An expert on international refugee law discusses the current state of refugee acceptance around the world: Should Japan accept more refugees? (JB Press 2025/01/04) discusses third-country resettlement.
What is third country resettlement?
Third country resettlement is an international initiative aimed at protecting and supporting refugees, in which refugees fleeing conflict or persecution leave their home country, first seek refuge in a neighboring or other safe country, and then finally move to a third country to resettle. This is part of humanitarian assistance provided by international organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as well as hosting and sending countries.
Background and purpose
The refugee problem is one of the major challenges facing the international community. People who are forced to leave their home countries due to conflict, persecution, violence, or human rights violations usually seek refuge in neighboring countries first. However, in many cases, these countries lack the economic and social resources to accept such a large number of refugees. As a result, many refugees are forced to live in camps for long periods of time.
Resettlement was devised to improve this situation and stabilize the lives of refugees. The purpose is to provide refugees with an opportunity to start a new life by relocating to a host country (a third country) and to create an environment in which they can enjoy rights such as education, medical care, and employment. This also reduces the burden on the first country of refuge and shares responsibility with the entire international community.
Main features
Resettlement is one of the three main solutions for refugees, the other two being “return to home country” and “integration in the first country of refuge.” However, resettlement is only chosen when these are difficult.
1.Selection Criteria
Not all refugees seeking resettlement are eligible: UNHCR and host countries give priority to those who are particularly vulnerable, such as women and children, people with disabilities, older people or those who are unable to return to their home countries and lack adequate protection in their country of first refuge.
2.Process
The resettlement process is complex and time-consuming. UNHCR selects candidates, the host country conducts background checks and interviews, a resettlement plan is finalized, and the refugee travels to a third country. After resettlement, assistance is provided to navigate language and cultural differences.
3.The Importance of International Cooperation
Resettlement cannot be achieved by one country alone. It requires not only the coordination of UNHCR and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), but also the policies and support systems of the host country, as well as the understanding and cooperation of the local community.
Examples and challenges
The United States, Canada, Australia, and the Nordic countries are known as major refugee-receiving countries around the world. These countries have programs in place to accept a certain number of refugees each year. Meanwhile, Japan introduced a third-country resettlement program on a trial basis in 2008, and continues to accept a small number of refugees today.
However, resettlement in a third country faces several challenges. First, because there are only a limited number of countries that can accept refugees, the percentage of people who can be resettled is very low compared to the total number of refugees. In addition, if social integration in the host country does not go well, problems such as language barriers and discrimination can arise. Another challenge is that the number of refugees accepted fluctuates depending on each country’s policies and national sentiment.
Significance and future
Although resettlement is not a perfect solution to the refugee problem, it is an important mechanism for saving individual lives and providing them with an opportunity to start a new life. It is also a symbolic effort in which the entire international community works together to fulfill its humanitarian responsibility. In order to expand this system and deliver its benefits to more refugees in the future, it will be necessary to increase the number of accepting countries, improve the flexibility of the system, and strengthen cooperation with local communities.
Conclusion
Resettlement plays an important role in providing a stable future for refugees and strengthening solidarity in the international community. Although there are many challenges, understanding the significance of this system and continuing to make efforts to realize it will lead to sustainable refugee support.