Tue Jun 24 17:07:26 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text, written from an Indian perspective:

**Summary:**

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reports that an estimated 2.5 million refugees will require resettlement in 2026. This figure, slightly lower than 2025 due to voluntary returns in Syria, still highlights a significant global need, particularly for refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan, Myanmar (Rohingya), and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The primary resettlement locations are Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Uganda. However, global resettlement quotas, including those of the historically leading resettlement nation, the United States, are decreasing, even falling below levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline poses a significant challenge to providing safe alternatives to dangerous migration routes. The UNHCR urges countries to maintain and increase their resettlement programs, aiming to resettle 120,000 refugees in 2026. Despite the challenges, the UNHCR facilitated the resettlement of 116,000 refugees in 2024.

**News Article:**

**Refugee Resettlement Crisis Looms: UN Warns of Shrinking Opportunities as Needs Remain High**

**Geneva, June 24, 2025 (The Hindu) -** The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has issued a stark warning about a looming crisis in refugee resettlement, highlighting the urgent need for international action as resettlement opportunities shrink while the number of refugees requiring assistance remains critically high.

According to UNHCR estimates, approximately 2.5 million refugees worldwide will require resettlement in 2026. While this figure is slightly lower than the 2.9 million estimated for 2025, primarily due to voluntary returns in Syria, the demand for resettlement remains substantial, especially for those fleeing conflict and persecution in Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan, Myanmar (Rohingya), and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Major host countries, including India’s neighbors Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey, are expected to bear the brunt of this need, alongside Ethiopia and Uganda.

The UNHCR is expressing deep concern over the dwindling resettlement opportunities available globally. “In 2025, resettlement quotas are expected to be the lowest in two decades, falling below the levels seen even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of the decline is linked to the United States — long the world’s biggest resettler of refugees — which has now slammed its doors shut,” says UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo.

The sharp decrease in US resettlement commitments, following President Trump’s recent policy shift, is a major blow to global efforts. While the US has historically played a leading role in providing refuge, its withdrawal places added pressure on other nations to step up.

However, the problem extends beyond the United States. “We have indications that a number of countries are reducing or adjusting quotas,” Mantoo cautioned, underscoring a broader trend of diminishing commitment to refugee resettlement at a time of immense need.

Experts in India are noting the potential implications of this crisis for the region. “A decrease in resettlement opportunities could lead to increased pressure on already strained resources in neighboring host countries,” said a Delhi-based humanitarian worker. “It also increases the risk of refugees undertaking dangerous journeys in search of safety, further destabilizing the region.”

The UNHCR urges countries to reverse this trend and prioritize the resettlement of refugees as a crucial humanitarian imperative. The organization is aiming to resettle 120,000 refugees in 2026, emphasizing the importance of providing safe and legal pathways for those fleeing persecution and conflict. It is crucial for nations, including India, to recognize the shared responsibility in addressing this global challenge and to contribute to sustainable solutions that protect the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Read More