43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021432-00310432-00310 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABNovember 27, 2020January 25, 2021November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families, including the victims of the tragic March 25, 2020, attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul, which killed 25 Sikh worshippers.Canadian officials regularly raise their concerns about the persecution of minorities in Afghanistan, including Sikhs and Hindus, with the Government of Afghanistan. On April 16, 2020, Canadian Minister of National Defence spoke with Afghanistan’s National Security Advisor about the March 25 attack, calling for measures to be put in place to protect the Afghan Sikh population and for the perpetrators of the attack to be held accountable. On May 15, 2020, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the issue with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister. Afghan officials have recently conveyed that, at the instruction of President Ghani, a commission has been established to ensure the Sikh and Hindu communities are protected. In consultation with leaders from these communities, an action plan is now being implemented. Global Affairs Canada has requested regular updates on the work of this commission from Afghan officials.Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practice their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. Canada consistently raises issues related to human rights and the protection of religious minorities during multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the most recent Senior Officials’ Meeting in July 2020, and regular meetings of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process forum. Canada uses these opportunities to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender or background.Through its development and security assistance, Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed. Canada works with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups As part of the Universal Periodic Review  process on Human Rights in 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned in order to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019, presidential election. Canada’s intervention was partially in response to the July 2018 attack that targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, a Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections.Canada recognizes the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan and is committed to working with the Afghan government to emphasize the importance of ethnic and religious minority rights.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world. Since 2019, the Government has been working closely with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation to identify and resettle at-risk Afghan religious minorities outside of Afghanistan. Some of the applications for vulnerable families in the system are in the process of being finalized with the first of the Afghan sponsored families having arrived in Calgary, Alberta in early March 2019, and families continue to arrive.With the COVID-19 pandemic, the resettlement environment has significantly changed. We are living in extraordinary times and the Government of Canada has implemented a number of temporary measures, including travel restrictions, to protect the health and safety of Canadians and reduce the spread of COVID-19.Refugee resettlement to Canada has been limited by border restriction measures and the temporary suspension of resettlement departures by Canada’s primary resettlement delivery partners. Our resettlement partners, including the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, are starting to resume operations where it is safe to do so. Canada is working with them to facilitate resettlement for refugees where conditions allow and to ensure that they have the support they need so that refugees arriving in Canada can do so safely.Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada and we continue to consider requests from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to resettle individuals in urgent need of protection on a case-by-case basis. Canada will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement as conditions permit and honour its international humanitarian commitments.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021432-00221432-00221 (Foreign affairs)HanDongDon Valley NorthLiberalONNovember 5, 2020January 25, 2021October 30, 2020Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas:
  • Amendments by the Government of India to the Citizenship Act to make religion a criterion for nationality for the first time and discriminate against some religious minorities, such as Muslims and other vulnerable communities, by not granting them eligibility;
  • The creation of the National Register of Citizens and National Public Register by the Government of India has the potential to render many members of marginalized minorities stateless, as they are more likely to be unable to produce the documentation needed to prove their identity and status; and
  • Taken together, these initiatives risk the disenfranchisement and denial of basic human rights to vulnerable populations, including the Muslim minority of India, that should be of concern to all Canadians.
We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Condemn the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Public Register (NPR) and demand independent oversight to ensure that minorities are treated like all others in the registration process. 2. Demand the withdrawal of the Citizenship Amendment Act, National Register of Citizens, National Public Register and stress the importance of upholding the rights of all religious minorities. 3. Condemn the excessive use of force by the Police against the peaceful citizens of India.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada continues to closely follow the political and human rights situation in India related to the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA), the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the National Public Register (NPR).Canada raised concerns over the implementation of the CAA, related violence, and infringements on civil rights directly with the Government of India. During the official visit of the Indian Minister of External Affairs to Ottawa on December 19, 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed the CAA and the importance of upholding the rights of all religious minorities. Similarly, in a call with the Indian Minister of External Affairs on March 2, 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed concerns over the violence in Delhi and the lives lost and recognized the steps taken by India to restore stability and to bring an end to the violence. Canada to follows the investigations into the violence in Delhi closely and has expressed the importance to see full and transparent investigations into crimes committed to ensure justice for all victims and reconciliation amongst affected communities.Canada has monitored the update to the NRC in the state of Assam and calls to update the NPR at the federal level. Canada notes the Indian Prime Minister’s statement to the effect that no one will be rendered stateless by the process. Canada calls for peaceful and productive dialogue on these sensitive issues.Canada continues to encourage India to uphold human rights, including respect for the rights of minorities. During the United Nations Human Rights Council’s last Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process for India in May 2017, Canada recommended that India guarantee freedom of religion or belief by implementing existing laws to better protect individuals belonging to minority groups from hate speech, incitement to religious violence, discrimination on religious grounds and forcible conversions. Canada expressed concern about continued caste-based discrimination, against, inter alia, Christian, Muslim, and Hindu Dalits.The Government of Canada is committed to the protection and promotion of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, at home and abroad. Canada will continue to engage with our international partners to champion inclusion and respect for diversity through both bilateral and multilateral fora.
