The global refugee crisis is a defining humanitarian emblem of the injustices plaguing our world. As conflicts, persecution, and environmental disasters wreak havoc on vulnerable communities, millions of individuals are forced to flee their homes in search of a hospitable sanctuary. More than a matter of geopolitics, a refugee crisis is a humanitarian imperative. Fortunately, with Canada's foundation built upon compassionate protection of human rights, the country does not only have a moral duty to address the plight of refugees with the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees, but has an inherent incentive to do so. 

 

From long-established refugee cases happening in Syria, Yemen, and South Sudan to the ongoing war involving Ukraine or Palestine, individuals living in conflict zones are devastatingly prone political crises. Similarly, the increasing frequency of natural disasters leave communities trapped in a dark cage, otherwise the aftermath of hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires. Finally, persecution based on ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs exclusively deters individuals, evidenced by the plight of the Rohingya (Row-Hinge-ah) in Myanmar or the Uighurs (wee-grs) in China. Based on the UNHCR's report in mid-2023, 110 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, with 36.4 million of them identified as refugees and many more internally displaced or asylum seekers. These are not mere numbers, but rather a representation of lives disrupted, families torn apart, and dreams shattered. 

 

Next, let's examine Canada's efforts. In modern times, Canada has a reputation for compassion. For instance, following the Vietnam War, Canada resettled thousands of Vietnamese boat people, sheltering them as they rebuilt their lives. Similarly, with the persistent Syrian refugee crisis, Canada opened its doors to 26,166 Syrian refugees as a sanctuary from the horrors of conflict. Even in recent conflicts in Ukraine, Canada allowed a one-time payment from 1500-3000 dollars, offering a short term temporary-housing under Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel. 

 

Despite these seemingly generous gestures, why does Canada still struggle to uphold support in the status quo? For starters, Canada's actions are rooted in implicit bias, differently treating Ukraine, a predominantly White community, compared to Palestine, inhabited largely by Arab, Muslim people. The 2022 Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel program provided temporary residency, open work eligibility, and the one-time free payment. Comparatively, the programs for those fleeing Palestine are only open to people with a first degree relative in Canada, while also giving no work permit, no assistance with housing or employment, no financial help, and giving healthcare available for only 90 days. Secondly, even with refugees who receive program assistance, said programs are poorly coordinated because the majority are volunteer-run, not government-funded. Notably, Canada has also revoked its financial support to the UNRWA for several months previously, indicating inconsistent legally funded frameworks in the UN. This brings us to the second question: How can Canada logistically overcome its current struggles and change its approaches? As Canada continues to uphold compassion towards refugees, it must firstly be responsible for providing adequate resources for proper integration. This looks like a universal transfer program that transition work qualifications to Canadian standards, permitting refugees to work in educated jobs in the medical or academic fields with the qualifications in their originating country. Moreover, Canada should uphold universal frameworks in supporting refugees regardless of their originating country, ensuring that whether it be Ukrainians or Palestinians, they all deserve emergency assistance, basic services, and education.

 

At the end of the day, society should reaffirm Canada’s progress in reversing institutionalized racism, recognizing that the lives of millions depend on our collective efforts to build the future world where every individual, regardless of background, settles in dignity, peace, and freedom.