Key Takeaways:
- Canada became the fifth largest recipient of asylum seekers in 2023 with 146,800 new claims, up from 94,000 in 2022.
- New global conflicts and unresolved crises are driving the sharp increase in asylum claims, with displaced populations reaching 120 million in 2023.
- Canada responded by closing Roxham Road and expanding the Safe Third Country Agreement but continues significant refugee resettlement efforts.
How Has Canada Become a Top Destination for Asylum Seekers in 2023?
In 2023, Canada emerged as the fifth largest recipient of asylum seekers, recording 146,800 new claims, a significant rise from 94,000 in 2022. This surge places Canada behind only the United States (1.2 million), Germany (329,100), Egypt (183,100), and Spain (163,200).
Why Did Asylum Claims in Canada Increase Dramatically?
The new global trends report released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) highlights the sharp increase in asylum claims in Canada, jumping from ninth place in 2022 to fifth place in 2023.
The world is experiencing an unprecedented rise in displaced populations due to new conflicts and unresolved long-standing crises. The number of displaced people has increased every year for the past 12 years, and reached 117.3 million in 2023. By May 2023, the UN reported this figure had risen to 120 million, an eight percent increase from the previous year.
How Has Canada Responded to the Rise in Asylum Seekers?
The Canadian government has taken steps to manage the influx of refugees and asylum seekers. In March 2023, Ottawa permanently closed Roxham Road, a well-known unofficial border crossing in Quebec. Additionally, Canada expanded the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement to turn back refugees attempting to enter through the U.S. border.
Despite these measures, Canada continues to play a significant role in the global response to the refugee crisis. The UNHCR report notes that the growing number of displaced people is due to a mix of new conflicts and unresolved long-term crises, with Syria, Sudan, and the Gaza Strip being the hardest-hit regions.
What Are the Human Stories Behind the Numbers?
“Behind these stark and rising numbers lie countless human tragedies,” Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, remarked in a UNHCR press release.
Syria is currently facing the world’s largest displacement crisis, with 13.8 million people forced to flee their homes. In Sudan, the number of displaced individuals stands at 10.8 million, and in the Gaza Strip, up to 1.7 million people, or 75 percent of the population, had been displaced by the end of 2022.
How Many Refugees Were Resettled in Canada?
In 2023, the UNHCR report reveals that 158,700 refugees were resettled worldwide. Canada accepted nearly 51,100 of these refugees, the majority arriving from Afghanistan (16,600), Eritrea (9,200), Syria (8,400), and Somalia (4,300).
“The refugees – and the communities hosting them – need solidarity and a helping hand,” Grandi emphasized. “They can and do contribute to societies when they are included.”
Where Can You Find More Information?
For those interested in learning more about the asylum process and official procedures in Canada, refer to the Government of Canada’s official page on asylum claims. This page provides detailed information on how to make a claim for protection from within Canada, as well as necessary forms and guidelines.
Conclusion
Canada’s role as a major recipient of asylum seekers highlights both the severity of the global refugee crisis and the country’s commitment to offering refuge to those in dire need. With the number of displaced people rising each year, understanding and supporting the asylum process is more crucial than ever. Canada’s recent measures and the emotional narratives behind these numbers underscore the importance of global solidarity and compassion.
Learn Today:
Glossary
Asylum Seeker: A person who has fled their home country and seeks protection in another country but has not yet been legally recognized as a refugee.
UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees): An agency of the United Nations responsible for protecting and supporting refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people.
Resettlement: The transfer of refugees from an asylum country to another state that has agreed to admit them and grant them permanent settlement.
Safe Third Country Agreement: An agreement between two countries (in this case, Canada and the United States) where refugees must request asylum in the first safe country they arrive in, rather than moving to the other country to make the claim.
Roxham Road: An unofficial border crossing in Quebec, Canada, that was frequently used by asylum seekers entering from the United States before its closure in March 2023.
This Article In A Nutshell:
In 2023, Canada saw a dramatic rise in asylum claims, reaching 146,800, up from 94,000 in 2022. This increase places Canada as the fifth-largest recipient, behind the U.S., Germany, Egypt, and Spain. Global conflicts and crises drive this surge, highlighting Canada’s significant role in the refugee crisis.
— By VisaVerge.com
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