Resettlement

Resettlement, a key component of the international refugee regime established in the 1950s, has deeper historical roots and has not always signified protection. Initially rooted in population control within empires, resettlement evolved through the World Wars and the Cold War era, reflecting changing geopolitical dynamics and the growing recognition of refugee crises beyond Europe. The establishment of key organizations like the International Refugee Organization (IRO), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shaped the migration-oriented nature of resettlement, catering to Western countries’ immigration needs amidst Cold War tensions. The 1970s were pivotal for refugee resettlement from the Global South, marking a brief period where protection appeared to prevail over migration control. However, a closer examination reveals that even during this era, migration control and protection were also deeply intertwined. The window for resettlement from outside Europe closed rapidly, with the 1980s and 1990s seeing a steep decline in international resettlement as a durable solution for refugee groups. Consequently, many refugees from the former Eastern Bloc and Central Africa became trapped in camps, with slim chances for either resettlement or returning home. The failure to provide effective protection in conflict zones like Bosnia-Herzegovina, however, prompted the UNHCR and scholars to reconsider resettlement, leading to the revival of resettlement consultations in the 1990s. Recent years have seen a resurgence of resettlement efforts, exemplified by high-profile agreements between countries like Australia and Malaysia, and the EU-Turkey Statement. However, these agreements have fallen short of their intended goals and highlight the continued tension between protection and migration control. Despite efforts to prioritize individual needs over political considerations, resettlement remains subject to the realities of the “humanitarian marketplace,” where only the most vulnerable receive assistance. This chapter ultimately traces the persistent tension between humanitarian ideals and political pragmatism in the history of resettlement, setting the stage for understanding not only the origins and rationale for the practice but also the challenges and perspectives that persist within the post-1950 international refugee regime.