Citizenship and identityIndiaReligious minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021432-00425432-00425 (Foreign affairs)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservativeABDecember 10, 2020January 25, 2021November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families, including the victims of the tragic March 25, 2020, attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul, which killed 25 Sikh worshippers.Canadian officials regularly raise their concerns about the persecution of minorities in Afghanistan, including Sikhs and Hindus, with the Government of Afghanistan. On April 16, 2020, Canadian Minister of National Defence spoke with Afghanistan’s National Security Advisor about the March 25 attack, calling for measures to be put in place to protect the Afghan Sikh population and for the perpetrators of the attack to be held accountable. On May 15, 2020, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the issue with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister. Afghan officials have recently conveyed that, at the instruction of President Ghani, a commission has been established to ensure the Sikh and Hindu communities are protected. In consultation with leaders from these communities, an action plan is now being implemented. Global Affairs Canada has requested regular updates on the work of this commission from Afghan officials.Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practice their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. Canada consistently raises issues related to human rights and the protection of religious minorities during multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the most recent Senior Officials’ Meeting in July 2020, and regular meetings of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process forum. Canada uses these opportunities to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender or background.Through its development and security assistance, Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed. Canada works with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups As part of the Universal Periodic Review  process on Human Rights in 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned in order to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019, presidential election. Canada’s intervention was partially in response to the July 2018 attack that targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, a Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections.Canada recognizes the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan and is committed to working with the Afghan government to emphasize the importance of ethnic and religious minority rights.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world. Since 2019, the Government has been working closely with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation to identify and resettle at-risk Afghan religious minorities outside of Afghanistan. Some of the applications for vulnerable families in the system are in the process of being finalized with the first of the Afghan sponsored families having arrived in Calgary, Alberta in early March 2019, and families continue to arrive.With the COVID-19 pandemic, the resettlement environment has significantly changed. We are living in extraordinary times and the Government of Canada has implemented a number of temporary measures, including travel restrictions, to protect the health and safety of Canadians and reduce the spread of COVID-19.Refugee resettlement to Canada has been limited by border restriction measures and the temporary suspension of resettlement departures by Canada’s primary resettlement delivery partners. Our resettlement partners, including the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, are starting to resume operations where it is safe to do so. Canada is working with them to facilitate resettlement for refugees where conditions allow and to ensure that they have the support they need so that refugees arriving in Canada can do so safely.Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada and we continue to consider requests from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to resettle individuals in urgent need of protection on a case-by-case basis. Canada will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement as conditions permit and honour its international humanitarian commitments.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021432-00419432-00419 (Foreign affairs)Hon.EdFastAbbotsfordConservativeBCDecember 10, 2020January 25, 2021November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families, including the victims of the tragic March 25, 2020, attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul, which killed 25 Sikh worshippers.Canadian officials regularly raise their concerns about the persecution of minorities in Afghanistan, including Sikhs and Hindus, with the Government of Afghanistan. On April 16, 2020, Canadian Minister of National Defence spoke with Afghanistan’s National Security Advisor about the March 25 attack, calling for measures to be put in place to protect the Afghan Sikh population and for the perpetrators of the attack to be held accountable. On May 15, 2020, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the issue with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister. Afghan officials have recently conveyed that, at the instruction of President Ghani, a commission has been established to ensure the Sikh and Hindu communities are protected. In consultation with leaders from these communities, an action plan is now being implemented. Global Affairs Canada has requested regular updates on the work of this commission from Afghan officials.Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practice their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. Canada consistently raises issues related to human rights and the protection of religious minorities during multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the most recent Senior Officials’ Meeting in July 2020, and regular meetings of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process forum. Canada uses these opportunities to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender or background.Through its development and security assistance, Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed. Canada works with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups As part of the Universal Periodic Review  process on Human Rights in 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned in order to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019, presidential election. Canada’s intervention was partially in response to the July 2018 attack that targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, a Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections.Canada recognizes the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan and is committed to working with the Afghan government to emphasize the importance of ethnic and religious minority rights.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world. Since 2019, the Government has been working closely with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation to identify and resettle at-risk Afghan religious minorities outside of Afghanistan. Some of the applications for vulnerable families in the system are in the process of being finalized with the first of the Afghan sponsored families having arrived in Calgary, Alberta in early March 2019, and families continue to arrive.With the COVID-19 pandemic, the resettlement environment has significantly changed. We are living in extraordinary times and the Government of Canada has implemented a number of temporary measures, including travel restrictions, to protect the health and safety of Canadians and reduce the spread of COVID-19.Refugee resettlement to Canada has been limited by border restriction measures and the temporary suspension of resettlement departures by Canada’s primary resettlement delivery partners. Our resettlement partners, including the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, are starting to resume operations where it is safe to do so. Canada is working with them to facilitate resettlement for refugees where conditions allow and to ensure that they have the support they need so that refugees arriving in Canada can do so safely.Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada and we continue to consider requests from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to resettle individuals in urgent need of protection on a case-by-case basis. Canada will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement as conditions permit and honour its international humanitarian commitments.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 25, 2021432-00199432-00199 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABNovember 2, 2020January 25, 2021November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families, including the victims of the tragic March 25, 2020, attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul, which killed 25 Sikh worshippers.Canadian officials regularly raise their concerns about the persecution of minorities in Afghanistan, including Sikhs and Hindus, with the Government of Afghanistan. On April 16, 2020, Canadian Minister of National Defence spoke with Afghanistan’s National Security Advisor about the March 25 attack, calling for measures to be put in place to protect the Afghan Sikh population and for the perpetrators of the attack to be held accountable. On May 15, 2020, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the issue with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister. Afghan officials have recently conveyed that, at the instruction of President Ghani, a commission has been established to ensure the Sikh and Hindu communities are protected. In consultation with leaders from these communities, an action plan is now being implemented. Global Affairs Canada has requested regular updates on the work of this commission from Afghan officials.Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practice their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. Canada consistently raises issues related to human rights and the protection of religious minorities during multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the most recent Senior Officials’ Meeting in July 2020, and regular meetings of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process forum. Canada uses these opportunities to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender or background.Through its development and security assistance, Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed. Canada works with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups As part of the Universal Periodic Review  process on Human Rights in 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned in order to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019, presidential election. Canada’s intervention was partially in response to the July 2018 attack that targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, a Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections.Canada recognizes the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan and is committed to working with the Afghan government to emphasize the importance of ethnic and religious minority rights.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world. Since 2019, the Government has been working closely with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation to identify and resettle at-risk Afghan religious minorities outside of Afghanistan. Some of the applications for vulnerable families in the system are in the process of being finalized with the first of the Afghan sponsored families having arrived in Calgary, Alberta in early March 2019, and families continue to arrive.With the COVID-19 pandemic, the resettlement environment has significantly changed. We are living in extraordinary times and the Government of Canada has implemented a number of temporary measures, including travel restrictions, to protect the health and safety of Canadians and reduce the spread of COVID-19.Refugee resettlement to Canada has been limited by border restriction measures and the temporary suspension of resettlement departures by Canada’s primary resettlement delivery partners. Our resettlement partners, including the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, are starting to resume operations where it is safe to do so. Canada is working with them to facilitate resettlement for refugees where conditions allow and to ensure that they have the support they need so that refugees arriving in Canada can do so safely.Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada and we continue to consider requests from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to resettle individuals in urgent need of protection on a case-by-case basis. Canada will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement as conditions permit and honour its international humanitarian commitments.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 9, 2020432-00156432-00156 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABOctober 26, 2020December 9, 2020November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. Canada’s refugee and humanitarian resettlement programs are designed to provide protection to refugees who have been forced to flee their country of origin. By definition, in international and domestic law, a refugee must be outside their own country to be eligible for resettlement. In Canada, a legal framework enabling the systematic and ongoing resettlement of individuals who are still in their own country does not presently exist under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.With the COVID-19 pandemic, the resettlement environment has significantly changed. We are living in extraordinary times and the Government of Canada has implemented a number of temporary measures, including travel restrictions, to protect the health and safety of Canadians and reduce the spread of COVID-19.Refugee resettlement to Canada has been limited by border restriction measures and the temporary suspension of resettlement departures by Canada’s primary resettlement delivery partners. Our resettlement partners, including the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, are starting to resume operations where it is safe to do so. Canada is working with them to facilitate resettlement for refugees where conditions allow and to ensure that they have the support they need so that refugees arriving in Canada can do so safely.Canada will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement as conditions permit and honour its international humanitarian commitments. We will also continue to support religious freedoms both at home and abroad.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families, including the victims of the tragic March 25, 2020, attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul, which killed 25 Sikh worshippers.Canadian officials regularly raise their concerns about the persecution of minorities in Afghanistan, including Sikhs and Hindus, with the Government of Afghanistan. On April 16, 2020, Canadian Minister of National Defence spoke with Afghanistan’s National Security Advisor about the March 25 attack, calling for measures to be put in place to protect the Afghan Sikh population and for the perpetrators of the attack to be held accountable. On May 15, 2020, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the issue with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister. Afghan officials have recently conveyed that, at the instruction of President Ghani, a commission has been established to ensure the Sikh and Hindu communities are protected. In consultation with leaders from these communities, an action plan is now being implemented. Global Affairs Canada has requested regular updates on the work of this commission from Afghan officials.Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practice their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. Canada consistently raises issues related to human rights and the protection of religious minorities during multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the most recent Senior Officials’ Meeting in July 2020, and regular meetings of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process forum. Canada uses these opportunities to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender or background.Through its development and security assistance, Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed. Canada works with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups As part of the Universal Periodic Review  process on Human Rights in 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned in order to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019, presidential election. Canada’s intervention was partially in response to the July 2018 attack that targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, a Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections.Canada recognizes the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan and is committed to working with the Afghan government to emphasize the importance of ethnic and religious minority rights.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 2, 2020432-00125432-00125 (Foreign affairs)JenniferO'ConnellPickering—UxbridgeLiberalONOctober 19, 2020December 2, 2020April 20, 2020Petition to the Government of CanadaWhereas:
  • Amendments by the Government of India to the Citizenship Act to make religion a criterion for nationality for the first time and discriminate against some religious minorities, such as Muslims and other vulnerable communities, by not granting them eligibility;
  • The creation of the National Register of Citizens and National Public Register by the Government of India has the potential to render many members of marginalized minorities stateless, as they are more likely to be unable to produce the documentation needed to prove their identity and status; and
  • Taken together, these initiatives risk the disenfranchisement and denial of basic human rights to vulnerable populations, including the Muslim minority of India, that should be of concern to all Canadians.
We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1. Condemn the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Public Register (NPR) and demand independent oversight to ensure that minorities are treated like all others in the registration process. 2. Demand the withdrawal of the Citizenship Amendment Act, National Register of Citizens, National Public Register and stress the importance of upholding the rights of all religious minorities. 3. Condemn the excessive use of force by the Police against the peaceful citizens of India.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneThe Government of Canada continues to closely follow the political and human rights situation in India related to the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA), the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the National Public Register (NPR).Canada raised concerns over the implementation of the CAA, related violence, and infringements on civil rights directly with the Government of India. During the official visit of the Indian Minister of External Affairs to Ottawa on December 19, 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed the CAA and the importance of upholding the rights of all religious minorities. Similarly, in a call with the Indian Minister of External Affairs on March 2, 2020, the Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed concerns over the violence in Delhi and the lives lost and recognized the steps taken by India to restore stability and to bring an end to the violence. Canada to follows the investigations into the violence in Delhi closely and has expressed the importance to see full and transparent investigations into crimes committed to ensure justice for all victims and reconciliation amongst affected communities.Canada has monitored the update to the NRC in the state of Assam and calls to update the NPR at the federal level. Canada notes the Indian Prime Minister’s statement to the effect that no one will be rendered stateless by the process. Canada calls for peaceful and productive dialogue on these sensitive issues.Canada continues to encourage India to uphold human rights, including respect for the rights of minorities. During the United Nations Human Rights Council’s last Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process for India in May 2017, Canada recommended that India guarantee freedom of religion or belief by implementing existing laws to better protect individuals belonging to minority groups from hate speech, incitement to religious violence, discrimination on religious grounds and forcible conversions. Canada expressed concern about continued caste-based discrimination, against, inter alia, Christian, Muslim, and Hindu Dalits.The Government of Canada is committed to the protection and promotion of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, at home and abroad. Canada will continue to engage with our international partners to champion inclusion and respect for diversity through both bilateral and multilateral fora.
