The Refugee Council is proud to join the UK Government and UNHCR as hosts of the 25th Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement (ATCR) which kicks off in Geneva today (Monday 1st July).

The ATCR brings together people from across the world to discuss refugee resettlement. Filippo Grandi, the UN’s High Commissioner for Refugees will open the conference along with Caroline Nokes, the Immigration Minister.

The conference presents a vital opportunity for representatives from over 20 countries to reflect on progress in resettlement to date, share best practice and explore ideas for the future. This year will see the participation of more refugees than ever before, all of whom were themselves resettled and can provide a unique insight into their experiences of the process.

The focus of this year’s ATCR will be around exploring different ways to expand resettlement and complementary pathways. The UNHCR will launch their Three Year Resettlement and Complementary Pathways strategy which will provide the roadmap for expansion over the next three years.

The ATCR follows the UK Government’s recent commitment to the future of the UK’s refugee resettlement programme through a single, consolidated scheme to 2021.

Maurice Wren, Chief Executive at the Refugee Council, said: “The Refugee Council is delighted to be co-hosting this important event alongside the UK Government and UNHCR. By bringing together such a wealth of knowledge from around the world, we can all learn from each other about the best ways to support the resettlement and integration of refugees so that they can rebuild their lives in safety.

“We are particularly pleased that this year’s ATCR has more refugees participating in the planning and delivery of the event than ever before. It is paramount that refugees themselves are kept front and centre of decision-making. It is by supporting refugees to make their vital contribution that we will reach our ATCR goals, for the benefit of refugees, states and communities alike.”