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Overseas Protection and Resettlement

Processing under source country class - Sudan

Resolution number
7
Whereas
  1. Canada has recognized the need for the protection of Sudanese, and has included Sudan on the Source Country schedule;
  2. There is no permanent Canadian processing presence in the Sudan;
  3. Displaced Sudanese are forced to flee in great danger;
  4. A visa officer is deployed to the Sudan extremely seldom. This is an inadequate response to the profound protection needs;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR strongly urge CIC to immediately put in place the resources and logistical support to effectively process Sudanese under the Source Country Class.

Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement
Subject
Source country

Refugee resettlement levels

Resolution number
6
Whereas
  1. The CCR supports openness, transparency, democracy and accountability in refugee affairs;
  2. The public process relating to the setting of resettlement levels has virtually disappeared;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR encourage the Minister to undertake a more thorough consultation process in preparation for the refugee resettlement levels for 2001.

 
Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement
Subject
Levels

Resettlement from signatory states

Resolution number
5
Whereas
  1. Countries interpret the Geneva Convention relating to the Status of Refugees on the basis of widely differing standards and criteria;
  2. CIC is inconsistent in its policy in interpreting what constitutes a durable solution;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR:

  1. Affirm that persons in signatory states, including states with refugee determination systems, should continue to be eligible for consideration for refugee resettlement to Canada, regardless of the status or result of the refugee application;
  2. Write to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration and request that the Regulations be amended to specify that temporary protection and eligibility for future refugee determination do not constitute a durable solution and that a policy directive be issued in the interim stating that "durable solution" be interpreted in this way.
Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement
Subject
Resettlement policy

Eritrea

Resolution number
3
Whereas
  1. There is a massive exodus of persons of Eritrean ethnicity to neighbouring countries, particularly Sudan, as well as massive internal displacement, due to the escalating war between Ethiopia and Eritrea;
  2. Due to the war, the UNHCR is unable to protect Eritreans;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR urge:

  1. The government of Canada to recognize the urgent protection needs of these refugees;
  2. The UNHCR to provide, as soon as possible, immediate protection for these refugees including:   i) protection from physical harm;
    ii) working with appropriate organizations to meet the total needs of the refugees;
    iii) ensuring that the basic human rights of the refugees are upheld;
  3. CIC to set up a fast track program so that refugees and other displaced people of Eritrean ethnicity who have relatives in Canada can join them.
Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement

Orphans of war

Resolution number
6
Whereas
  1. There are minor orphans of war or civil strife or in other refugee-like situations whose future is limited without resettlement;
  2. Current procedures for the sponsorship of orphaned minors are inadequate;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR request the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to expand Canada's ability to provide private and government sponsorships of refugee orphaned minors.

 
Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement
Subject
Resettlement policy

Sierra Leone assistance

Resolution number
5
Whereas
  1. There are massive human rights abuses against Sierra Leonean refugees in Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and the Gambia;
  2. The CCR appreciates the special Sierra Leone program introduced by the federal government in 2000-2001;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR urge the Government of Canada to:

  1. Continue to expedite reunification of Sierra Leonean refugees with family members in Canada;
  2. Continue to extend financial support to sponsors wanting to sponsor Sierra Leonean refugees.
Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement

Source country class

Resolution number
4
Whereas
  1. CCR continues to oppose the Source Country List, believing that all countries should be treated equally;
  2. Conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea and its racial overtones has rendered many people in mixed marriage situations or being descendants thereof, effectively stateless, unwelcome and persecuted in both countries;
  3. Refugees from Sierra Leone are being forcibly repatriated to Sierra Leone;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR urge the Government of Canada to process under the Source Country Class those people urgently in need of protection in Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sierra Leone.

 
Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement
Subject
Source country

Talisman and the Anglican Church of Canada

Resolution number
3
Whereas
  1. In resolution 9 of November 1996, the CCR committed itself to exposing atrocities by the Sudanese government upon the people of southern Sudan;
  2. Anglican members of their refugee network have worked with Sudanese in Canada to sponsor refugees from Sudan;
  3. The war in Sudan, which is in part responsible for the displacement of millions of people, has been fuelled by oil revenues from the expanding operation in which Talisman Energy is a major partner;
  4. The national pension fund of the Anglican Church of Canada has invested heavily in the Talisman shares;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR write to the Anglican Church of Canada expressing concern and requesting the Church to review its investment in Talisman with a view to divesting itself of Talisman shares in order to be consistent with its policy as expressed through the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund.

 
Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement

Talisman

Resolution number
2
Whereas
  1. The war in Sudan continues to be fuelled by oil revenues from the expanding operation in which Talisman Energy is a major partner;
  2. The war continues to be characterized by deliberate targeting of civilian populations in the South, forcible displacements and disruptions to and targeting of humanitarian aid operations and workers;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR:

  1. Itself seek and encourage its members to bring to the attention of the Canadian public the continuing atrocities by the Sudanese Government upon the people of southern Sudan and the complicity of Talisman Energy in these atrocities;
  2. Urge the Canadian government to reconsider the Harker Commission report concerning the involvement of Talisman Energy in Sudan and introduce measures to curtail it;
  3. Urge the Canadian government to investigate ways and means to mount an international effort to protect the nearly 5 million internally displaced people in Sudan;
  4. Urge the Canadian government to do ongoing and effective work with host countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya, on the need for increased protection of Sudanese refugees in their cities and camps.
Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement

In-Canada Service Provider

Resolution number
1
Whereas

on November 29, 2000, the Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH)representatives in attendance at the SAH Forum voted on and passed with an overwhelming majority three resolutions expressing their support for:

  1. formally situating the SAH network within CCR, 2. submitting an SAH application for the In-Canada Service-Provider contract,
  2. submitting this proposal under the umbrella of CCR;
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR:

  1. Explore ways to support the SAH network within CCR;
  2. Submit an application with the SAHs for the ISP contract.
Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement
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