Citizenship and identityIndiaReligious minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 2, 2020432-00118432-00118 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABOctober 19, 2020December 2, 2020November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. Canada’s refugee and humanitarian resettlement programs are designed to provide protection to refugees who have been forced to flee their country of origin. By definition, in international and domestic law, a refugee must be outside their own country to be eligible for resettlement. In Canada, a legal framework enabling the systematic and ongoing resettlement of individuals who are still in their own country does not presently exist under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.With the COVID-19 pandemic, the resettlement environment has significantly changed. We are living in extraordinary times and the Government of Canada has implemented a number of temporary measures, including travel restrictions, to protect the health and safety of Canadians and reduce the spread of COVID-19.Refugee resettlement to Canada has been limited by border restriction measures and the temporary suspension of resettlement departures by Canada’s primary resettlement delivery partners. Our resettlement partners, including the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, are starting to resume operations where it is safe to do so. Canada is working with them to facilitate resettlement for refugees where conditions allow and to ensure that they have the support they need so that refugees arriving in Canada can do so safely.Canada will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement as conditions permit and honour its international humanitarian commitments. We will also continue to support religious freedoms both at home and abroad.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families, including the victims of the tragic March 25, 2020, attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul, which killed 25 Sikh worshippers.Canadian officials regularly raise their concerns about the persecution of minorities in Afghanistan, including Sikhs and Hindus, with the Government of Afghanistan. On April 16, 2020, Canadian Minister of National Defence spoke with Afghanistan’s National Security Advisor about the March 25 attack, calling for measures to be put in place to protect the Afghan Sikh population and for the perpetrators of the attack to be held accountable. On May 15, 2020, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the issue with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister. Afghan officials have recently conveyed that, at the instruction of President Ghani, a commission has been established to ensure the Sikh and Hindu communities are protected. In consultation with leaders from these communities, an action plan is now being implemented. Global Affairs Canada has requested regular updates on the work of this commission from Afghan officials.Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practice their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. Canada consistently raises issues related to human rights and the protection of religious minorities during multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the most recent Senior Officials’ Meeting in July 2020, and regular meetings of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process forum. Canada uses these opportunities to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender or background.Through its development and security assistance, Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed. Canada works with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups As part of the Universal Periodic Review  process on Human Rights in 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned in order to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019, presidential election. Canada’s intervention was partially in response to the July 2018 attack that targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, a Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections.Canada recognizes the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan and is committed to working with the Afghan government to emphasize the importance of ethnic and religious minority rights.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledDecember 2, 2020432-00115432-00115 (Foreign affairs)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservativeBCOctober 19, 2020December 2, 2020November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. Canada’s refugee and humanitarian resettlement programs are designed to provide protection to refugees who have been forced to flee their country of origin. By definition, in international and domestic law, a refugee must be outside their own country to be eligible for resettlement. In Canada, a legal framework enabling the systematic and ongoing resettlement of individuals who are still in their own country does not presently exist under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.With the COVID-19 pandemic, the resettlement environment has significantly changed. We are living in extraordinary times and the Government of Canada has implemented a number of temporary measures, including travel restrictions, to protect the health and safety of Canadians and reduce the spread of COVID-19.Refugee resettlement to Canada has been limited by border restriction measures and the temporary suspension of resettlement departures by Canada’s primary resettlement delivery partners. Our resettlement partners, including the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, are starting to resume operations where it is safe to do so. Canada is working with them to facilitate resettlement for refugees where conditions allow and to ensure that they have the support they need so that refugees arriving in Canada can do so safely.Canada will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement as conditions permit and honour its international humanitarian commitments. We will also continue to support religious freedoms both at home and abroad.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families, including the victims of the tragic March 25, 2020, attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul, which killed 25 Sikh worshippers.Canadian officials regularly raise their concerns about the persecution of minorities in Afghanistan, including Sikhs and Hindus, with the Government of Afghanistan. On April 16, 2020, Canadian Minister of National Defence spoke with Afghanistan’s National Security Advisor about the March 25 attack, calling for measures to be put in place to protect the Afghan Sikh population and for the perpetrators of the attack to be held accountable. On May 15, 2020, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the issue with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister. Afghan officials have recently conveyed that, at the instruction of President Ghani, a commission has been established to ensure the Sikh and Hindu communities are protected. In consultation with leaders from these communities, an action plan is now being implemented. Global Affairs Canada has requested regular updates on the work of this commission from Afghan officials.Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practice their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. Canada consistently raises issues related to human rights and the protection of religious minorities during multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the most recent Senior Officials’ Meeting in July 2020, and regular meetings of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process forum. Canada uses these opportunities to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender or background.Through its development and security assistance, Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed. Canada works with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups As part of the Universal Periodic Review  process on Human Rights in 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned in order to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019, presidential election. Canada’s intervention was partially in response to the July 2018 attack that targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, a Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections.Canada recognizes the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan and is committed to working with the Afghan government to emphasize the importance of ethnic and religious minority rights.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 23, 2020432-00096432-00096 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABOctober 8, 2020November 23, 2020November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. Canada’s refugee and humanitarian resettlement programs are designed to provide protection to refugees who have been forced to flee their country of origin. By definition, in international and domestic law, a refugee must be outside their own country to be eligible for resettlement. In Canada, a legal framework enabling the systematic and ongoing resettlement of individuals who are still in their own country does not presently exist under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.With the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has implemented a number of temporary measures, including travel restrictions, to protect the health and safety of Canadians and reduce the spread of COVID-19.Refugee resettlement to Canada has been limited by border restriction measures and the temporary suspension of resettlement departures by Canada’s primary resettlement delivery partners. Our resettlement partners, including the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, are starting to resume operations where it is safe to do so.  Canada is working with them to facilitate resettlement for refugees where conditions allow and to ensure that they have the support they need so that refugees arriving in Canada can do so safely.Canada will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement as conditions permit and honour its international humanitarian commitments. We will also continue to support religious freedoms both at home and abroad.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families, including the victims of the tragic March 25, 2020, attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul, which killed 25 Sikh worshippers.Canadian officials regularly raise their concerns about the persecution of minorities in Afghanistan, including Sikhs and Hindus, with the Government of Afghanistan. On April 16, 2020, Canadian Minister of National Defence spoke with Afghanistan’s National Security Advisor about the March 25 attack, calling for measures to be put in place to protect the Afghan Sikh population and for the perpetrators of the attack to be held accountable. On May 15, 2020, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the issue with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister. Afghan officials have recently conveyed that, at the instruction of President Ghani, a commission has been established to ensure the Sikh and Hindu communities are protected. In consultation with leaders from these communities, an action plan is now being implemented. Global Affairs Canada has requested regular updates on the work of this commission from Afghan officials.Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practice their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. Canada consistently raises issues related to human rights and the protection of religious minorities during multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the most recent Senior Officials’ Meeting in July 2020, and regular meetings of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process forum. Canada uses these opportunities to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender or background.Through its development and security assistance, Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed. Canada works with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups As part of the Universal Periodic Review  process on Human Rights in 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned in order to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019, presidential election. Canada’s intervention was partially in response to the July 2018 attack that targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, a Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections.Canada recognizes the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan and is committed to working with the Afghan government to emphasize the importance of ethnic and religious minority rights.