Resolution number
9
Whereas
- The CCR opposes interdiction and has affirmed in Resolution 13 of May 93 and in the report of a task force published in May 1998 and entitled Interdicting Refugees its commitment to the right to seek asylum in Canada, but notes that the practice of interdiction continues;
- The International Air Transport Association Control Authority Working Group Code of Conduct for Immigration Liaison Officers of October 1998 provides that Liaison Officers should direct requests for asylum to the office of the UNHCR or to the appropriate diplomatic mission (paragraph 2.3);
- Interception of refugee claimants en route to Canada is normally effected by airline staff or subcontracted security firms who are not subject to the code of conduct and not by governmental Liaison Officers;
Therefore be it resolved
That the CCR ask all airlines with offices in Canada transporting passengers to Canada to adopt a code of conduct for their airline staff, the staff of any allied airlines acting as their agents, and subcontracted security firms effecting interceptions which would provide that intercepting employees provide information to every person intercepted about:
a) the refugee claim procedure in the country of interception.
b) the local office of the UNHCR.
c) the diplomatic mission of the country of destination in the country of interception.
d) local non-governmental organizations that could assist the person in making a refugee claim.
Working Group
Inland Protection