Canada honours and shows solidarity with refugees worldwide

Title: Canada Stands Strong with Refugees on World Refugee Day Ottawa, June 20, 2024—In a powerful display of solidarity, Canada’s commitment to honoring and supporting refugees around the world shines brightly on this World Refugee Day. The trio of Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, have issued a resolute statement acknowledging the global crisis faced by millions of refugees and calling for collaborative action to address their urgent needs. An unprecedented 117 million individuals have been displaced from their homes due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights abuses, and natural disasters. Shockingly, the global refugee population soared by 7% in 2023 to reach a staggering 43.4 million, signifying a threefold increase compared to a decade ago. The sheer magnitude of this crisis underscores one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As a beacon of hope and support, Canada proudly stands as one of the top refugee resettlement countries, exemplifying a steadfast commitment to providing sanctuary to those in need. Through targeted resettlement efforts, Canada aims to welcome 12,000 refugees from Africa, the Middle East, and the Asia Pacific region over the next three years. Additionally, Canada’s private sponsorship program continues to forge impactful partnerships with organizations like the Rainbow Refugee Society, facilitating the resettlement of vulnerable LGBTQI+ refugees and their families. This inclusive approach underscores Canada’s unwavering dedication to providing safety and refuge to marginalized communities worldwide. Beyond its borders, Canada’s contributions to international assistance are second to none, with $96 million allocated to the UNHCR to address the critical needs of vulnerable populations. Notably, Canada’s support extends to regions like Latin America and the Caribbean, where investments totaling $75 million over six years are bolstering capacity-building projects to enhance responses to forced displacement and irregular migration. Furthermore, Canada’s recent funding pledge of $450,000 towards Phase II of the Refugee Education Council underscores its commitment to empowering displaced youth from diverse backgrounds through access to quality education. Canada acknowledges the resilience and invaluable contributions of refugees, recognizing their indelible imprint on communities worldwide. The unwavering support of individuals and organizations that welcome refugees into their midst is a testament to the profound impact of compassion and solidarity. Canada’s steadfast resolve to champion refugee resettlement and collaborate with global partners stands as a testament