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledNovember 18, 2020432-00060432-00060 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABOctober 5, 2020November 18, 2020November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. Canada’s refugee and humanitarian resettlement programs are designed to provide protection to refugees who have been forced to flee their country of origin. By definition, in international and domestic law, a refugee must be outside their own country to be eligible for resettlement. In Canada, a legal framework enabling the systematic and ongoing resettlement of individuals who are still in their own country does not presently exist under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.With the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has implemented a number of temporary measures, including travel restrictions, to protect the health and safety of Canadians and reduce the spread of COVID-19.Refugee resettlement to Canada has been limited by border restriction measures and the temporary suspension of resettlement departures by Canada’s primary resettlement delivery partners. Our resettlement partners, including the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, are starting to resume operations where it is safe to do so.  Canada is working with them to facilitate resettlement for refugees where conditions allow and to ensure that they have the support they need so that refugees arriving in Canada can do so safely.Canada will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement as conditions permit and honour its international humanitarian commitments. We will also continue to support religious freedoms both at home and abroad.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families, including the victims of the tragic March 25, 2020, attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul, which killed 25 Sikh worshippers.Canadian officials regularly raise their concerns about the persecution of minorities in Afghanistan, including Sikhs and Hindus, with the Government of Afghanistan. On April 16, 2020, Canadian Minister of National Defence spoke with Afghanistan’s National Security Advisor about the March 25 attack, calling for measures to be put in place to protect the Afghan Sikh population and for the perpetrators of the attack to be held accountable. On May 15, 2020, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs raised the issue with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister. Afghan officials have recently conveyed that, at the instruction of President Ghani, a commission has been established to ensure the Sikh and Hindu communities are protected. In consultation with leaders from these communities, an action plan is now being implemented. Global Affairs Canada has requested regular updates on the work of this commission from Afghan officials.Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practice their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. Canada consistently raises issues related to human rights and the protection of religious minorities during multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the most recent Senior Officials’ Meeting in July 2020, and regular meetings of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process forum. Canada uses these opportunities to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender or background.Through its development and security assistance, Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed. Canada works with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups As part of the Universal Periodic Review  process on Human Rights in 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned in order to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019, presidential election. Canada’s intervention was partially in response to the July 2018 attack that targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, a Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections.Canada recognizes the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan and is committed to working with the Afghan government to emphasize the importance of ethnic and religious minority rights.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJuly 20, 2020431-00213431-00213 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 25, 2020July 20, 2020December 11, 2018PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw your attention to reach out to the government of Thailand to suspend the arrests, detention, and deportation of Pakistani asylum seekers seeking refuge from religious persecution, violence, and threats of death in Pakistan.The recent crackdown on asylum seekers in Thailand has shaken and deeply affected the Canadian Christian Community of Pakistani origin. Pakistani asylum seekers fled their homes with hopes of resettling in countries where they could freely practice their religion without fear of being victimized under Blasphemy laws.We, as Canadian citizens, urge the government of Canada to take up this matter urgently with the government of Thailand and urge for the protection and humane treatment of Pakistani asylum seekers. These asylum seekers must be provided the opportunity to apply for refugee status with the UNHCR and for resettlement without being arrested, detained, or deported.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneThe Government of Canada firmly opposes the discrimination or persecution of any group or individual on any grounds, including based on their religion or beliefs. Global Affairs Canada, through its Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion, works to promote the freedom of religion or belief internationally, through a variety of channels. Likewise, senior officials at Global Affairs Canada and our Embassy in Thailand have repeatedly voiced our strong concerns with Thai authorities regarding human rights, and specifically, international humanitarian law. Canada works with like-minded states at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva to ensure that resolutions involving freedom of religion or belief truly aim to protect believers from persecution. Canada also founded the International Contact Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief (ICG-FoRB) in June 2015, which brings together a number of like-minded countries to discuss new approaches and good practices for promoting freedom of religion or belief internationally. The ICG-FoRB, which Canada presently co-chairs with the United States, meets bi-annually to discuss ongoing challenges to the rights of faith and belief communities around the world, as well as innovative ways to collaborate in an effort to protect those rights.On a bilateral basis, Canada raises freedom of religion or belief violations with countries of particular concern at every opportunity.Through our High Commission in Islamabad and other high-level channels, Canada has made its views on freedom of religion or belief and the abuse of the blasphemy laws known directly to national and provincial authorities in Pakistan. Canada’s latest recommendation during Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Review at the UNHRC, calls on Pakistan to: “Implement effective measures to prevent violence, persecution and discrimination on the basis of religion and, in particular, take effective steps to reduce the misuse of blasphemy laws by requiring all cases to undergo prior judicial review and authorization before charges may proceed.”Moreover, the Government of Canada consistently raises the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand, including their detainment at immigration facilities while they await UNHCR status determination and processing. Senior officials of Global Affairs Canada, together with the Embassy of Canada in Thailand, work closely with various stakeholders, including UNHCR, like-minded embassies and civil society, to advocate in favour of greater respect for international humanitarian law in Thailand, including the importance of finding alternatives to detention.One example of Canada’s action was a recommendation made to Thailand during its second cycle UPR at the UNHRC in May 2016, which focused on the need for Thailand to provide access to legal status for asylum seekers and refugees without discrimination, end arbitrary detention, and implement effective legal safeguards against refoulement consistent with international human rights and refugee laws. Furthermore, representatives from Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa and the Embassy of Canada in Thailand have met with community groups for Pakistani Christians and the latter has raised this issue directly with the Government of Thailand.Canada will continue to strongly advocate for the promotion and protection of the freedom of religion or belief around the globe and support refugees and asylum seekers that have settled in Thailand.
AsylumPakistanRefugeesReligious minoritiesThailand
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJuly 20, 2020431-00203431-00203 (Foreign affairs)Hon.Kerry-LynneFindlaySouth Surrey—White RockConservativeBCMay 20, 2020July 20, 2020November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François Philippe ChampagneRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.For example, most recently, as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process on Human Rights on January 21, 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019 presidential election. The Afghan government must do more to prevent incidents such as the tragic July 2018 attack which targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, the Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections. Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims of the attacks and their families.Canada uses the opportunities of multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the Heart of Asia –Istanbul Process and the November 2018 Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, to raise issues related to human rights in Afghanistan. Canada also raises its support for the full inclusion of all members of Afghan society, regardless of ethnicity, gender or background. Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed.Canada continues to work with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups. For example, Canada contributes to the Law and Order Trust Fund of Afghanistan and the Afghan National Army Trust Fund, which support fair representation of minorities in security institutions.The Minister of Foreign Affairs has also recently condemned the horrifying attack on Sikh worshippers in Afghanistan that occurred on March 25, 2020 (https://twitter.com/FP_Champagne/status/1243583795032403968). Canada firmly believe that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practice their religion without fearing for their lives and safety.Canada recognizes and applauds the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan. Canada is committed to working with the Afghan government to ensure that Sikh and Hindu minority groups are able to fully participate in Afghan society. Canadian officials frequently raise the issue of human rights with their Afghan interlocutors, and will continue to take every opportunity to emphasize the importance of ethnic minority rights in Afghanistan.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world.On March 12, 2020, the Government announced the 2020-2022 Immigration Levels Plan. As part of this plan, Canada planned to welcome 20,000 privately sponsored refugees in 2020 and 60,000 over the next three years. This plan reflects the Government’s sustained commitment to resettle privately sponsored refugees.However, since the time of that announcement, the resettlement environment has significantly changed. We are living in extraordinary times and the Government of Canada has implemented a number of temporary measures, including travel restrictions, to protect the health and safety of Canadians and reduce the spread of COVID-19.As part of these measures, resettlement movements for overseas refugees have been temporarily suspended. Implementation partners, the United Nations Refugee Agency, and the International Organization for Migration also announced they are temporarily suspending resettlement activities. Despite this, Canada intends to continue to uphold its international commitments and overseas refugee resettlement will resume once conditions allow.Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada and we continue to consider requests from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to resettle individuals in urgent need of protection on a case-by-case basis.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJuly 20, 2020431-00202431-00202 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 20, 2020July 20, 2020December 11, 2018PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw your attention to reach out to the government of Thailand to suspend the arrests, detention, and deportation of Pakistani asylum seekers seeking refuge from religious persecution, violence, and threats of death in Pakistan.The recent crackdown on asylum seekers in Thailand has shaken and deeply affected the Canadian Christian Community of Pakistani origin. Pakistani asylum seekers fled their homes with hopes of resettling in countries where they could freely practice their religion without fear of being victimized under Blasphemy laws.We, as Canadian citizens, urge the government of Canada to take up this matter urgently with the government of Thailand and urge for the protection and humane treatment of Pakistani asylum seekers. These asylum seekers must be provided the opportunity to apply for refugee status with the UNHCR and for resettlement without being arrested, detained, or deported.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneThe Government of Canada firmly opposes the discrimination or persecution of any group or individual on any grounds, including based on their religion or beliefs. Global Affairs Canada, through its Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion, works to promote the freedom of religion or belief internationally, through a variety of channels. Likewise, senior officials at Global Affairs Canada and our Embassy in Thailand have repeatedly voiced our strong concerns with Thai authorities regarding human rights, and specifically, international humanitarian law. Canada works with like-minded states at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva to ensure that resolutions involving freedom of religion or belief truly aim to protect believers from persecution. Canada also founded the International Contact Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief (ICG-FoRB) in June 2015, which brings together a number of like-minded countries to discuss new approaches and good practices for promoting freedom of religion or belief internationally. The ICG-FoRB, which Canada presently co-chairs with the United States, meets bi-annually to discuss ongoing challenges to the rights of faith and belief communities around the world, as well as innovative ways to collaborate in an effort to protect those rights.On a bilateral basis, Canada raises freedom of religion or belief violations with countries of particular concern at every opportunity.Through our High Commission in Islamabad and other high-level channels, Canada has made its views on freedom of religion or belief and the abuse of the blasphemy laws known directly to national and provincial authorities in Pakistan. Canada’s latest recommendation during Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Review at the UNHRC, calls on Pakistan to: “Implement effective measures to prevent violence, persecution and discrimination on the basis of religion and, in particular, take effective steps to reduce the misuse of blasphemy laws by requiring all cases to undergo prior judicial review and authorization before charges may proceed.”Moreover, the Government of Canada consistently raises the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand, including their detainment at immigration facilities while they await UNHCR status determination and processing. Senior officials of Global Affairs Canada, together with the Embassy of Canada in Thailand, work closely with various stakeholders, including UNHCR, like-minded embassies and civil society, to advocate in favour of greater respect for international humanitarian law in Thailand, including the importance of finding alternatives to detention.One example of Canada’s action was a recommendation made to Thailand during its second cycle UPR at the UNHRC in May 2016, which focused on the need for Thailand to provide access to legal status for asylum seekers and refugees without discrimination, end arbitrary detention, and implement effective legal safeguards against refoulement consistent with international human rights and refugee laws. Furthermore, representatives from Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa and the Embassy of Canada in Thailand have met with community groups for Pakistani Christians and the latter has raised this issue directly with the Government of Thailand.Canada will continue to strongly advocate for the promotion and protection of the freedom of religion or belief around the globe and support refugees and asylum seekers that have settled in Thailand.
AsylumPakistanRefugeesReligious minoritiesThailand
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJuly 20, 2020431-00200431-00200 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABMay 20, 2020July 20, 2020November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Phillippe ChampagneRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.For example, most recently, as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process on Human Rights on January 21, 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019 presidential election. The Afghan government must do more to prevent incidents such as the tragic July 2018 attack which targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, the Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections. Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims of the attacks and their families.Canada uses the opportunities of multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the Heart of Asia –Istanbul Process and the November 2018 Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, to raise issues related to human rights in Afghanistan. Canada also raises its support for the full inclusion of all members of Afghan society, regardless of ethnicity, gender or background. Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed.Canada continues to work with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups. For example, Canada contributes to the Law and Order Trust Fund of Afghanistan and the Afghan National Army Trust Fund, which support fair representation of minorities in security institutions.The Minister of Foreign Affairs has also recently condemned the horrifying attack on Sikh worshippers in Afghanistan that occurred on March 25, 2020 (https://twitter.com/FP_Champagne/status/1243583795032403968). Canada firmly believe that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practice their religion without fearing for their lives and safety.Canada recognizes and applauds the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan. Canada is committed to working with the Afghan government to ensure that Sikh and Hindu minority groups are able to fully participate in Afghan society. Canadian officials frequently raise the issue of human rights with their Afghan interlocutors, and will continue to take every opportunity to emphasize the importance of ethnic minority rights in Afghanistan.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world.On March 12, 2020, the Government announced the 2020-2022 Immigration Levels Plan. As part of this plan, Canada planned to welcome 20,000 privately sponsored refugees in 2020 and 60,000 over the next three years. This plan reflects the Government’s sustained commitment to resettle privately sponsored refugees.However, since the time of that announcement, the resettlement environment has significantly changed. We are living in extraordinary times and the Government of Canada has implemented a number of temporary measures, including travel restrictions, to protect the health and safety of Canadians and reduce the spread of COVID-19.As part of these measures, resettlement movements for overseas refugees have been temporarily suspended. Implementation partners, the United Nations Refugee Agency, and the International Organization for Migration also announced they are temporarily suspending resettlement activities. Despite this, Canada intends to continue to uphold its international commitments and overseas refugee resettlement will resume once conditions allow.Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada and we continue to consider requests from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to resettle individuals in urgent need of protection on a case-by-case basis.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledMay 25, 2020e-2391e-2391 (Foreign affairs)NasirAhmedSalmaZahidScarborough CentreLiberalONJanuary 23, 2020, at 2:32 p.m. (EDT)February 22, 2020, at 2:32 p.m. (EDT)March 11, 2020May 25, 2020March 9, 2020Petition to the <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">House of Commons</Addressee>Whereas: Amendments by the Government of India to the Citizenship Act to make religion a criterion for nationality for the first time and discriminate against some religious minorities, such as Muslims and other vulnerable communities, by not granting them eligibility; The creation of the National Register of Citizens and National Public Register by the Government of India has the potential to render many members of marginalized minorities stateless, as they are more likely to be unable to produce the documentation needed to prove their identity and status; andTaken together, these initiatives risk the disenfranchisement and denial of basic human rights to vulnerable populations, including the Muslim minority of India, that should be of concern to all Canadians.We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:1. Condemn the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and National Public Register (NPR) and demand independent oversight to ensure that minorities are treated like all others in the registration process; 2. Demand the withdrawal of the Citizenship Amendment Act, National Register of Citizens, National Public Register and stress the importance of upholding the rights of all religious minorities; and3. Condemn the excessive use of force by the police against the peaceful citizens of India.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneThe Government of Canada has closely followed the political and human rights situation in India related to the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA), the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the National Public Register (NPR).Canada has raised concerns over the implementation of the CAA and related violence directly with the Government of India. During the official visit of the Indian Minister of External Affairs to Ottawa on December 19, 2019, the Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed the CAA and the importance of upholding the rights of all religious minorities. On March 2, 2020, the Minister had a call with his Indian counterpart. During this frank conversation, he expressed concerns over the violence in Delhi and the lives lost and he highlighted the importance of a path towards peaceful and productive dialogue on this sensitive issue.Canada continues to encourage India to uphold human rights, including respect for the rights of minorities. During the United Nations Human Rights Council’s most recent Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process for India in May 2017, Canada recommended that India guarantee freedom of religion or belief by implementing existing laws to better protect individuals belonging to minority groups from hate speech, incitement to religious violence, discrimination on religious grounds and forcible conversions. Canada expressed concern about continued caste-based discrimination, against, inter alia, Christian, Muslim, and Hindu Dalits.The Government of Canada is committed to the protection and promotion of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, at home and abroad.  Canada will continue to follow the situation around the recently legislated citizenship Amendment act and to stress the importance of upholding the rights of all religious minorities.
