Fig.9 Refugee returns | 1990-2015 (end-year) 3.0 in millions 2.4 2.2 2.2 2.1 1.6 1.4 1.1 0.6 0.5 0.5 There are a number of pathways to achieving comprehensive solutions, including through voluntary repatriation, resettlement, and different forms of local integration. A combination of pathways can be pursued simultaneously in order to attain the best outcome for displaced populations. In 2015, for instance, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Uganda simultaneously pursued both voluntary repatriation and resettlement exercises. In reality, however, a small proportion of displaced people achieve a durable solution each year, meaning that increasing numbers of people around the world remain in a protracted situation for many years. The Somali situation is an example where UNHCR has pursued new approaches to comprehensive solutions. UNHCR launched the Global Initiative for Somali Refugees to ensure continued asylum for Somali refugees in the region as long as conditions in Somalia prevent large-scale return. As signatories to the 2014 Addis Ababa Commitment to Somali Refugees, the governments of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, and Yemen committed to preserve asylum space for Somali refugees in the region. Over the course of 2014-2015, 6,100 refugees opted to return to nine areas in Somalia where humanitarian and development actors were able to support their return and reintegration. The 2013 Tripartite Agreement between the Governments of Kenya and Somalia, and UNHCR ensures sustainable and voluntary returns in conditions of safety and dignity. In addition, UNHCR has sought the support of the Somali diaspora and 24 UNHCR Global Trends 2015 20 08 20 06 20 04 20 02 20 00 20 98 19 96 19 94 19 92 19 19 90 0.1 0.2 10 0.3 0.4 0.1 0.2 15 0.7 0.7 0.5 14 0.8 20 1.1 1.0 20 0.9 12 0.9 20 1.2 the private sector to assist in the integration of returnees, particularly to increase their access to services and livelihoods. Voluntary Repatriation For many, the preferred solution is to return to their home in safety and in dignity, with full restoration of national protection, based on a free and informed decision. Voluntary repatriation was first in numerical terms among the three solutions available in 2015, albeit with low numbers compared to the scale of global displacement. Yet unresolved conflict, political instability, and insecurity continued to make return impossible for millions of displaced people during the year. Other obstacles to return included loss of livelihood, lack of access to health care and education, and difficulties in reclaiming land and property. UNHCR, in collaboration with its partners, supports voluntary repatriation through various means, including facilitated and promoted return. Working with governments, displaced communities, and other partners, UNHCR seeks to ensure that displaced people can make free and informed choices, and contributes to nationally led efforts to render return safe and durable. This includes providing updated information on the country and region of origin, engaging in peace and reconciliation activities, and providing legal aid and other forms of return assistance. Voluntary repatriation needs the full commitment of the country of origin in the reintegration process, as well as continuing support from the international community to ensure that returnees can rebuild their lives in a stable environment.