Millions of people around the world are affected by war, turmoil, political instability, natural disaster and oppression resulting in displaced populations. Canada is signatory to the following UN refugee treaties:
- the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees
- the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees
Canada is also a state party to the following treaties respecting human rights:
- the 1984 Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
- the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Furthermore, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms enshrines the right to life, liberty and security of a person.
Canada’s Scope of Protection
Canada offers protection to displaced individuals through the following programs:
- Abroad: Foreign nationals who are selected by UNHCR and apply for permanent or temporary residence once they have been determined to be a Convention Refugee or a person in similar situation
- In Canada: Determination by Refugee Protection Board (RPD) whether a foreign national is a Convention Refugee or a person in need of protection
- In Canada: Determination through an administrative decision (PRRA) on certain applications prior to removal of a foreign national
Government of Canada Website Link:
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/claim-protection-inside-canada.html
- https://www.irb-cisr.gc.ca/en/pages/index.aspx
- https://www.irb-cisr.gc.ca/en/refugee-claims/Pages/index.aspx
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/claim-protection-inside-canada/after-apply-next-steps/refusal-options/pre-removal-risk-assessment.html
United Nations Refugee Agency: