UNHCR Estimates Spike in Resettlement Needs Next Year

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has anticipated a significant rise in global refugee resettlement needs for next year.

According to the Projected Global Resettlement Needs Assessment for 2024, more than 2.4 million refugees will be in need of resettlement, marking a 20 percent increase compared to 2023.

In response, UNHCR called for urgent action to address the escalating challenges faced by millions forced on the run worldwide.

Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees said: “We are witnessing a concerning increase in the number of refugees in need of resettlement in 2024. Resettlement remains a critical lifeline for those most at risk and with specific needs.”

The Asia region tops the list, with nearly 730,000 refugees likely requiring resettlement support, representing around 30 percent of the total, said

As the Syrian war continues in its 13th year with no end in sight, refugees there continue to need the most resettlement support, with around 754,000 requiring urgent assistance.

Meanwhile, refugees from Afghanistan are estimated to have the second-highest level of needs, followed by refugees from South Sudan, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).