Is return always a durable solution? Examining the relevance, reality and durability of voluntary repatriation in 2025

Voluntary return refers to a situation in which refugees can return in safety and dignity to their country of origin and benefit from national protection. Voluntary return, or voluntary repatriation is one of the three UNHCR recognized durable solutions alongside local integration (in which refugees legally, economically and socially integrate in their host country, benefiting from the national protection provided by the host government) and resettlement (resettlement involves the selection and transfer of refugees from a State in which they have sought protection to a third State which has agreed to admit them – as refugees – with permanent residence status).

It is increasingly the norm – though one we should not simply accept – for refugee situations to become protracted, placing far too great a burden and responsibility on refugee hosting countries and highlighting that voluntary repatriation is rare. Although registered voluntary returns increased slightly between 2021 and 2022, the current statistics have reverted to the low levels of the past decade. Most refugees across the world continue to face overwhelming obstacles when considering a return to their home country due to ongoing persecution risks, continued conflicts, and political, social, and environmental instability. The pursuit of this specific durable solution must be linked to the principle of voluntariness, which is fundamental to ensuring long-term success. Conditions in the country of return must also be conducive to ensure the durability of the solution, including that protection is provisioned.

Many times, discourse has often repeated that voluntary return is ‘the preferred durable solution’ but this may not reflect the complexity of refugees’ aspirations and may undercut political will for other solutions.

This webinar will bring together an expert panel to:

1. Unpack the origin of ‘return’ as a durable solution and its relevance today
2. Reflect on: voluntary return – rhetoric or reality for stateless populations
3. Assess the durability of voluntary return in practice – case study examples

Event details:

📅 Date: Tuesday 22nd July 2025

🕒 Time: 9:00 – 11:00 CET

📍 Platform: Microsoft Teams link to be shared with those registered

Speaker list and run of show will be updated shortly.