2.5 Million Refugees to Need Resettlement in 2026 as Quotas Decline, UN Warns

By: Camp Correspondent

25 June 2025 — The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has projected that 2.5 million refugees will require resettlement in 2026, according to its latest report released Tuesday. While still a staggering number, it represents a slight decrease from 2.9 million in 2025, mainly due to a rise in voluntary returns—especially among Syrian refugees.

“We are seeing some people withdraw from resettlement processes to go home and rebuild,” said Shabia Mantoo, UNHCR spokesperson, during a press briefing in Geneva.

The report identifies the highest resettlement needs among refugees from Afghanistan (573,400), Syria (442,400), South Sudan (258,200), Sudan (246,800), Myanmar’s Rohingya (233,300), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (179,500). Countries with the greatest demand for resettlement support include Iran, Türkiye, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Uganda.

UNHCR emphasized that resettlement remains a critical lifeline for the most vulnerable, offering safety from conflict, persecution, and dangerous migration routes.

“Resettlement provides a safe and dignified alternative to dangerous journeys. It’s a powerful expression of international solidarity and deepens cooperation with host countries,” Mantoo added.

However, the agency raised alarm over a troubling trend: resettlement quotas are expected to fall to their lowest level in two decades in 2025. UNHCR warned that this decline could reverse much of the progress made in recent years and increase risks for those in need of protection.

To address this, UNHCR has set a target to resettle 120,000 refugees in 2026. The agency believes this is achievable with stronger commitments from resettlement countries.

It is urging governments to increase their pledges, expedite processing, and adopt more flexible, responsive resettlement programs—particularly along high-risk refugee routes.

With global displacement at historic levels, UNHCR reiterated its call for greater cooperation to ensure that the most vulnerable can access safety, rebuild their lives, and reclaim a sense of hope and dignity.