Reconceiving Resettlement Services as International Human Rights Obligations

Abstract

The author draws on international treaties to argue that the provision of immigrant and refugee settlement services are human rights obligations. Therefore, services such as primary health care, food, education and housing are minimum core obligations that should be available to newcomers without discrimination. The implications of this position for advocacy initiatives are substantial. Instead of pleading for services from governments, activists, supported by international committees, would hold governments accountable for implementing international human rights treaties.