Self-Study Module: Resettlement Learning Programme

Resettlement is often described as a tool for international protection as well as a durable solution, and an international responsibility and burden-sharing tool. It is therefore useful to be aware of what each of these concepts mean. However, this is only one reason. As we will see in the following Units, it is important to understand the protection situation in the country of origin and in the host country in order to assess whether resettlement should be pursued.

A number of tools have been introduced by UNHCR to ensure that all staff have a basic understanding of international protection and durable solutions, not the least of which is “UNHCR and International Protection: A Protection Induction Programme”. This Unit should thus in large part serve as a review and help set the context for understanding resettlement. In addition to outlining the mandate of UNHCR and providing a basic overview of international protection and the three durable solutions, it looks at some current challenges to the international protection regime.

At the end of this Unit, you should be able to:

• explain UNHCR’s mandate;
• review international protection in general terms;
• describe the three durable solutions and some general principles applicable to them;
• outline some key challenges current to the international protection regime.

The designated Learning Program administrator will recommend the time allotment for completion of this Unit.