Faithful Disciples in Action: PWS&D and Justice Ministries call on Canadians to Give Refugees the Right to Appeal

Join your voice with that of the Moderator of the 130th General Assembly, the Rev. Dr. Richard Fee, and the 132nd General Assembly, M. Wilma Welsh, to call on the Minister of Citizenship & Immigration to implement the Refugee Appeal Division as outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (2002).

The 132nd General Assembly (2006) approved a statement on providing sanctuary for a refugee whose claim has been rejected and who is at risk of persecution (including torture) if deported from Canada. General Assembly also approved a motion requesting the Moderator to write to the Minister for Citizenship and Immigration calling on the government to implement the right to appeal.

In 2004/05 concerned Presbyterians from across Canada participated in a massive letter writing campaign spearheaded by KAIROS calling on the government to fulfill its promise of a Refugee Appeal Division. Over 25,000 petition signatures were gathered and presented in the House of Commons.

It is time to stand up for refugee rights again! In early December 2006, Bill C-280, a private members bill which calls for the implementation of the Refugee Appeal Division, will receive second reading in the House of Commons.

You can take action today by writing to your Member of Parliament and asking them to respect the rights of refugees and the will of Parliament and vote in support of Bill C-280.

Visit the PWS&D website for more information. Sample letters are available on the website of Amnesty International Canada at www.amnesty.ca/take_action