What is Refugee Rights Day in Canada?
On April, 4, 1985, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the rights of refugee claimants in Canada to life, liberty and security of the person. Claimants are therefore entitled to an oral hearing to make their case as a refugee in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice and international law.
On April 4, we remember that refugees continue to face challenges in their ongoing search for protections.
Advances in Refugee Rights in Canada:
· Decisions are made by an independent tribunal (the Immigrant & Refugee Board)
· Canada is a world leader in gender guidelines
· Refugee claimants have access to basic needs, such as work permits and health care coverage, which allow them to live with dignity
· Accepted refugees can apply for permanent residence in Canada
Challenges to Refugee Rights:
· Interdiction – Canada works to stop refugees from arriving here (i.e. The Safe Third Country Agreement with the U.S. largely closing our border to refugee claimants.)
· No appeal for a negative decision (the appeal process is written in the law, but has never been implemented by government)
· The unnecessary detention of refugee claimants
· The long delay in bringing sponsored refugees to Canada. Waiting is dangerous
· The delay in family reunification. Some families wait years for their spouses and children to join them
· The misrepresentation of refugees in the media
The Salvation Army is dedicated to:
· Supporting immigrants and refugees in their journey toward full participation in Canadian society
· Advocating for newcomers to live in an inclusive community that is enriched by cultural diversity
· Serving all newcomers with the unconditional love and compassion of Jesus.
Stand up for Refugee Rights in Canada
Get informed about the challenges of refugees.
Write your MP and ask him/her to vote for the implementation of the Refugee Appeal Division of the Immigrant and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
Go to the Canadian Council for Refugees website (www.ccrweb.ca) and sign on to the Manifesto on Family Reunification
Volunteer for a refugee serving agency.
