NDP statement on World Refugee Day 2023 « Canada’s NDP
Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh issued the following statement:
“Through the media and human rights non-governmental organizations, we have seen and heard what refugees have to go through. They are heart-wrenching stories of families being torn apart, lives lost at sea, and loved ones trapped in inhumane conditions. This is the result of persecution, conflict, human rights violations and extreme life-threatening events that make it impossible for people to stay in their homes. By the end of 2022, close to 108 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide.
World Refugee Day’s theme this year is about inclusion and solutions for refugees. Every human being deserves a safe place to call home. That is why inclusion and solutions are needed to ensure individuals and families fleeing imminent danger aren’t left to fend for themselves.
On this day, let’s remind ourselves of Canada’s critical role in welcoming those who need safety. Lengthy backlogs and delays in Canada’s immigration system leave some of the most vulnerable people waiting to reach safety in Canada for years.
When Afghanistan was taken over by the Taliban, Afghan families seeking refuge in Canada faced an application process full of bureaucratic red tape. This left many people behind until this day. The NDP called on the Liberals to fix the problem and deliver the life-saving assistance Afghan families urgently need.
The NDP has also called on the Liberals to exempt gender-based claims from the Safe Third Country Agreement for girls, women and 2SLGTBQIA+ people fearing gender-based persecution and violence. That is the right and compassionate thing to do. The Liberals must act now.
We can deliver hope for a better life for refugees. Everyone deserves a chance to thrive and grow to their fullest potential—and Canada can offer that chance to those who seek it.
We must do everything we can to resettle refugees in our communities, ensuring they are given the support they need to build successful lives and new homes here in Canada.”