Thursday, June 21, 2007 -
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agentCanada
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On World Refugee Day (June 20th 2007), communities around the world including
Canada are celebrating the strength of the millions of refugees around the
world. Canada's New Government is joining the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees and community organizations across Canada to pay tribute to their
resilience and courage. With this year's Refugee Day theme being
"Refugees Strength", the day is an opportunity to celebrate the resilience
of refugees, and the contributions they have made to the countries in which
they've settled.
Each year, Canada provides protection to more than 25,000 refugees through
its asylum and resettlement programs. This year, since January 2007 alone,
Canada has made major commitments to provide protection to 2,810 Karen refugees
living in camps in Thailand, 5,000 Bhutanese refugees living in camps in Nepal
and agreed to accept up to 1,400 Iraqis in the Middle East.
With almost 10 million refugees around the world, the issue requires
international cooperation and solutions. Canada has an important role in the
world refugee movement. As part of the global community, Canada is engaged in
helping resolve problems before they result in refugee situations. Canada has an
important role in helping refugees integrate into those countries to which they
have fled; helping them return home; or resettling them in Canada when
appropriate. Canada has also increased the number of privately sponsored
refugees it accepts, encouraging Canadians to get involved.
"World Refugee Day in Canada has always focused on the strength of refugees
and for their positive contributions to their new communities," said Jahanshah
Assadi, UNHCR Representative in Canada. "But this could not have been possible
without the strong commitment of all levels of government and individual
Canadians, as well as faith-based organizations, and other non-governmental
organizations, who work so hard to restore meaning and hope to the lives of
refugees in Canada".
Minister Finley added, "So many of the refugees who have come to Canada have
successfully integrated into our society and have made tremendous contributions.
Their experiences, their hopes, their dreams and their skills have helped build
a richer Canada."
Citizenship and Immigration Canada is working closely with settlement service
agencies and private sponsoring groups as they deliver key services and supports
to help refugees adapt their talents to a new and very different life in Canada.
