The CCR is deeply distressed at the tragic death of Abdirahman Abdi following a troubling altercation with officers of the Ottawa Police Service. We extend our sincere condolences to Mr Abdi’s family and to all who knew him as a friend and neighbour.
Mr Abdi came to Canada to escape violence in Somalia. We regret profoundly that he was not able to find a haven from violence in Canada.
In order for Canada to truly be a safe haven for refugees, we need to acknowledge and confront the racism that exists in our society. We call on all levels of government and all enforcement agencies to strengthen their commitment to dismantling the racism that too often affects how government authorities interact with People of Colour and Indigenous People.
The Canadian government will soon be deciding on how many refugees and immigrants Canada will admit in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Canadians want to know that their government is fulfilling its international responsibility, on behalf of all Canadians, to protect refugees through resettlement.
The CCR has published an infographic explaining how Canada can meet its responsibility towards the global needs for resettlement in the next few years.
Statement on Blended Visa Office Referred Refugees
Blended Visa Office Referred (BVOR) refugees are supported jointly by the government and private sponsors (hence they are a “blend” of Private Sponsorship and Government Assistance).
The CCR calls on the government to commit to the principle of additionality by ensuring that Blended Visa Office Referred refugees (BVORs) are not counted as Government Assisted Refugees, or at least not more than 50% toward the GAR (Government Assisted Refugees) target.
Canadians want to know that their government is fulfilling its responsibility, on behalf of all Canadians, to protect refugees through resettlement, and that any refugees they sponsor are additional to those resettled by the government.
Upcoming webinar - Identifying and assessing human trafficking: a national assessment tool
Trafficked persons are often under the radar of service providers. Some of the reasons include lack of information on human trafficking, and reluctance of survivors in coming forward. Also, some survivors don’t actually recognize they are being trafficked. Lack of identification creates barriers to prevention and the protection of trafficked persons.
Launched in 2015, the CCR National Human Trafficking Assessment Tool was created to guide first-contact service providers across Canada in identifying and responding to situations of human trafficking. Ultimately, the tool is intended to strengthen the protection of trafficked persons in Canada.
This two-part webinar series will make the case for the need to work collaboratively across the country to build evidence on human trafficking, and introduce this practical tool to guide conversations with potentially trafficked persons in order to better serve them.
Many changes are occurring and new opportunities are arising for refugees and immigrants: now is a great time to join others from across Canada in developing strategies, sharing information and discussing collaboration to protect and welcome refugees and vulnerable migrants.
Come to the CCR Summer Working Group meetings in Montreal!
The CCR working group meetings are open to all representatives of NGOs as well as individuals that are interested in participating. Anyone who is interested is welcome to participate, however meetings are closed to media and government employees.
Participation is free and no registration is required.
By joining the CCR, your organization will become part of a vibrant and dynamic national network of over 170 organizations committed to refugee and migrant rights and the integration of newcomers.
Not with an organization? Individuals can join as Associate Members.
* Membership is not open to members of government or to members of the media
To find out more on how to become a member of the CCR, please visit: ccrweb.ca/en/join
Trafficked persons are often under the radar of service providers. Some of the reasons include lack of information on human trafficking, and reluctance of survivors in coming forward. Also, some survivors don’t actually recognize they are being trafficked. Lack of identification creates barriers to prevention and the protection of trafficked persons. 
Many changes are occurring and new opportunities are arising for refugees and immigrants: now is a great time to join others from across Canada in developing strategies, sharing information and discussing collaboration to protect and welcome refugees and vulnerable migrants.
