The Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law welcomes today’s announcement that 450 refugees who were subject to Australia’s offshore processing regime will be resettled in New Zealand. This offer, which has been on the table since 2013, will finally enable 450 people at risk of persecution to find permanent protection. After many years of uncertainty, they now have the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety and with dignity. 

While it is unfortunate that this offer was not accepted sooner, thereby sparing people additional mental and physical suffering, we are relieved that a concrete plan is now in place. The agreement will not provide solutions for everyone who has been caught in Australia’s offshore processing regime, which means that work must continue to find humane and durable outcomes.