4 April 2017
Reunite refugee families this Refugee Rights Day
On Refugee Rights Day 2017, the Canadian Council for Refugees is drawing attention to the need for equal access to family reunification for refugees.
Recently, there has been an increase in people entering from the US to make a refugee claim in Canada. There have also been distressing reports of people suffering serious frostbite as they attempt to enter Canada.
This holiday season, the Canadian Council for Refugees invites Canadians to rejoice in the ways in which our communities and our own lives are enriched by welcoming newcomers.
Over the past year, tens of thousands of children, women and men who have lived through unspeakable horrors have found refuge and a safe home here. All who played a part in welcoming refugees have been reminded that we gain most when we give to others.
16 December 2016
The CCR applauds the federal government for eliminating on December 13 the “cumulative duration” rule that limits temporary foreign workers’ participation in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to four years. This is a victory for the many migrant workers and advocates that have been fighting against the rule, and an important step towards recognizing the rights of workers who are active contributors to the Canadian economy and society.
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.
The principle of additionality is fundamental to the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. Privately sponsored refugees are over and above the refugees resettled by the government (Government Assisted Refugees). 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.
At a time when the numbers of people forcibly displaced worldwide are reaching record levels, the renewed warmth of Canada’s response to refugees is a much-needed sign of hope.
Countless Canadians have added their efforts to the government’s massive operation to resettle more than 25,000 Syrian refugees. Communities continue to mobilize to support those who have arrived. Many Canadian private sponsors are still waiting impatiently for Syrians, having worked hard to raise funds and to organize themselves to provide the assistance that will be needed.
The Canadian Council for Refugees joins Canadians across the country in celebrating Refugee Rights Day on April 4.
This year, when so many people fleeing persecution are being welcomed into Canada, Refugee Rights Day provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on the fact that protecting refugees is at heart about recognizing refugees as human beings. Like all human beings, their basic rights need to be respected.