In December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly declared that June 20
of the following year would mark the first annual World Refugee Day. June 20,
2001 marked the 50-year anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the
Status of Refugees.
As Canada observes World Refugee Day on June 20,
we reflect on our contribution and responsibility as a safe haven country. It
is a day for Canadians to reflect on the refugees living in their communities.
With any luck, you will know one of these exceptional people, whose courage
and resilience seem impossible when held up to their experience. The stories of
refugees in Canada are as unique as the individuals, but they share a common
path: empty-handed arrival, often with one suitcase or less, to a lifetime of
big and small successes in rebuilding careers, family and community.
Refugees show us how survival transforms into thriving, how the human spirit
can recover or at least persevere. It’s a remarkable process that goes beyond
individual impact. Our communities are directly strengthened by the skills and
cultural diversity of refugees, and by their endurance and drive to build more
for their children.
Cities worldwide have recognized the potential of refugees as a tremendous
resource, and the need to work hard at removing barriers to resettlement and
integration.
More freedom=more security=more opportunities
We know that it is in cities where settlement, integration, inclusion and
opportunity happen. Our Cities of Migration website offers some good ideas on
creating opportunities for refugees:
When Germany introduced changes in refugee policy that required economic
self-sufficiency as a precursor to residency, the City of Wuppertal responded
by introducing an intensive job readiness project to help asylum seekers find
long-term employment. The Wuppertal Partizipation Network uses a proactive approach
to recruiting clients and identifying employers and, with community partners,
provides support like job coaching and training courses.
The Maytree Scholarship Program is designed for students who
are protected persons, or permanent residents who were protected persons, and
living without their parents in Canada. The program is both intensive and
participatory. In addition to funding, the scholarship provides support through
mentoring, opportunities for skills development, and a peer network that
encourages students to create bonds both with each other and with their new
communities. Scholarship recipients undertake incredible journeys from newly
arrived young refugees to Toronto to roles as Canadian physicians, lawyers,
nurses, journalists and philosophers.
The beautiful game is used in Auckland as a tool to reduce the social
isolation of young refugees and to help them feel a sense of connection and
belonging. The Refugees Sport Initiative, created by a non-profit refugee
mental health agency, sees soccer as a universal language and culture. It
enables refugee youth to access mainstream sports and have a safe place to meet
with others who share and understand their experiences.
The City of Sanctuary movement builds a culture of city-wide
hospitality for people seeking refuge in the United Kingdom and dispels
misconceptions around refugees. It creates an environment of support and
understanding. In 2007, the City of Sheffield became the UK’s first City of
Sanctuary with the support of City Council and over 70 local organizations that
pledged to provide welcome, support and inclusion. Today, 14 cities and towns
across the UK are part of the movement and over 30 cities in the United States
plus Toronto, Canada, are designated Sanctuary Cities.
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Venkat Raju T
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