EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA — UNHCR reported that the number of available resettlement places does not meet global refugee needs. Approximately 2.4 million refugees are projected to require resettlement in 2027, according to The Projected Global Resettlement Needs report.

The 2027 projection represents a six per cent decrease from 2026 projections. The agency stated the reduction reflects mixed conditions on the ground rather than broad improvements. Political changes in Syria since late 2024 have created opportunities for some refugees to voluntarily return home. Declines in Afghan refugee projections in Iran and Pakistan are partly linked to returns occurring under difficult circumstances. Afghans constitute the largest population projected to need resettlement, followed by refugees from South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Regional resettlement needs are highest in Eastern and Southern Africa, followed by Asia and the Pacific, and West and Central Africa.

Approximately 37,000 refugees departed through UNHCR-supported resettlement programmes in 2025. The 2025 departure figure is lower than the more than 116,000 departures recorded in 2024. The decrease places the international community off track to meet a target of 130,000 resettlement places by 2027. Low- and middle-income countries host nearly 68 per cent of the global refugee population.

Jackie Keegan, Head of UNHCR’s Durable Solutions and Field Protection Support Service, said, “The shortfall reflects a combination of policy changes in destination countries that have led to pauses in admissions, more restrictive criteria and processing backlogs.” Keegan said, “Expanding resettlement is urgent and achievable. Increasing quotas, bringing more countries on board, and accelerating processing would ensure that this life-saving tool reaches more of those most in need.” The agency noted that resettled refugees frequently contribute economically and socially to host communities and continue supporting relatives in origin and asylum countries. The agency is marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention this year and has called on governments to recommit to refugee protection and expand pathways to durable solutions. It stated resettlement is not charity, but an enduring solution that helps break the displacement cycle for future generations.

No independent assessment was available for this report.