2017.01 THE PROVISION OF HUMANE HOLDING CONDITIONS FOR IMMIGRATION DETAINEES
Whereas #1, the Government of Canada has failed to respect the purposes of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and international human rights law by holding immigration detainees, including families and children, in jails and detention centres where sometimes children are separated from their parents; and
Whereas #2, many of the detainees have no criminal record and are held mainly for administrative purposes; and
Whereas #3, there can be harmful mental health consequences for both children and adults because of the conditions of jails and detention centres; therefore be it
Resolved #1, that National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that immigration detainees awaiting either approval to enter Canada or before deportation, be held in humane conditions, and that children not be separated from families; and be it further
Resolved #2, that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to uphold the purposes of the Canada Immigration Act to respect human rights by:
- Immediately halting the practice of holding immigration detainees in jails as they await government approval to enter Canada legally;
- Immediately planning and providing suitable immigration detainee and family centres in all major Canadian cities; and
- Ensuring that humane conditions in these facilities be maintained and monitored.