CCR 


Didn’t make it to CCR Spring 2005 Consultation in Fredericton?
Here’s a snapshot of what you missed:

From participants: “Enjoyed smaller conference; more time to talk to people.” “Got me up to date on national issues.”  “The involvement of government people was good and helped ‘restore’ relations’.” “Interesting to learn New Brunswick perspectives on immigration.”  “Increased knowledge, skill-building.”  “I liked the participation from Latin America.”  “Local organizers did a great job – great party!” “[J’ai aimé]La diversité des ateliers...[et] Les témoignages émouvants des nombreuses personnes présentes.”

HIGHLIGHTS:
¨      Workshops and strategizing for campaign to challenge barriers to family reunification (Members will receive information to get involved in activities)
¨      Media coverage of issues and of refugee participants separated from their families
¨      Focus on security issues, with participation of representatives of CSIS, CBSA and CIC
¨      Celebration of 20th anniversary of Cartagena Declaration with a focus on Latin America
¨      Dialogue with Directors General of three Branches of CIC
¨      Many opportunities to exchange information and network, get valuable training, and strategize
¨      Consultation resolutions can be found at www.web.ca/~ccr/resjune05.html
 
 SAMPLE OF WORKSHOPS:
 
1.      Mexico Plan of Action
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Cartagena Declaration, this initiative was the topic of both a workshop and the morning plenary.  Discussion and strategizing as to how to best use this opportunity to advance our work with refugees and NGOs in Latin America.
Resource persons:       Thais Bessa, Durable Solutions/Integration Assistant, UNHCR Brazil
                                    Merida Morales-O’Donnell, UNHCR regional representative in Mexico           
 
2.      Safe Third Country: understanding, monitoring, challenging the agreement
Overview of agreement, discussion of 6-month NGO report (to be released summer 2005), and assessment of concrete effects on claimants from Colombia.
Resource persons:       Christina Harrison, Legal Protection Officer, UNHCR Canada
                                    Gloria Nafziger, Amnesty International Canada
                                    Janet Dench, CCR
                                    Rick Goldman, Comité d’aide aux réfugiés
 
3.      Turkey
Current situation of refugees in Turkey as well as the possibilities of, and barriers to, resettlement elsewhere out of Turkey.
Resource persons:    
                                    Kevin Quigley, International Catholic Migration Commission, Turkey
                                    Behzad Pilevar, Iranian refugee recently resettled from Turkey
                                    Jalal Saeedhamad, Iraqi Federation of Refugees
                                    Christina Harrison, UNHCR

4.      Toward a Canadian Immigration Framework
Debate of issues in 21st century immigration, including the development of a new national framework. Tom Denton to draft notes of workshop into an article for CCR’s consideration.
Resource persons:       Adnan Türegün, Carleton University
                                    Joe Ruggeri, University of New Brunswick
                                    Tom Denton, president, Manitoba Immigration Council
 
5.      Diaspora, Islam and Gender
Research project results on the impact of migration, from a gender-based perspective, on four refugee groups: Palestinians, Pakistanis, Afghans and Iranians.
Resource person:            Haideh Moghissi, York University
 
6.      Responding to the Changing Needs of Resettled Refugees
Participants addressed crisis facing the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP), and sent resolution to General Members’ Meeting. Also identified need for CIC to inform settlement agencies of new medical information sheet that gives better pre-arrival information.
Resource persons:       Carlos Vialard, Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Centre
                                    Fariborz Birjandian, Calgary Catholic Immigration Centre
                                    Aneas MacInnis, Multicultural Association of Fredericton
 
7.      Refugee Women as Leaders
Participants brainstormed concrete ideas to advance the leadership of refugee women and sent recommendations as Action Items to the General Meeting.
Resource persons:       Najla Noaman, Windsor
                                    Marisa Rojas, Fredericton

8.      Youth and Access to Education
The Ontario model (including SEPT & SWIS programs) was considered, along with other NGO models for work with immigrant and refugee youth, including initiatives such as theatre projects.  Also identified challenges at level of front-line service.
Resource persons:       Jorge Barahona, CultureLink, Toronto
                                    Lydia Solomon, Multicultural Association of Fredericton
 
9.      Getting Local Media Coverage
Media guests (from print, radio and television) gave suggestions for how CCR members can get their issues and concerns into media. A document based on this workshop will be available to CCR members.
Resource persons:            Lisa Hrabluk, Journalist and Director of Next NB
                                         Duncan Matheson, Bisset-Matheson Communications Ltd
                                         Solange Tuyishime, freelancer
 
10.  Memory Workshops with Refugees – Introduction to Forced Migration of Colombians
A description and demonstration of ‘memory workshops’ – the use of oral history, verbal and visual arts methods to activate dialogue, remembering and storytelling – as an educational and research strategy for working with refugees. 
Resource person:            Pilar Riano-Alcalá
 

Mark in your agendas!
Fall 2005 CCR Consultation in London, Ontario, 17-19 November 2005 
See CCR web site at www.web.ca/~ccr/meetings for further details!