Stand Up For Refugee Rights on April 4, 2006

April 4, 1985 was a milestone for refugee rights in Canada. On that day, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the right of refugee claimants in Canada to life, liberty and security of person, and that claimants are therefore entitled to an iral hearing, in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice and international law. This ruling has become known as the `Singh decision`in recognition of Harnhajan Singh, Sadhu Singh Thandi, Paramjt Singh Mann, Kewal Singh, Charanjit Singh Gill, Indrani, and Satnam Singh who brought their cases to the Court.

Refugees and immigrants to Canada continue to face challenges in their search for protection. The anniversary of the Singh decision is an ideal opportunity to alert the Canadian public, media and politicians to the advances made in the protection of refugee rights as a result of the Singh decision, as well as to threats to those rights.

Canadian Council for Refugees

For information on refugee services in our area contact the Immigrant and Refugee Support Centre, 506-633-0398.