Chapter 4 most substantive decisions were made in Germany (263,800), France (201,200), Spain (90,000) and the United Kingdom (87,400) during 2024. Syrians received the highest number of substantive decisions (151,100), followed by Afghans (132,900), nationals of Türkiye (82,700) and Venezuelans (64,500). In 2024, almost 1.8 million people received temporary protection or were granted protection through group recognition procedures. Temporary protection and protection on a group basis are not reflected in the Total Protection Rate but are important mechanisms that help increase the efficiency of asylum systems to manage situations where large numbers of people with clear international protection needs are displaced. Pending asylum claims The total number of asylum-seekers waiting for a decision at the end of 2024 stood at 8.4 million, an increase of 22 per cent from end-2023. The number of pending asylum claims has risen for eight consecutive years since 2016 and the pace of these increases has risen in recent years as new individual asylum applications have continued to outpace substantive decisions. The United States of America reported 3.2 million at mid-2024, still the largest number of pending applications globally at end-2024 despite the partial reporting. Other countries with many pending asylum applications were Egypt (631,100, a nearly 3-fold increase), Peru (540,000, +6 per cent), Germany (348,900, -3 per cent) and Canada (292,100, +29 per cent). Fair and efficient asylum procedures are essential to provide safety for those fleeing conflict, violence or persecution, ensuring inclusion in national systems and enabling durable solutions. They also help States meet their international obligations, reduce system costs and support the return of those not entitled to stay. However, it is evident from the high number of pending asylum applications that systems have not been strategically adapted to the current context. More must be done so that countries can address applications in a cost effective and fair manner, including by addressing weakness in legal and policy frameworks, institutional performance, procedural effectiveness, workforce capacity and asylum-seeker participation through information and legal aid. KENYA. "Basketball is my favourite sport. I win my games through unity, confidence and working hard.”, said Doris, who lives in Kakuma refugee camp. She adds, "There is so much talent in the camp. We just need more opportunities to showcase them." © UNHCR/CHARITY NZOMO 50 UNHCR > GLOBAL TRENDS 2024