Commemorating World Refugee Day
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) commemorates World Refugee Day—an opportunity to recognise the courage, resilience, and contributions of refugees to New Zealand.
Established by the United Nations in 2001, this year's theme, 'solidarity with refugees,' calls on us to honour refugees not just with words, but with meaningful action.
This year, INZ proudly marks a significant milestone: New Zealand has reached its 2024/25 Refugee Quota Programme target, reaffirming our commitment to providing protection and opportunity to some of the world's most vulnerable people.
Qemajl Murati, Head of Refugee Quota Programme, says the milestone is a testament to the strength of New Zealand's resettlement system and the collective effort behind it.
'New Zealand's refugee resettlement programme is globally unique,' says Qemajl Murati. 'At our Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre,Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa, we provide newly arrived refugees with essential services during their first five weeks—English language classes, health and mental health support, community orientation, and tailored resettlement plans to help them thrive in their new communities.'
INZ works closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to offer safe pathways through the Refugee Quota Programme. Additional support is provided through the Refugee Family Support Category and the Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship pilot.
This work is guided by New Zealand's Refugee Resettlement Strategy, which envisions former refugees and their families settling successfully, achieving their goals, and thriving in New Zealand.
'Achieving this vision wouldn't be possible without the dedication of our partners—non-government organisations, community groups, volunteers, and other government agencies,' says Qemajl Murati.
'We also acknowledge our staff, many of whom come from refugee backgrounds themselves, who work tirelessly to create a safe and welcoming environment for those starting a new life here.'
Echoing this message, Karen Gulick, Acting Representative of the UNHCR Multi-Country Office for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, adds:
'At a time of global uncertainty, with record numbers of forcibly displaced people and critical funding gaps, it's more important than ever to show solidarity with refugees. New Zealand's warm welcome and continued support for global humanitarian efforts are powerful examples of solidarity in action.'
For more information on Immigration New Zealand's work to support refugees:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/what-we-do/refugee-and-protection
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/documents/statistics/refugee-and-protection-statistics.pdf
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