UK Revives Refugee Resettlement Program

London, September 28 (KUNA) -- British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced on Monday the reinstatement of a refugee resettlement program in the United Kingdom through “safe and legal” pathways, away from war and persecution. In a statement at a Labour Party conference, Mahmood confirmed the revival of the UK Resettlement Programme, noting that approximately 25 percent of those arriving would be from Afghanistan and Palestine. She said, “This is what we can do as we regain control of our borders, tackle small boat crossings, and unleash the inherent spirit of generosity in this country.” Mahmood emphasized that the United Kingdom, by assisting those fleeing war and persecution, would fulfill its international obligations, adding that the program would be implemented in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Refugee Assistance Project. The first batch of resettled refugees is expected to arrive by the end of this year. (End) A.S.H./R.J.