The Syrian conflict is one of the most complex humanitarian crises the international community has faced, with tremendous consequences for current and future generations. One of the largest underreported issues is the loss or lack of identity documents, namely birth and marriage certificates.

At a time when over 65 million people globally have been forced from their homes, this report—which follows IRC’s policy brief Pathways to Protection—makes the case for increased and improved refugee resettlement in Europe. The report calls on the EU to play a central role in refugee resettlement, including through the establishment of an ambitious EU Resettlement Framework that safeguards the humanitarian essence of resettlement and promotes the integration of resettled refugees. The report also provides concrete recommendations for the EU and its Member States to ensure that the number of resettlement places are increased in Europe, meaning more lives are saved, more protection is provided to the most vulnerable, and more futures are rescued.