the CanadaVisa Team - 23 July, 2015
Yesterday, the Government of Canada and community organizations across the country joined the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in observing World Refugee Day. Since 2000, June 20 has been designated as a day to shed light on the international refugee state of affairs.
The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), offered her respect and support for the nearly 10 million refugees around the world. "Day after day, these individuals find the strength within themselves to survive. Their plight is real; their stories are moving and Canadians are proud of the efforts made to help them."
Every year, Canada's asylum and resettlement programs provide safety to over 25,000 refugees. In 2007, Canada's refugee program has committed to grant protection to 5,000 Bhutanese refugees in camps in Nepal, 2,810 Karen refugees living in Thailand camps, and has agreed to accept 1,400 Iraqis in the Middle East.
"So many of the refugees who have come to Canada have successfully integrated into our society and have made tremendous contributions," added Minister Finley. Working closely with private sponsoring groups and settlement service agencies, CIC provides support and assistance for refugees as they adjust to life in Canada.
Over the past five years, Canada has been one of the top three resettlement countries worldwide and has granted Permanent Residence to over 147,000 refugees. The goal for 2007 is to provide Permanent Residency to 25,900 – 30,800 refugees from around the world.
