Canada Strengthens Global Commitment to Refugee Protection

December 15, 2023—Geneva, Switzerland
In a world where over 114 million individuals have been forcibly displaced, with one-third classified as refugees, Canada is reaffirming its commitment to provide sanctuary and support to the world's most vulnerable. As a global leader in offering protection and opportunities beyond resettlement, Canada is stepping up its efforts to address this humanitarian crisis.

Ministerial Leadership at the Global Refugee Forum

This week, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, spearheaded Canada's delegation at the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva. Building upon existing commitments, Minister Miller unveiled a series of pledges aimed at advancing solutions to the ongoing global refugee crisis.

Support for Vulnerable Afghan Populations

Highlighting Canada's recent achievement of welcoming over 40,000 vulnerable Afghans, Minister Miller announced an additional allocation of $21 million to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This funding is earmarked to aid vulnerable Afghan populations in Central Asia and Pakistan, empowering these nations to better support and respond to the needs of those fleeing Afghanistan.

Ambitious Resettlement Goals

Canada is set to resettle over 136,000 refugees within the next three years, focusing on aiding the world's most at-risk groups. These include women in precarious situations, ethnic and religious minorities, members of LGBTQI+ communities, Rohingya refugees, and human rights defenders.

Expanding Pathways to Safety

In a bid to offer more displaced individuals a chance at a secure future, Canada is committed to broadening complementary pathways. This includes solidifying the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot—a refugee labour mobility pathway—as a permanent immigration program. Additionally, Canada is exploring educational pathways for refugee students, reinforcing its role as a global advocate for innovative refugee solutions.

Education and Climate Initiatives

Co-sponsoring the Securing Sustainable Futures mega-pledge, Canada is dedicating efforts to ensure all refugee children access quality education. This initiative underscores Canada's commitment to supporting national education systems in host countries and amplifying refugee voices.

Acknowledging the climate crisis as a catalyst for migration, Canada has announced funding for the IOM to support Mexico's efforts in linking migration with climate change and environmental challenges. The IOM will develop methodologies to collect vital data, informing potential policy actions by local and state governments.

A Continued Commitment to Humanitarian Leadership

Canada's pledges at the Global Refugee Forum exemplify its leadership in humanitarian assistance, addressing immediate needs in crises, while also focusing on long-term development and advocacy. This includes support for displaced populations and host communities in regions like Venezuela, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

The forum marks a pivotal moment as Canada continues to build on international partnerships, driving forward solutions that benefit refugees and the communities hosting them. As the global landscape of displacement evolves, Canada's proactive stance promises hope and concrete action for those in need, reinforcing its role as a beacon of humanitarian aid and progressive policy.