The group of NGOs represents traditional resettlement countries, such as Finland, Sweden and The Netherlands as well as countries that have expressed an interest in resettlement, such as the Czech Republic, Italy, and Spain. The project is financed by the European Refugee Fund (ERF). ICMC Europe anticipates expanding the Network to cover additional European countries after the first year.

"There is an increased interest in resettlement to Europe as an important tool in providing durable solutions to refugees, particularly the most vulnerable" states Jared Bloch, Manager of the UNHCR-ICMC Resettlement Deployment Scheme. "However, few European states have resettlement programs, and EU based NGOs often lack experience with how resettlement is being applied in practice, and with established UNHCR criteria".

The ERN project, implemented in close collaboration with UNHCR, will elaborate a resettlement training curriculum and programme to train 30 individuals recruited from European partner NGO networks, including individuals associated with governmental offices.

"UNHCR encourages European NGOs' interest and active involvement in the UNHCR-ICMC Resettlement Deployment Scheme. We also welcome the involvement of European NGOs in other areas of resettlement delivery to enhance capacity and strengthen systems for enhanced local integration, advocacy and information sharing on good practices" states Vincent Cochetel, Head of the UNHCR Resettlement Service.

As part of the project, ICMC will post stories from the field, by Europeans on the UNHCR-ICMC Resettlement Deployment Scheme. You will be able to read their stories on this website and the websites of our project partners starting from January 2007.

For more information on the projects and its activities, click here.

For further information please contact:

Katrien Ringelé, Programme Coordinator, or Petra Hueck, Programme Manager, at secretariat.be@icmc.net<

For information related to the Deployment Scheme please contact:

Linda Besharaty, Coordinator of the Resettlement Deployment Scheme, besharaty@icmc.net<