February 22, 2018 —  In light of the release of Immigration statistics for the fourth quarter of 2017, the International Rescue Committee welcomes the news that the Syrian Vulnerable Person’s Resettlement scheme, the government’s flagship response to the refugee crisis, is on track to meet its target to resettle 20,000 people by 2020, having successfully brought 10,538 people to safety since the scheme was launched in 2015.

Richard Pyle, Head of Advocacy at the International Rescue Committee said: "The statistics on refugee resettlement are strong against the government’s initial target for the UK’s domestic response, but the number pledged is very small. We wholeheartedly welcome the Home Secretary’s announcement that the scheme could be extended.”

 “Under the current commitment, the UK will resettle seven refugees per parliamentary constituency per year, over five years. The International Rescue Committee is calling for that number to be increased to 24 per year over the next five years – just 17 more people per year in each constituency.”

There are 1.2 million refugees in the world who have been identified as especially vulnerable and in need of resettlement, but who have still not been offered sanctuary in a country where their needs can be met.

Pyle added: “The Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement scheme is of particular concern, having attained a just fifth of its target. The government must not hide this failing behind its flagship scheme. More effort and resources must be committed to helping the most vulnerable.

“Today’s figures are welcome news and the government should take pride in what it has achieved so far, but with the levels of need only increasing it must ensure it does not lose momentum on resettlement”.

CONTACT

For more information or to request interviews please contact Lucy Keating, Media Manager lucy.keating@rescue-uk.org or 07468 694 568

Notes to editors
Currently the UK is committed to taking 20,000 refugees over 5 years, equivalent to 16 per parliamentary constituency. Having assessed capacity and GDP, the IRC is calling for this to be increased to 15,608 refugees per year or 24 per parliamentary constituency.

The EU’s commitments to date have been far below its capacity. That’s why the IRC is calling for a coordinated EU wide response, and urging all European Members States to agree a joint framework on refugee resettlement as part of a coordinated and planned response to the ongoing refugee crisis, which could be agreed under the Union Resettlement Framework which is currently being negotiated in Brussels.