Asylum seeking claims down in 2010

The number of people seeking asylum in New Zealand fell in 2010, but at a smaller rate than it did worldwide.

New Zealand received 330 claims for asylum in 2010, 3 per cent fewer than in 2009, according to the Canberra-based regional office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The number of claims made in 44 industrialised countries worldwide had decreased 5 per cent from 378,000 to 358,800.

UNHCR regional representative Richard Towle said the tiny number of asylum seekers coming to New Zealand highlighted its distance from the world's main regions of conflict and refugee displacement.

"Despite its geographical location, New Zealand's programme of accepting 750 refugees for resettlement each year is an important contribution to our efforts to find safe and secure solutions for some of the world's most vulnerable people," Mr Towle said.

UNHCR also wished to express its solidarity with the people of Christchurch following last month's earthquake, he said.

"As with most residents of the Canterbury region, many refugees who have settled in Christchurch have been deeply affected by last month's tragic earthquake."

- NZPA