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Refugees have also been hurt by the highly negative language used to discuss them publicly. References by representatives of the federal government to “bogus” claimants and similar misleading and disparaging terms have been widely repeated in the media. Government discourse has fostered hostility towards refugees, making them feel less welcome in Canada and undermining public support for refugee protection. The negative rhetoric has also fed into more general xenophobia and racism, affecting not only refugees, but also immigrants and racialized minorities.

Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Jason Kenney also suggested that refugee claimants in Canada are “fake” and that “real refugees” are overseas. The CCR totally rejects the notion that “real” refugees are only to be found overseas. Whether they are in Canada or overseas, refugees have the same right to and need of protection.

Under the UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, Canada has legal obligations towards people in Canada who claim our protection. 2009 is the 40th anniversary of Canada’s signature of this fundamental instrument of refugee protection.

For more information

Media release, Refugees need protection, without discrimination, 17 September 2009

Open letter to Prime Minister on Principles of Refugee Protection, 5 October 2009