

Departures by Region of Origin

Persons

Per cent Total (persons)

Asia and Paciﬁc

37,394

54.0

Asia and Paciﬁc

MENA

13,725

19.8

Africa

15,170

21.9

Africa

11,342

16.4

MENA

13,860

20.0

Europe

6,473

9.3

The Americas

261

318

Europe

Unknown/Unspeciﬁed

69,252

100.0

The Americas Grand Total

69,252

100.0

Grand Total

Persons

Per cent Total (persons)

39,905

57.6

UNHCR Departures by Region of Asylum 2008-2012 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 0

Asia and Paciﬁc

2009 Africa

2010 MENA

Europe

2011

2012

The Americas

UNHCR Resettlement by Submission Category in 2012 Category

Cases Submitted

Persons Submitted

% Cases Submitted

Legal and/or physical protection needs (LPN)

13,574

31,603

47.2

Lack of foreseeable alternative durable solutions (LAS)

6,784

19,060

23.6

Survivors of violence and/or torture (SVT)

4,014

12,222

14.0

Women and girls at risk (AWR)

3,354

8,709

11.7

Medical needs (MED)

604

2,221

2.1

Family reuniﬁcation (FAM)

223

517

Children and adolescents at risk (CHL)

169

411

Older Refugees* (OLD)

28,770

74,835

100.0

Persons Departed

% Persons Departed

Legal and/or physical protection needs /LPN)

26,518

38.3

Lack of foreseeable alternative durable solutions (LAS)

24,565

35.5

Survivors of violence and/or torture (SVT)

9,521

13.7

Women and girls at risk (AWR)

5,307

7.7

Medical needs (MED)

2,084

3.0

Family reuniﬁcation (FAM)

663

Children and adolescents at risk (CHL)

351

Older Refugees* (OLD)

243

69,252

100.0

Grand Total