Canada is doubling its resettlement spaces from 250 to 500 for human rights defenders (HRDs) and their family members and it that way continues its policy, see: https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2021/07/19/canada-puts-its-money-where-its-mouth-is-human-rights-defenders-to-be-fast-tracked-as-refugees/
“Canada firmly believes that the protection of human rights is the cornerstone of a just society. As the world grapples with numerous human rights challenges, Canada is reinforcing its role as a global leader in promoting human rights and protecting those who safeguard them,” said former Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.
“Together, we will continue to champion human rights and foster an environment where individuals can freely exercise their voices without fear of persecution.”
As per Voices at Risk: Canada’s Guidelines on Supporting Human Rights Defenders, HRDs are defined as people who, individually or in groups, act to peacefully promote or protect human rights, “such as by documenting and calling attention to violations or abuses by governments, businesses, individuals or groups.” See also: https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2019/09/01/ngos-call-canadas-revised-guidelines-on-human-rights-defenders-a-step-in-the-right-direction/
Although these individuals make huge contributions to the building of inclusive and democratic societies that contribute to a peaceful international community, they are repeatedly the victims of criminalization, arbitrary arrest, and threats, with hundreds of HRDs being tortured and assassinated every year.
In responding to the needs of this vulnerable group, Canada has long fostered a tradition of HRD resettlement. In fact, it was ranked as the top resettlement country in the world for the fourth year in a row, welcoming over 47,500 refugees from over 80 countries in 2022.
Fraser furthered this initiative on July 25 by declaring the expansion of the global HRD stream – a government initiative that has resettled HRDs since 2021 through the Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) Program (and was one of the first to offer a dedicated, permanent pathway for HRDs globally).
Over the following months, Canada is also looking to re-engage civil society organizations on the development of a temporary protection pathway for HRDs in need.
This post was originally published on Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards.
