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Send by emailHow will you mark Refugee Rights Day this April 4th? Here are some ideas to take action as a group or as an individual this Refugee Rights Day.
Proud to protect refugees
Following recent changes to Canada's refugee determination system, it may be tougher to protect refugees in Canada. Join us in showing Canadians and the world why we are still proud to protect refugees and refugee rights. Send a positive message about refugees in the face of negative discourse and restrictive changes.
Get involved and show your pride in protecting refugees in Canada. Go to our resources on Proud to Protect Refugees in Canada for some ideas of actions and activities.
What is Refugee Rights Day?
April 4th is the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1985 Singh decision.
In this decision the Supreme Court found that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the fundamental rights of refugees. The Court decided that ‘everyone’ includes refugee claimants in the sentence: ‘Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.’
Refugee claimants are therefore entitled to an oral hearing, in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice and international law.
RESOURCES
Are you proud to protect refugees?
What We Want for Refugees in Canada
Links
Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) webpage on the Singh decision
Supreme Court of Canada - decision: Singh versus the Minister of Employment and Immigration