Japan to take in Myanmar refugees under pilot resettlement project – UN

The United Nations refugee agency has welcomed Japan’s decision to introduce a pilot resettlement programme to accept Myanmar refugees in Thailand starting in 2010, making it the first country in the region to launch such an initiative.

UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres, who just wrapped up a two-day visit to Japan, welcomed the announcement as a historic step that reaffirms the country’s leadership role in the humanitarian arena.

“Quality comes before quantity. Success is essential,” he said of the pilot programme. “I am glad that Japan is starting with a small programme. As such, I am confident that the pilot project will develop and expand into a regular and large programme.”

While in Tokyo, Mr. Guterres thanked the Japanese Government for its many years of support and continued commitment to UNHCR. In 2008, Japan contributed more than $110 million to the agency’s programmes worldwide.