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<p>Between the first arrivals in March 2014 and 30 March 2015 (the most recent published
data), 187 people were relocated to the UK under the Vulnerable Persons Relocation
(VPR) scheme. The scheme is based on need, rather than designed to meet set arrival
projections. However, we will continue to bring groups here on a regular basis. We
have said we expect the scheme to help several hundred people over three years, and
we remain on track to achieve that. In addition, over 4,200 Syrians have been granted
asylum or other forms of leave in the UK under our normal asylum rules since the Syrian
crisis began in 2011.</p><p>We continue to work closely with the UNHCR to identify
the most vulnerable people displaced by the conflict, prioritising women and children
at risk, people in severe need of medical care and survivors of torture and violence.
The VPR scheme runs in parallel with the UNHCR’s own Syrian humanitarian admission
programme. This is because the Government believes the UK can add most value through
a complementary scheme, focusing on helping the most vulnerable refugees who cannot
be supported effectively in the region rather than a quota. With millions of people
in need, we strongly believe that the UK can have the greatest impact by continuing
to prioritise significant aid; we have donated £800 million, making the UK the second
largest bi-lateral donor after the USA and helping to provide vital support to hundreds
of thousands of people across the region. The Syrian conflict is a crisis of international
proportions and we continue to play our full part in discussions with international
partners.</p><p>The UNHCR is best placed to provide information on the number of Syrians
resettled by other states to date. The UNHCR website also provides a list of international
resettlement pledges.</p>
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