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Statement in Response to Amnesty International’s Call for Gaza Family Reunification

Centretown Community Health Centre (CCHC) is an organization that serves the priority population of individuals who are newcomers to Canada, refugees and asylum seekers. We provide a broad range of health and social services to this population. One of the key sources of stress for individuals in this population is the impact of forced separation from family members, many of whom remain trapped in the conflict zones. Research on the social determinants of health noted that family is a key cornerstone of our social supportive network.


Recently, Amnesty International called for a National Day of Action for Palestinian Family Reunification on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. We firmly support the right of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, to access Canada’s family reunification program. In times of war and conflict, families face unprecedented challenges, often torn apart by violence and instability. Article 16 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that "The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State."


The ability to reunite with loved ones fosters resilience, stability, and healing in the face of adversity. Canada has long provided hope for those seeking safety, temporarily or long term, and a chance to rebuild their lives if they choose to do so. Therefore, we urge the Government of Canada, specifically Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada Minister Marc Miller to ensure they grant individuals from conflict-affected regions with equitable access to this essential program. This program will allow families to come together, support one another, and contribute to the rich tapestry of Canadian society. Every family deserves the opportunity to reunite, regardless of the circumstances that have separated them, or the country of origin from which they come.


The Canadian government has previously demonstrated its capacity to respond effectively to crises, as seen with the Canadian-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. It is disappointing that they have not extended similar urgency and support to other groups in current conflict zones such as Palestine, Afghanistan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea and Mynamar. The existing Temporary Residence Visa Program is fraught with systemic barriers that hinder, rather than facilitate, the reunification of families.


As an organization, CCHC is committed to anti-oppression and addressing systemic discrimination within our organizational and governmental processes. This kind of differential treatment of refugees depending on their country of origin is deeply unjust. Canada must demonstrate its commitment to supporting the world’s most vulnerable people through effective and equitable measures.


We stand united in calling for urgent action to ensure that all individuals fleeing conflict have the opportunity to reunite with their families in Canada.

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