Media Advisory
For immediate release
17 February 2005
17 February 2005
UPCOMING 2OTH ANNIVERSARY OF SINGH DECISION
April 4, 2005 marks the 20th anniversary of the Singh decision,
through which the Supreme Court of Canada recognized the basic rights of refugees.
The Court ruled that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects
the right of refugee claimants in Canada to life, liberty and security of
the person, and that claimants are therefore entitled to an oral hearing,
in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.
Since that day in 1985, people in Canada who defend the rights of refugees have commemorated April 4 as Refugee Rights Day. This 20th anniversary of the Singh decision offers an ideal occasion to reflect on the advances made in the protection of refugee rights as a result of the Singh decision, as well as current threats to those rights.
The following is from Nora, who came to Canada as a refugee, and is now a Canadian citizen:
In the weeks leading up to Refugee Rights Day people across Canada will carry out activities and initiatives to provide the public with the perspective of refugees and show how the Singh decision has affected them. They will address some of the inaccuracies and myths surrounding refugees in Canada, and provide opportunities for the public to learn more about the people most affected by the system.
Contact: Catherine Balfour, Communications and Networking Coordinator, Tel (514) 277-7223 ext.1, e-mail ccr4@web.ca
Since that day in 1985, people in Canada who defend the rights of refugees have commemorated April 4 as Refugee Rights Day. This 20th anniversary of the Singh decision offers an ideal occasion to reflect on the advances made in the protection of refugee rights as a result of the Singh decision, as well as current threats to those rights.
The following is from Nora, who came to Canada as a refugee, and is now a Canadian citizen:
If compared to other industrialized countries, Canada is doing a better job for refugees. However, Canada has yet to learn from mistakes made in the past. If we want to truly reflect the Canadian Charter, we should protect the fundamental rights of refugees. The right not to be returned to a country where they may be persecuted, disappeared, tortured or killed. Refugee claimants have been wrongly refused refugee status and had to hide in churches for months to avoid being removed, because there is no appeal for a wrong refugee decision. Another right is not to be separated from one’s family. Many refugees in Canada wait years for their spouse and children to be allowed to join them here.
In the weeks leading up to Refugee Rights Day people across Canada will carry out activities and initiatives to provide the public with the perspective of refugees and show how the Singh decision has affected them. They will address some of the inaccuracies and myths surrounding refugees in Canada, and provide opportunities for the public to learn more about the people most affected by the system.
Contact: Catherine Balfour, Communications and Networking Coordinator, Tel (514) 277-7223 ext.1, e-mail ccr4@web.ca
The Canadian Council for Refugees is a non-profit umbrella organization committed to the rights and protection of refugees in Canada and around the world and to the settlement of refugees and immigrants in Canada. The membership is made up of over 180 organizations involved in refugee sponsorship and protection and in newcomer settlement. The CCR serves the networking, information-exchange and advocacy needs of its membership.