Today – June 20th 2012 – is World Refugee Day, and we Canadians have a lot of work to do if we want to maintain our commitment to help refugees who are escaping persecution, sexual assault, danger and even death.
As we speak, the government is about to complete the process for passing Bill C-31 – a law that could jail innocent asylum seekers for no good reason; could send refugees back to danger following an inadequate refugee claim process, and could discriminate against many refugees.
At this time, Bill C-31 is in the Senate. CCLA and other groups have already succeeded in getting the government to amend the bill in a few key areas and we are hoping for further revisions.
If Bill C-31 is adopted and implemented, we will continue to pressure the government not to abuse the enormous powers it gave itself in this bill, and are contemplating court action.
If Canadians continue to be vigilant, to pressure the government and demand fair and decent treatment for people looking for safety – maybe there will be some good news next World Refugee Day.
