WATCH: Canada Must Show Leadership in Protecting the Rights of Refugees

Senator Ratna Omidvar Canadian Council for Refugees January 13, 2021 covid19migration, immigration, refugees

On November 26, 2020 Senator Omidvar was the keynote speaker at the opening plenary of the Canadian Council for Refugees‘ Fall 2020 Consultation. During her speech, Senator Omidvar discussed the global migrant crisis, the impact of the pandemic on Canadian refugee policy and the need for Canada to show leadership in protecting the rights of refugees. Watch clips of her speech below:

Recognizing the Courage of Migrants

On International #MigrantsDay, we recognize the courage it takes to start new lives in faraway places + the contributions migrants make to our communities. Many years ago, my family + I were displaced. Now, we call 🇨🇦 home⬇️ #cdnpoli #SenCA #cdnimm #WeTogether @ccrweb @wrmcouncil pic.twitter.com/p1DNeHmyf7
— Senator Ratna Omidvar (@ratnaomi) December 18, 2020

Canada’s Role in Refugee Resettlement

In contrast to 🇺🇸, Canada has a reputation for welcoming #refugees w/ open arms. We have the potential to be a 🌎 leader on good governance of #refugee resettlement + #asylum claims ⬇️ Thank you @ccrweb for inviting me to speak at your event. #cdnpoli #SenCA #cdnimm @wrmcouncil pic.twitter.com/CHBQJ2rzXW
— Senator Ratna Omidvar (@ratnaomi) December 21, 2020

Repurposing the Frozen Assets of Corrupt Foreign Officials to Help Refugees

Canada should not just freeze the assets of corrupt foreign officials, as we do under the #MagnitskyAct, but seize + repurpose them to help the #refugees who have been displaced by these tyrants’ actions. Listen to my remarks @ccrweb event ⬇️ #cdnpoli #SenCA #cdnimm @wrmcouncil pic.twitter.com/ssCUj894h0
— Senator Ratna Omidvar (@ratnaomi) December 28, 2020