There are over 52 million displaced people around the world, half of which are children  a number that has not been seen since the end of World War II, noting an increase in war, persecution and natural disasters, displaying a deadly global humanitarian crisis. 

New Zealand is one of many countries that annually takes in a number of refugees through the Quota Refugee Programme. A formal annual quota program was established in New Zealand in 1987. Since then, each year, New Zealand selects approximately 750 refugees who meet the criteria for resettlement under the programme. Initially, New Zealand offered 800 places under the programmes, which decreased to 750 in 1997, in exchange for the NZ government paying for refugee airfares. New Zealand hasn't increased its refugee quota in over three decades, despite a growing number of displaced persons in the world and an increasing number of people and groups urging the government to do so.

Countless individuals and organisations have advocated for the NZ Government to increase their refugee quote over the years. Amnesty International has said that the NZ government should double its refugee intake saying that NZ has a poor record of accepting an adequate number of refugees. They feel that the current 750 figure could easily be doubled, stating that it is not a large increase. National and John Key have refused to look at increasing the refugee quota saying we need to instead turn our focus on resettlement. Our country can certainly cope with a number such as 1000, it's not going to put a huge strain or stress on NZ.

Please put your name to this petition to show your support :)