Citizenship and identityIndiaReligious minorities
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 11, 2020431-00051431-00051 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABJanuary 31, 2020April 11, 2020December 11, 2018PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw your attention to reach out to the government of Thailand to suspend the arrests, detention, and deportation of Pakistani asylum seekers seeking refuge from religious persecution, violence, and threats of death in Pakistan.The recent crackdown on asylum seekers in Thailand has shaken and deeply affected the Canadian Christian Community of Pakistani origin. Pakistani asylum seekers fled their homes with hopes of resettling in countries where they could freely practice their religion without fear of being victimized under Blasphemy laws.We, as Canadian citizens, urge the government of Canada to take up this matter urgently with the government of Thailand and urge for the protection and humane treatment of Pakistani asylum seekers. These asylum seekers must be provided the opportunity to apply for refugee status with the UNHCR and for resettlement without being arrested, detained, or deported.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneThe Government of Canada firmly opposes the discrimination or persecution of any group or individual on any grounds, including based on their religion or beliefs. Global Affairs Canada, through its Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion, works to promote the freedom of religion or belief internationally, through a variety of channels. Likewise, senior officials at Global Affairs Canada and our Embassy in Thailand have repeatedly voiced our strong concerns with Thai authorities regarding human rights, and specifically, international humanitarian law. Canada works with like-minded states at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva to ensure that resolutions involving freedom of religion or belief truly aim to protect believers from persecution. Canada also founded the International Contact Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief (ICG-FoRB) in June 2015, which brings together a number of like-minded countries to discuss new approaches and good practices for promoting freedom of religion or belief internationally. The ICG-FoRB, which Canada presently co-chairs with the United States, meets bi-annually to discuss ongoing challenges to the rights of faith and belief communities around the world, as well as innovative ways to collaborate in an effort to protect those rights.On a bilateral basis, Canada raises freedom of religion or belief violations with countries of particular concern at every opportunity.Through our High Commission in Islamabad and other high-level channels, Canada has made its views on freedom of religion or belief and the abuse of the blasphemy laws known directly to national and provincial authorities in Pakistan. Canada’s latest recommendation during Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Review at the UNHRC, calls on Pakistan to: “Implement effective measures to prevent violence, persecution and discrimination on the basis of religion and, in particular, take effective steps to reduce the misuse of blasphemy laws by requiring all cases to undergo prior judicial review and authorization before charges may proceed.”Moreover, the Government of Canada consistently raises the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand, including their detainment at immigration facilities while they await UNHCR status determination and processing. Senior officials of Global Affairs Canada, together with the Embassy of Canada in Thailand, work closely with various stakeholders, including UNHCR, like-minded embassies and civil society, to advocate in favour of greater respect for international humanitarian law in Thailand, including the importance of finding alternatives to detention.One example of Canada’s action was a recommendation made to Thailand during its second cycle UPR at the UNHRC in May 2016, which focused on the need for Thailand to provide access to legal status for asylum seekers and refugees without discrimination, end arbitrary detention, and implement effective legal safeguards against refoulement consistent with international human rights and refugee laws.Furthermore, representatives from Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa and the Embassy of Canada in Thailand have met with community groups for Pakistani Christians and the latter has raised this issue directly with the Government of Thailand.Canada will continue to strongly advocate for the promotion and protection of the freedom of religion or belief around the globe and support refugees and asylum seekers that have settled in Thailand.
