Canadian Council for Refugees

1. Canadian Council for Refugees Working together on behalf of refugees and immigrants www.ccrweb.ca

2. The CCR believes in… • Welcoming refugees in our communities • Investing in settlement services • Not deporting to torture or persecution • Canada honouring its international commitments

3. The CCR’s mission • Committed to refugee rights and protection • Committed to refugee and immigration settlement in Canada • Networking and information-exchange • Advocacy

4. Who is the CCR? • Over 170 organizations involved in refugee protection and sponsorship and in newcomer settlement • A reliable and accurate voice on breaking refugee issues • A key advocate for refugee and immigrant rights in Canada since 1978

5. Networking and Information Exchange • CCR consultations • CCR working and core groups • ccrlist (listserve) To sign up, send an email to: ccrlist@ccrweb.ca • CCR Chronicle, a monthly e-newsletter To sign up, send an email to: ccrchron@ccrweb.ca • And much more…

6. Advocacy • Dialogue with the Canadian government • Public education • Legal interventions • Reports to international bodies

7. What the CCR calls for… Speedy family reunification Cancellation of the Canada-US Safe Third Country Agreement Implementation of the Refugee Appeal Division

8. What the CCR calls for… (continued) Private sponsorship of refugees Protection for trafficked persons Professionalization of the settlement sector

9. Refugee protection in Canada and around the world Canada’s refugee determination system Refugee resettlement Immigration detention Integration of immigrants and refugees Newcomers’ access to services People without status Family reunification Rights of children and youth Anti-racism Survivors of torture Trafficking in women and girls Impacts of the security agenda Gender equality for refugees and immigrants The CCR works on…

10. Organization of the CCR Fundraising Committee International Affairs Committee Resolutions Committee EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE elected by the membership MEMBERSHIP more than 170 organizations CCR YOUTH NETWORK LEGAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OVERSEAS PROTECTION & SPONSORSHIP Working Group INLAND PROTECTION Working Group IMMIGRATION & SETTLEMENT Working Group GENDER ISSUES Core Group made up of representatives of working groups and executive ANTI-RACISM Core Group made up of representatives working groups and executive IMMIGRATION & SETTLEMENT Core Group made up of representatives of provincial/regional associations

11. Organization of the CCR

12. Overseas Protection and Sponsorship Working Group • looks at issues relating to the selection of refugees overseas (refugees sponsored by either the government or private groups) and the programs for them here in Canada. • interested in protection issues for refugees around the world.

13. Inland Protection Working Group • is concerned for the protection of refugee claimants in Canada or seeking to come to Canada.

14. Immigration and Settlement Working Group • looks at all issues relating to refugee and immigrant settlement in Canada (e.g. language training, access to employment, counselling). • is served by a core group made up of representatives of provincial, regional and national organizations.

15. Core Groups • Ensure that specific issues receive a high profile within the CCR • Made up of representatives from each Working Group and members-at-large • Core groups exist for: - Gender - Anti-racism

16. Legal Affairs Committee • Seeks opportunities to promote through the courts better protection of the human rights of refugees, immigrants and other non-citizens • Works on cases such as the legal challenge of the Canada-US Safe Third Country Agreement

17. International Refugee Rights Network • To advance the rights of refugees by facilitating effective ongoing cross-border networking among NGOs. • To support in particular grassroots NGOs working in situations where they have limited opportunities for networking on refugee rights. • To strengthen the global voice advocating for refugee rights. www.ccrweb.ca – ‘International’ section

18. CCR Youth Network • Offers a network for youth involved in the settlement, sponsorship and protection of refugees and immigrants. • Influences CCR policy by providing a collective voice through which youth can bring their ideas, objectives, and concerns. • Promotes and supports youth engagement in advocating for refugee and immigrant rights.

19. What you can do… • Welcome refugees to your community. • Join in the work of a CCR member organization in your area. • Encourage your organization to become a member of the CCR. • Consult the CCR website at www.ccrweb.ca to find out about CCR activities and campaigns and take action. • Subscribe to receive the CCR Chronicle monthly or daily emails on the CCR listserve to stay up-to-date on the latest issues affecting refugees and immigrants. • Bring CCR concerns to the media, politicians, potential allies and the general public. Information tools are available on the CCR website to help you do this. • Attend a CCR national consultation. • Make a charitable donation to the CCR through the CanadaHelps website: www.canadahelps.org. • Become a ‘Friend of the CCR’ (a monthly donor program).

20. Why become a ‘Friend of the CCR’ with a monthly donation? Joining Friends of the CCR is one of the best ways to support the CCR financially because: • Monthly donations provide stable and regular funding for the CCR to continue its work. • Donations are deducted automatically each month from your bank account or credit card, saving on postage and processing costs. How do I become a ‘Friend of the CCR’? To join, please complete the ‘Friends Form’ available: • Online at www.ccrweb.ca • From the CCR office - email: info@ccrweb.ca; phone: (514) 277-7223

21. For more information… www.ccrweb.ca Or contact your local CCR member organization: (Insert organization name and contact details here)