Resolution - 05.5
Appeal Provision for Refused Refugee ClaimantsSubmitted by: Ontario Provincial Council
Whereas, The federal government has not established the Refugee Appeal Division approved by Parliament in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (2002); and
Whereas, The absence of an appeal process represents a serious flaw in Canada 's refugee determination system as there is no mechanism in place to review decisions affecting refugee claimants; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the national council of The Catholic Women's League of Canada, in 85th annual national convention assembled, urge the federal government to establish immediately the Refugee Appeal Division approved with the passage of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (2002).
Requested Members' Action:
• write letters to the prime minister, minister of state (multiculturalism), minister of citizenship and immigration, attorney general and minister of foreign affairs urging the immediate establishment of the Refugee Appeal Division approved with the passage of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• send a copy to your member of parliament
• check with your local multi-cultural boards to see if there are volunteer opportunities, sponsor opportunities
• invite a guest speaker(s), e.g., a panel including a recent refugee and a member of your diocese's Development & Peace committee
• have an experiential workshop ? members would become a refugee and immerse themselves in a refugee's life story, other members would role play the various government officials and other people the refugee might come in contact with, others would watch the story unfold. The players would then listen to the audience share their feelings and thoughts; the audience would then listen to the players share their feelings.
