92.8 The Use of Observers at Refugee Board Hearings
Whereas, The refugee determination process prior to January 1, 1989, allowed claimants to be accompanied at their hearings by clergy, friends, or whomever, in addition to their lawyers; and,
Whereas, The revised Immigration Act states that hearings will take place in private in order to protect the safety of claimants and their families; and,
Whereas, Claimants entering Canada after January 1, 1989 rarely have been permitted to have observers attend, thus negating the right of concerned citizens to assess the conduct of a hearing and of the Refugee Board members; therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to revise immediately the Immigration Act to allow refugee claimants to be accompanied by at least one person of their choice to any hearing under the Act.