PLENARY #5 Group Processing & Client-Centred Approach 23 February, 2007 Vancouver

Thank you.

Group Processing

Objectives:  Outline the role of group processing in durable solutions strategies;  Explain the processes undertaken to identify and refer groups for resettlement;  Identify potential reception and integration challenges facing those selected through group processing; and  Forecast major developments and future directions concerning refugee resettlement for UNHCR

“The average of major refugee situations, protracted or not, has increased from nine years, in 1993 to 17 years at the end of ” “The average of major refugee situations, protracted or not, has increased from nine years, in 1993 to 17 years at the end of ” (The State of the World’s refugees 2006) (The State of the World’s refugees 2006)

Three durable solutions: Three durable solutions:  Voluntary Repatriation  Local Integration  Resettlement

Agenda for Protections Goal 5: “Redouble the search for durable solutions.”

UNHCR Resettlement Criteria   Legal and physical protection needs   Survivors of violence and torture   Medical needs   Women-at-risk   Family reunification   Children and adolescents   Elderly refugees   Refugees without local integration prospects

Registration

The recording, verifying and updating of information on persons of concern to UNHCR with the aim of protecting and documenting them and of implementing durable solutions. What is Registration?

Registration facilitates implementation of durable solutions, effective services and assistance. Why is Registration Important?

Registration ensures that each person is individually recognized and known, important for the protection of women and children. Why is Registration Important?

Verification Interview (Tham Hin, Thailand)

Identifying Special Needs

Group Processing: Group Profile & Proposal Group Processing: Group Profile & Proposal PROTECTION CONTEXT AND ANALYSIS The Protection Context: The Protection Context:Characteristics Location(s) Location(s) Circumstances of group in country of origin pre- flight Circumstances of group in country of origin pre- flight Nature of persecution and flight Nature of persecution and flight Circumstances in country of asylum Circumstances in country of asylum Exclusion Concerns Exclusion Concerns

Group Processing: Group Profile & Proposal COMPOSITION OF GROUP AND VERIFICATION OF MEMBERSHIP  Demographics  Registration/ Documentation  Fraud and Integrity Issues  Empirical Identifiable Characteristics  Family Composition Issues  Verification  Particular Vulnerabilities

Group Processing: Group Profile & Proposal Group Processing: Group Profile & Proposal DURABLE SOLUTIONS AND RESETTLEMENT NEEDS ANALYSIS  Durable Solutions And Strategic Resettlement Analysis:  Repatriation  Local Integration  Quality and Conditions of Asylum  Resettlement  Strategic Considerations  Political Considerations and Attitude of Countries of Asylum/Origin  Seeking Comprehensive Solutions

Group Processing: Group Profile & Proposal CHALLENGES AND OBSTACLES TO GROUP PROCESSING  Associated Refugee Movements (“Pull Factors”)  Perceptions of Refugee Community  UNHCR Partnerships

Group Processing: Group Profile & Proposal LOGISTICAL AND RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS

Mae La Oon Camp Group Referral – sub groups  Woman-at-risk  Political activists  Individuals with urgent security concerns in the camp  Individuals with serious medical conditions  Ethnic minorities who suffer discrimination in the camp  Individuals with close relatives in Canada

Reception and Integration Handbook

Mae La Oon overcrowding

Future Trends UNHCR Resettlement Objectives - Improve global predictability and consistency in referrals - Maximize use and ensure flexibility in use of resettlement resources - Promote internally and externally the design of comprehensive durable solutions strategies in particular in protracted refugees

Future Trends UNHCR Resettlement Objectives - Implement ExCom conclusion on women at risk - With all partners, renew efforts to give a human face to resettlement activities and to promote the use of this solution and protection tool, to combat xenophobia and de-link refugees from fight against terrorism - Explore with partners options for resettlement regional transit platforms

Future Trends UNHCR Resettlement Objectives - Review with all stakeholders RST related family reunion procedures. - Invitation to NGOs to UNHCR Training events - Open up participation to NGOs at UNHCR resettlement training workshops - Resettlement Anti-fraud awareness

Types of resettlement fraud 1. Identity Fraud 2. Family composition 3. Document Fraud 4. Material Misrepresentation 5. Bribery 6. Malfeasance 7. Resettlement exploitation schemes