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of resettlement, UNHCR develops specific schemes for them and provides appropriately documented dossiers to countries implementing these schemes.
When offers of resettlement fall short of demand and the situation warrants a special concerted effort, UNHCR appeals to governments to provide the additional resettlement opportunities required (e.g. Latin American refugees, persons leaving the Indochinese Peninsula on small boats).
The international community is kept abreast of developments regarding resettlement needs and the progress of resettlement operations through the High Commissioner's reports to the Executive Committee, the ECOSOC and the General Assembly, and through various UNHCR publications.
B. Assessing the scope of resettlement needs
UNHCR endeavours to ensure that appropriate assessment of the situation of each group or individual is carried out before applying for resettlement and does not seek resettlement opportunities for refugees unless it is clear that this is the most realistic solution, in view of socio-economic and political factors prevailing in the country of residence.
When resettlement must be sought, it is preferable that it occur within the geographic area of the refugees' country of origin, where cultural, social and economic structures would be familiar, so that the feeling of uprooting is reduced. However, if countries in the area feel unable to accept the refugee for resettlement, or if the refugee does not feel secure in that region, a more distant place for resettlement is the only alternative, although adjustment to a different cultural "milieu" might be difficult. UNHCR standard policy has been to endeavour to provide solutions for refugees within their area, and to resort to resettlement in other parts of the world only when circumstances make this necessary.
C.
Processing applications for resettlement
When resettlement is considered the most appropriate solution, a well- documented dossier is prepared on each case*, UNHCR or voluntary agency counsellors perform this function and advise refugees on criteria for admission in the country/ies where resettlement is sought, thus assisting applicants to adjust the plans for their future in a realistic manner.
UNHCR forwards the dossier to the country in which resettlement is sought and contacts the authorities concerned.
D.
Preparing applicants for resettlement
If
Counselling on what to expect in countries of potential resettlement is usually provided by UNHCR or voluntary agency staff with a view to the psychological preparation of applicants to face their new environment. immigration officers or selection missions from various countries of potential admission are available, they perform this task.
*
It usually includes basic biographical data, educational and employment history, reasons for departure from country of origin, assessment of applicant's potential to integrate in the country of resettlement.
- Certificates of studies, employment etc. are included if available,
are medical records if required.
A