Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser today announced the expansion of the global human rights defenders stream, doubling the number of resettlement spaces from 250 to 500 for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and their family members.
“Canada firmly believes that the protection of human rights is the cornerstone of a just society,” Fraser said. “By doubling our resettlement spaces for human rights defenders, we send a resounding message of support and solidarity, ensuring that those who fight for justice are not left alone in their struggle. Together, we will continue to champion human rights and foster an environment where individuals can freely exercise their voices without fear of persecution.”
Fraser also called on Canada’s international partners, other resettlement countries and advocates “for more dedicated protection measures”.
Human rights defenders are people who, individually or with others, act to promote or protect human rights through peaceful means, such as by documenting and calling attention to violations or abuses by governments, businesses, individuals or groups. HRDs face persecution at the hands of both state and non-state actors, including arbitrary arrest, detention, threats, torture, enforced disappearance and assassination.
Masiullah Jahed, an HRD from Afghanistan resettled to Canada, and founder of the Global Goals Organization for Prosperity, which provides free virtual education to Afghan girls is thankful for the program.
“I was not sure that I would be able to continue raising my voice as a human rights defender for vulnerable citizens of Afghanistan,” Jahed said in a statment. “Thanks to the humanitarian assistance of the Government of Canada, now I have the opportunity to fight for the basic rights of Afghan youth and women while facing no direct threat to my life.”
Canada was the top resettlement country in the world for the fourth year in a row, welcoming over 47,500 refugees from over 80 countries in 2022.
