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Rescinding the Safe Third Country Agreement with the USA

2017.01EI RESCINDING THE SAFE THIRD COUNTRY AGREEMENT WITH THE USA

Whereas #1

Canada has a “Safe Third Country Agreement” with the USA which prohibits refugees in the USA from seeking protection at border crossings; and

Whereas #2

The International Agreement assumes that both Canada and the USA respect refugee rights; and

Whereas #3

At present the USA cannot be considered safe for the purposes of refugee protection since recently signed Executive orders in the USA demonstrated a total disregard for the rights of refugees; and

Whereas #4

Issues of concern in jeopardy are access to asylum, threats of deportation to the country of origin, arbitrary arrest and imprisonment, and serious threats to the rights of children; therefore be it

Resolved #1

That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy advocating for rescinding of the “Safe Third Country Agreement” with the USA in order to protect the rights and safety of refugees; and be it further

Resolved #2

That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to rescind the “Safe Third Country Agreement” with respect to the USA and to allow refugees in the USA to apply for refugee protection at official border crossings.