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June 20th, 2018

NDP Statement on World Refugee Day

Jagmeet Singh, Leaders of Canada’s NDP, issued the following statement:

44,400 people a day are forced to leave everything behind, in order to escape war, persecution or terror. Half of those people are children.

These numbers are overwhelming, and each one represents an individual story of separation and loss; of a dangerous journey in search of safety, with often tragic endings; and the colossal struggle to rebuild your life against seemingly impossible odds.

Sadly, we are now witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record, and the human cost is profound.

Right now, on the US southern border, families are being torn apart as they seek refuge, and the chance for a better life. We do not have to sit idly by and watch this unfold – Canada is being called to action.

We must have the courage to act, the courage to unequivocally stand up for human rights. That’s why New Democrats will continue to call on the Liberal government to suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement. We cannot stand by and watch as children are being torn from their parents and held hostage in cages.

On World Refugee Day, let us honour the strength and perseverance of refugees by commiting to fighting for these families – for these children – right now.

In the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres:"This not about sharing a burden. It is about sharing a global responsibility, based not only the broad idea of our common humanity but also on the very specific obligations of international law. The root problems are war and hatred, not people who flee; refugees are among the first victims of terrorism."

We are all in this together. Let us have the courage to demand better, and ensure that those who need our support, are given refuge during their darkest hours.