Solidarity with refugees

World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but thrive. While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution.

As members of communities of settlement that welcome and support refugees, your participation is particularly important. We’ve highlighted a few ways that you can move from words to actions.

TAKE UP SPACE & SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Print and digital signs available for download. (Right-click to save)

COUNTER MYTHS & STEREOTYPES

Download & share these facts to dispel refugee-related myths and misinformation. (Right-click to save)

TAKE ACTION

A list of practices and acts of solidarity for World Refugee Day and every day.

CENTRE Refugee Voices, Experiences & Perspectives

• Listen to refugee voices through refugee-led storytelling and narrative projects like: the Refugee Story Bank of Canada, Refugee Storytellers Collective, Humans in Flight (Canada), Me We International
• Involve refugees and people with lived-experience of displacement in your research, program design and relevant decisions.
  • Download this handy how-to document for guidance: Download Guide
• Prioritize access and inclusion. Ensure all engagement is accessible by addressing potential barriers like language (translation, interpretation), transportation needs, and childcare. Consider the impact of their current legal status, digital exclusion, and their level of awareness of systems.
• Use your own advantages, opportunities and influence to amplify refugee voices. Provide compensation where possible.
• If you are sharing stories and pictures of asylum seekers and refugees – recognize that this is a sensitive exercise. Use these guides to help you navigate this exercise safely.
  • UNHCR Journalism Guide
  • Centring Newcomer Voices – Resource Guide (CCR)

CONNECT build and nurture relationships across differences.

• Educate yourself about refugee experiences and the specific challenges they may face. Some resources at:
  • Reasons for Refugee Resettlement (RSTP)
  • United Nations Refugee Agency – News & Stories
  • UNHCR resource for teaching children of various ages, including guide books, animations: Link 
  • Refworld Website – Search the leading source of legislation, case law and UNHCR guidance on refugees
• Engage with local organizations that support refugees. Some organizations are listed here:
  • Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) Member List
• Volunteer your time, and participate in community events.

SUPPORT the settlement journey of refugee newcomers to Canada

• Become a refugee sponsor through the BVOR refugee sponsorship program which connects volunteers with refugees in need of sponsorship and settlement support.
• Become a refugee sponsor through the PSR refugee sponsorship program which provides opportunities to sponsor a refugee or family who is known to you.
• Search for local organizations accepting in-kind donations to help refugees settle in and furnish their homes.
  • Move It! Program
• Involve your co-workers and create a better workplace culture.
• Learn how to be sensitive to and support the mental health & wellbeing of newcomers. CAMH resource page.

Interested in getting matched with a refugee to sponsor? Subscribe to the bi-weekly BVOR News for program updates and webinars.

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