Investigating the Effectiveness of Voluntary Repatriation, Third-Country Resettlement, and Local Integration as Durable Solutions for Refugeehood

Abstract

The total number of refugees on a global scale remains a profoundly troubling reality. Conflicts, persecution, climate-related displacement, and fragile state systems continue to push millions into forced migration, leaving them in prolonged situations of uncertainty. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has highlighted three recognized durable solutions aimed at addressing refugeehood: voluntary repatriation, third-country resettlement, and local integration. The intent of these solutions is not only to provide instantaneous respite but also to preserve the dignity of the millions of forcefully displaced people. This paper aims to investigate the level of the effectiveness and overall durability of these solutions by employing the method of a critical literature review. Through the findings, there appears to be a considerable imbalance in the preference and attention given to each of these approaches. Often regarded as the most expedient and preferred solution, voluntary repatriation is considered to be a politically necessary and cost-effective option widely accepted and implemented by host states and, by extension, the international community. Despite this, the reality tells a different tale: repatriation is usually less feasible because of the propensity of countries of origin to be generally unsafe and precarious for refugees who originally fled for safety concerns. Third-country resettlement and local integration are also durable solutions, but they have received little attention and endorsement. Only a small fraction of refugees receives opportunities for resettlement, and integration is often impeded by the persistent problems of socio-political resistance and weak policies and implementation. This imbalance constitutes the premise of the intractable problem of refugeehood in recent times. This paper concluded by offering recommendations that centre on the imperativeness of re-evaluating the priorities of key players such as states, especially host countries, and international agencies. To draw closer to mitigating refugeehood, it is important to focus more on developing opportunities for resettlement and integration.