SSI calls for greater international collaboration around refugee protection in light of UNHCR Global Trends report

Leading refugee resettlement and multicultural services provider SSI has called for a more collaborative approach and greater commitment to refugee protection in light of smaller resettlement quotas and negative political rhetoric around the world.

This call follows the release of the UNHCR Global Trends Report, which highlights the lowest global resettlement quotas since 2003 despite a 32% surge in protection needs over two decades.

During the Consultations on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways (CRCP) 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, participating NGOs issued a joint statement emphasising the urgent need for sustained political will and collective action. The statement includes seven key recommendations, such as expanding resettlement quotas, enhancing complementary pathways, and adopting holistic integration strategies.

SSI’s General Manager Newcomers, Settlement and Integration Yamamah Agha, along with Head of Settlement Dor Achiek representing the CRCP Refugee Advisory Group, are contributing to these critical discussions through active panel participation at CRCP. 

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis stated that the UNHCR report reinforces SSI’s advocacy for collaborative global efforts to counter reduced quotas and negative rhetoric surrounding refugees and migrants. 

Ms. Roumeliotis called on Australia to strengthen its humanitarian intake quotas, lead by example, and focus on strengthening community-led sponsorship and supporting safe, complementary pathways for refugees, with the resettlement sector ready to do more.

“Collaboration between sectors and states is essential to ensuring resettlement programs are sustainable and achieve the best outcomes for refugee communities,” said Ms. Roumeliotis.

“The data is clear – refugee needs are growing, and the moral obligation to protect them must drive state-supported programs.”

The UNHCR report highlighted “chronic underfunding” in resettlement programs, urging states to strengthen efforts to ensure sustainability. It advocated for predictable and adaptable programs while engaging more states in resettlement initiatives.

The Third Country Solutions for Refugees: Roadmap 2030 sets a goal to resettle 120,000 refugees by 2026. The report asserts that this goal is achievable with sustained commitment and determination from global leaders.

The CRCP NGO statement reinforced this urgency: “It is critical for states to reaffirm their leadership and expand opportunities for resettlement, safeguarding the future of these vital humanitarian efforts.”

SSI brings 25 years of expertise in refugee resettlement, including its role in delivering the Commonwealth Humanitarian Settlement Program, which has supported 28,000 refugees in Australia since 2017.