Around the world, more children and families are being displaced from their homes because of conflicts, disasters and climate change. And when a humanitarian emergency affects a family, it is children who feel it first, and most deeply.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. New Zealand has a proud history of standing alongside people in need, and we can build on it, with a system that's clearer, fairer and more prepared.
Together with the Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies, we are calling for an Emergency Protection Framework to better support and protect families caught by humanitarian emergencies.
117.8m
216m
people could be internally displaced by climate impacts by 2050, including 48.4 million in East Asia and the Pacific.
1/3 less
Humanitarian funding fell by more than a third in 2025, while global resettlement falls far short of need.
2015-2018
750 Syrians resettled in Aotearoa New Zealand.
2021
The Afghan Emergency Resettlement Category created, allowing Afghan nationals to resettle here after the fall of Kabul.
2022
A special visa pathway created for Ukrainians with family ties in New Zealand.
2023
Resettlement offered following a severe cyclone in Niue.
Uneven protection
Recent responses to crises, including Ukraine and Afghanistan, have offered different levels of protection, resettlement support, and family reunification, depending on the situation.
No response at all
Families affected by other humanitarian emergencies have had no clear pathway to safety here, despite urgent and well-documented need.
The report sets out that people who are eligible under the emergency protection framework should have the chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and access housing, healthcare, mental health support, education, employment, English language support, family unity, and community connection.
And where returning home is not safe, there should be a clear and dignified pathway to build a permanent life here.
Read the report