“Since first released in 2007, this publication has been one of the mainstays of comprehensive, comparative analysis of good practices in resettlement in Europe,” remarked ICMC researcher Salomé Phillmann. We are thrilled to be able to offer this updated version, which now also includes sections on new countries engaged in annual resettlement such as France and Portugal, in addition to reports on ad-hoc resettlement initiatives elsewhere in Europe.”

The Welcome to Europe! guide describes how resettlement works in Europe today, from the responsibility undertaken by the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to the important role that governments, municipalities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have as partners in resettlement.

The comparative guide provides country-by-country descriptions of existing resettlement programmes, widely recognized “best practices” in specific country contexts and a number of topics of further interest for research and/or follow-up. In addition to providing a follow-up on resettlement programmes featured in the 2007 edition, the new update provides an overview of new time-specific resettlement initiatives, ranging from recently established annual quotas to new sporadic schemes.

With a view towards raising awareness among local actors of the extent to which their resettlement efforts contribute to worldwide responsibility sharing, the updated edition also pairs an overview of the UNHCR framework on resettlement globally, together with field experiences, perspectives and the knowledge of a number of NGOs and government staff working in resettlement programmes at the European level.

“We sincerely hope that the joint efforts of the Commission, UNHCR, contributing government bodies and partner organizations of the European NGO network will encourage more European governments to implement this durable solution,” remarked ICMC Secretary General, Johan Ketelers. “It is essential that the quality and the range of services offered within refugee resettlement programmes continue to be further developed and increased.”

To download your copy of the updated Welcome to Europe! guide, please click here<.

Updated guide offers support to European governments, NGOs Press release (373.02 KB)