06/17/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/17/2022 13:58
The Government of Canada is working hard to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals as quickly and safely as possible. Canada has now welcomed over 16,000 Afghan refugees, including the arrival of a charter flight in Vancouver this morning with 313 Afghans who supported Canada's mission in Afghanistan.
June 17, 2022-Ottawa-The Government of Canada is working hard to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals as quickly and safely as possible. Canada has now welcomed over 16,000 Afghan refugees, including the arrival of a charter flight in Vancouver this morning with 313 Afghans who supported Canada's mission in Afghanistan.
As we prepare to mark World Refugee Day on June 20, we are sharing stories of the Afghan newcomers who have found safe haven and a new life in Canada.
World Refugee Day, established by the United Nations in 2001, is a time to celebrate the strength and courage of those forced to flee their home country to escape conflict and persecution, understand the plight of refugee newcomers, and recognize their resilience as they rebuild their lives under the most difficult of circumstances.
We recognize the bravery and achievements of refugee newcomers, including:
Together with our partners across the country, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is making a difference in the lives of Afghan newcomers and their families, and providing support to those who need it most. Individuals and businesses looking to get involved through volunteering, donating, sponsoring or supporting the wider resettlement efforts can learn more about how Canadians can help.
Photos of recent arrivals are available in Dropbox for use by media. You can also monitor Canada's progress on welcoming Afghan refugees to Canada.
"Canada has a proud history of welcoming the world's most vulnerable, and we're working hard to protect and improve the lives of refugees every day. Canadians across the country continue to welcome refugee newcomers from Afghanistan, and around the world, into their communities. As we approach World Refugee Day, we reaffirm our commitment to continue this crucial work and to offer protection to those at risk, including at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghans."
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
This year, the theme of World Refugee Day is "Whoever. Wherever. Whenever.", focusing on the right of everyone to seek safety.
According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, there are approximately 100 million people forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of conflict, persecution, violence or human rights violations.
Contacts for media only
Aidan Strickland
Press Secretary
Minister's Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
[email protected]
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
[email protected]