London, United Kingdom, September 28, 2026 — Flora Alexander, Executive Director of the International Rescue Committee UK, said,
"I recently returned from Afghanistan, where I saw firsthand what women and girls are fleeing: one of the world's worst hunger crises; restrictions on education and employment; a healthcare system teetering on the edge of collapse; and the aftermath of decades of violent conflict. Afghan women and girls must not be forgotten by the international community.
"I welcome the Home Secretary's commitment to a renewed focus on the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS), prioritising Afghan women and girls and Palestinians. UKRS is a well-established safe route providing lasting protection for recognised refugees, giving them the support they need to rebuild their lives in the UK. But it needs to be scaled up if it is to make a real difference.
"The Home Secretary's commitment to retain the 5-year route to settlement for refugees arriving on the three new safe routes is a positive move. This should be the case for all refugees granted protection in the UK. Only then can we see the stability that is so crucial to successful integration."
