CIMM – Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership on Afghan Resettlement – February 8, 2023
Implicated Recommendations:
Recommendation #19 – Work with NGOs (i.e. Aman Lara) to confirm identity
Recommendation #25 – Broaden referral partners to include trusted NGOs
Key Messages
- The crisis in Afghanistan has required the Government of Canada to work closely with multiple stakeholders and partners to identify and refer refugees for resettlement to Canada, and to support the efficient and safe passage of Afghans to Canada.
- We are reinforcing our partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that have the capacity to operate in Afghanistan, and are engaging regularly with stakeholders who are actively working to identify and assist vulnerable Afghans.
- We are working closely with provinces and territories and our network of settlement partners to support successful arrival and integration of Afghans in Canada.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) will continue to pursue opportunities with international partners to support all aspects of our response to the crisis, including safe passage out of Afghanistan.
Supplementary Messages
Non-Governmental Organizations (#19)
- IRCC is working with organizations that can provide safe passage support in Afghanistan, including Journalists for Human Rights (JHR), Aman Lara, and the Veterans Transition Network, to enable their critical work to continue.
- For example, GAC’s emergency funding of Aman Lara, through grants and contributions funding with JHR, was an exceptional response to the urgency and unique nature of the crisis. This contribution agreement with JHR has helped support the safe passage of eligible Afghans to neighbouring countries for onward travel to Canada.
- The Government of Canada remains committed to working with NGOs that have the capacity to operate in Afghanistan, and we are working on agreements to further advance this cooperation.
- IRCC supports the Government’s exploration of potential measures, including legislative options that could create exemptions for some Canadian organizations and Canadian officials seeking to continue to conduct humanitarian and other essential activities or operations in regions controlled by a terrorist group, while avoiding the legal risk of committing a terrorist financing offence.
Broaden Referral Partners (#25)
- IRCC has been working with a range of new referral partners since the fall of Kabul in August 2021, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the United States Government, Front Line Defenders, and ProtectDefenders.eu, and is open to exploring collaboration with additional referral partners, as appropriate.
- We are also in regular touch with multiple groups who are working tirelessly to help Afghans who may be in need of resettlement (e.g., Rainbow Railroad, JHR, and others).
Resettlement and integration
- At the onset of the crisis, IRCC launched a National Afghan Refugee Steering Committee, comprised of Resettlement Assistance Program Service Provider Organizations from across the country. The steering committee has been a valuable forum for ongoing engagement and dialogue on challenges, lessons learned, and innovative best practices related to settlement and integration of Afghan newcomers.
Private Sponsorship Community
- The private sponsorship community has made significant contributions to the Afghan resettlement effort, both through the direct sponsorship of vulnerable Afghans and ongoing advocacy and input regarding proposed facilitation measures. As a result of these efforts, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will identify and sponsor over 10,000 Afghan refugees in need of resettlement in response to the crisis.
Dedicated Team
- IRCC has established a dedicated team to support and manage stakeholder inquiries, and to enable new partnerships with stakeholders.
- The team regularly communicates with advocacy groups, NGOs, and stakeholders in order to provide clear updates on the Afghanistan commitment and to collaborate, as needed, to address complex issues.
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