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Overseas processing

Enhancing the role of NGOs in group processing of refugees to Canada

Resolution number
7
Whereas
  1. The UNHCR has demonstrated a keen interest in enhancing the role of NGOs in refugee resettlement, in particular in group processing initiatives;
  2. The 2003-2004 Group Processing Initiative, that is currently under evaluation by CIC, reveals some areas for improvement that may be addressed in part by NGO participation;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR:

  1. Request CIC to consult with partners and stakeholders on the benefits of including NGO personnel in all phases of group resettlement initiatives from identification and referral to post-arrival settlement;
  2. Encourage CIC to invite CCR (SAHs and settlement agencies) to pilot the inclusion of NGO personnel in forthcoming group processing initiatives in the field;
  3. Urge CIC to ensure that the CCR (SAHs and settlement agencies) and community partners in destination communities have sufficient, timely information to identify gaps and challenges and to plan how they will meet those needs, including by CIC placing Canadia NGO personnel in the countries of asylum in order to establish effective, timely linkages between the asylum countries and destining communities.
Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement
Subject
Overseas processing

Interpreters at visa offices

Resolution number
2
Whereas

Recent information from various sources and complaints from refugees interviewed by the Damascus and other visa posts suggest that some refusals may be due to interpretation.

Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR urge CIC to review increasingly serious concerns around interpretation at interviews, including allegations of bias, and ask that standards be adopted to ensure quality of interpretation.

Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement
Subject
Overseas processing

African refugees

Resolution number
7
Whereas
  1. There are evident disparities in processing of African refugees’ files in terms of waiting times, refusal rates and systematic DNA testing, in comparison to other regions;
  2. African refugee situations are among the most protracted in the world.
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR:

  1. Request the Government of Canada establish an NGO-Government Committee on African refugee and immigrant issues to further monitor and document the situation and propose viable solutions;
  2. Seek collaboration on these issues with Canadian Council on International Cooperation (CCIC), especially the CCIC Africa Group;
  3. Once again request to be involved meaningfully in the Annual Levels Consultation process.
Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement
Subject
Levels
Overseas processing

Equitable Access in Africa

Resolution number
1
Whereas
  1. Equitable access to resettlement and dignified treatment are fundamental to a just refugee resettlement system;
  2. Processing times for refugees to Canada from Africa are unacceptably long;
  3. The number of visa offices processing permanent residence applications in Africa is shockingly inadequate;
  4. CIC does not have the physical office space and resources to process applications;
  5. Refugees and their families suffer disproportionately from this situation in spite of the reality that African countries host huge numbers of refugees in need of resettlement;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR call on the government of Canada to provide:

  1. Sufficient visa offices in Africa to ensure adequate access.
  2. Sufficient resources to ensure timely processing times for refugee and family class applications in Africa.
Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement
Subject
Overseas processing
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