CHAPTER 3 25% 3.0 2.5 20% 2.0 15% 1.5 10% 1.0 5% 0.5 0.0 0 92 94 96 Number of returned refugees 98 00 02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 Percentage of refugee population In addition, the context in which some refugees are returning to their home countries is complex with many situations still fragile and unstable, leading to concerns that many returns may not be sustainable. For sustainable returns to keep pace with the number of new refugees, concerted efforts are required to address root causes leading to displacement and to support the sustainable reintegration of those choosing to return. The number of countries or areas to which refugees have returned increased from 39 in 2015 to 40 in 2016. As in the previous year, Afghan returnees were the most numerous, with an increase to 384,000 in 2016 from 61,400 the previous year. The vast majority returned from Pakistan (381,300) and some from the Islamic Republic of Iran (2,300). Similarly, Sudan reported the second-largest number of refugee returns with 37,200, nearly all from Chad. About 36,100 returns to Somalia were reported, mostly from Kenya but with smaller numbers also from Yemen. Additionally, 34,400 refugees returned to the Central African Republic, mostly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Cameroon. Other countries with large numbers of returns include Côte d’Ivoire (19,600), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (13,200), and Mali (9,800). 26 Percentage of overall refugee population Refugee returns (millions) Figure 10 | Refugee returns (in millions) and as a percentage of the overall refugee population | 1992-2016 Pakistan reported the largest number of repatriating refugees with 381,300 departures, all to Afghanistan. There were 49,900 refugee returns from Chad, with 37,200 people returning to Sudan and 12,700 to the Central African Republic. Kenya reported 33,800 departures, nearly all to Somalia. Other countries with sizable refugee departures in 2016 were the Democratic Republic of the Congo (21,900), Liberia (19,100), and South Sudan (13,200). R E S ET TLE M E NT Refugees may have sought protection in countries where their specific needs could not be met or where they were at risk. In these circumstances, UNHCR helps to resettle refugees in a third country, transferring them from a country of asylum to another State that has agreed to admit them as refugees and ultimately grant them permanent residence. Resettlement States provide a refugee with legal and physical protection, including access to civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights similar to those enjoyed by nationals. Several States offered more resettlement places in 2016. Some 15,000 new places were confirmed during and immediately after the high-level meeting UNHCR > GLOBAL TRENDS 2016