Photo: ©AmnestyInternational
The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and the United States puts refugees at risk. Under the STCA, refugees who arrive at official ports of entry to seek protection in Canada are sent back to the US, where some have suffered serious rights violations in detention. This encourages refugee claimants to cross the border into Canada between ports of entry, sometimes in perilous conditions.
Amnesty International, the Canadian Council for Refugees, and the Canadian Council of Churches are challenging the Safe Third Country Agreement before the Supreme Court of Canada, on the basis that it violates refugees’ rights to equality, and life, liberty and security of the person under the Charter. Despite the constitutionality of the STCA being in question, reports suggest that the government is attempting to expand this agreement.
Take Action now and send a message to Minister Fraser to respect refugee rights by rescinding the Safe Third Country Agreement.