AsylumPakistanRefugeesReligious minoritiesThailand
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 11, 2020431-00068431-00068 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 5, 2020April 11, 2020December 11, 2018PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw your attention to reach out to the government of Thailand to suspend the arrests, detention, and deportation of Pakistani asylum seekers seeking refuge from religious persecution, violence, and threats of death in Pakistan.The recent crackdown on asylum seekers in Thailand has shaken and deeply affected the Canadian Christian Community of Pakistani origin. Pakistani asylum seekers fled their homes with hopes of resettling in countries where they could freely practice their religion without fear of being victimized under Blasphemy laws.We, as Canadian citizens, urge the government of Canada to take up this matter urgently with the government of Thailand and urge for the protection and humane treatment of Pakistani asylum seekers. These asylum seekers must be provided the opportunity to apply for refugee status with the UNHCR and for resettlement without being arrested, detained, or deported.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneThe Government of Canada firmly opposes the discrimination or persecution of any group or individual on any grounds, including based on their religion or beliefs. Global Affairs Canada, through its Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion, works to promote the freedom of religion or belief internationally, through a variety of channels. Likewise, senior officials at Global Affairs Canada and our Embassy in Thailand have repeatedly voiced our strong concerns with Thai authorities regarding human rights, and specifically, international humanitarian law. Canada works with like-minded states at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva to ensure that resolutions involving freedom of religion or belief truly aim to protect believers from persecution. Canada also founded the International Contact Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief (ICG-FoRB) in June 2015, which brings together a number of like-minded countries to discuss new approaches and good practices for promoting freedom of religion or belief internationally. The ICG-FoRB, which Canada presently co-chairs with the United States, meets bi-annually to discuss ongoing challenges to the rights of faith and belief communities around the world, as well as innovative ways to collaborate in an effort to protect those rights.On a bilateral basis, Canada raises freedom of religion or belief violations with countries of particular concern at every opportunity.Through our High Commission in Islamabad and other high-level channels, Canada has made its views on freedom of religion or belief and the abuse of the blasphemy laws known directly to national and provincial authorities in Pakistan. Canada’s latest recommendation during Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Review at the UNHRC, calls on Pakistan to: “Implement effective measures to prevent violence, persecution and discrimination on the basis of religion and, in particular, take effective steps to reduce the misuse of blasphemy laws by requiring all cases to undergo prior judicial review and authorization before charges may proceed.”Moreover, the Government of Canada consistently raises the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand, including their detainment at immigration facilities while they await UNHCR status determination and processing. Senior officials of Global Affairs Canada, together with the Embassy of Canada in Thailand, work closely with various stakeholders, including UNHCR, like-minded embassies and civil society, to advocate in favour of greater respect for international humanitarian law in Thailand, including the importance of finding alternatives to detention.One example of Canada’s action was a recommendation made to Thailand during its second cycle UPR at the UNHRC in May 2016, which focused on the need for Thailand to provide access to legal status for asylum seekers and refugees without discrimination, end arbitrary detention, and implement effective legal safeguards against refoulement consistent with international human rights and refugee laws.Furthermore, representatives from Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa and the Embassy of Canada in Thailand have met with community groups for Pakistani Christians and the latter has raised this issue directly with the Government of Thailand.Canada will continue to strongly advocate for the promotion and protection of the freedom of religion or belief around the globe and support refugees and asylum seekers that have settled in Thailand.
AsylumPakistanRefugeesReligious minoritiesThailand
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 11, 2020431-00084431-00084 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 19, 2020April 11, 2020November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Canada continues to resettle Afghan refugees who have fled Afghanistan. This resettlement is done through the Government-Assisted and Private Sponsorship of Refugees programs.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada's humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world.The Government has more than tripled the number of spaces available in the Private Sponsorship of Refugee program over pre-2015 levels, to allow even more Canadians to sponsor refugees to Canada and to reduce wait times.Since 2019, the Government has been working closely with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation to identify and resettle at-risk Afghan religious minorities outside of Afghanistan. Some of the applications for vulnerable families in the system are in the process of being finalized with the first of the Afghan sponsored families having arrived in Calgary, Alberta in early March 2019, and families continue to arrive.Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad is a priority for the Government of Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.For example, most recently, as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process on Human Rights on January 21, 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019 presidential election. The Afghan government must do more to prevent incidents such as the tragic July 2018 attack which targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, the Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections. Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims of the attacks and their families.Canada uses the opportunities of multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the Heart of Asia –Istanbul Process and the November 2018 Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, to raise issues related to human rights in Afghanistan. Canada also raises its support for the full inclusion of all members of Afghan society, regardless of ethnicity, gender or background. Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed.Canada continues to work with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups, as well as women and girls. For example, Canada contributes to the Law and Order Trust Fund of Afghanistan and the Afghan National Army Trust Fund, which support fair representation of minorities in security institutions.The Minister of Foreign Affairs has also recently condemned the horrifying attack on Sikh worshippers in Afghanistan that occurred on March 25, 2020 (https://twitter.com/FP_Champagne/status/1243583795032403968). Canada firmly believe that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practice their religion without fearing for their lives and safety.Canada recognizes and applauds the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan. Canada is committed to working with the Afghan government to ensure that Sikh and Hindu minority groups are able to fully participate in Afghan society. Canadian officials frequently raise the issue of human rights with their Afghan interlocutors, and will continue to take every opportunity to emphasize the importance of ethnic minority rights in Afghanistan.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 11, 2020431-00086431-00086 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 19, 2020April 11, 2020December 11, 2018PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw your attention to reach out to the government of Thailand to suspend the arrests, detention, and deportation of Pakistani asylum seekers seeking refuge from religious persecution, violence, and threats of death in Pakistan.The recent crackdown on asylum seekers in Thailand has shaken and deeply affected the Canadian Christian Community of Pakistani origin. Pakistani asylum seekers fled their homes with hopes of resettling in countries where they could freely practice their religion without fear of being victimized under Blasphemy laws.We, as Canadian citizens, urge the government of Canada to take up this matter urgently with the government of Thailand and urge for the protection and humane treatment of Pakistani asylum seekers. These asylum seekers must be provided the opportunity to apply for refugee status with the UNHCR and for resettlement without being arrested, detained, or deported.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneThe Government of Canada firmly opposes the discrimination or persecution of any group or individual on any grounds, including based on their religion or beliefs. Global Affairs Canada, through its Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion, works to promote the freedom of religion or belief internationally, through a variety of channels. Likewise, senior officials at Global Affairs Canada and our Embassy in Thailand have repeatedly voiced our strong concerns with Thai authorities regarding human rights, and specifically, international humanitarian law. Canada works with like-minded states at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva to ensure that resolutions involving freedom of religion or belief truly aim to protect believers from persecution. Canada also founded the International Contact Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief (ICG-FoRB) in June 2015, which brings together a number of like-minded countries to discuss new approaches and good practices for promoting freedom of religion or belief internationally. The ICG-FoRB, which Canada presently co-chairs with the United States, meets bi-annually to discuss ongoing challenges to the rights of faith and belief communities around the world, as well as innovative ways to collaborate in an effort to protect those rights.On a bilateral basis, Canada raises freedom of religion or belief violations with countries of particular concern at every opportunity.Through our High Commission in Islamabad and other high-level channels, Canada has made its views on freedom of religion or belief and the abuse of the blasphemy laws known directly to national and provincial authorities in Pakistan. Canada’s latest recommendation during Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Review at the UNHRC, calls on Pakistan to: “Implement effective measures to prevent violence, persecution and discrimination on the basis of religion and, in particular, take effective steps to reduce the misuse of blasphemy laws by requiring all cases to undergo prior judicial review and authorization before charges may proceed.”Moreover, the Government of Canada consistently raises the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand, including their detainment at immigration facilities while they await UNHCR status determination and processing. Senior officials of Global Affairs Canada, together with the Embassy of Canada in Thailand, work closely with various stakeholders, including UNHCR, like-minded embassies and civil society, to advocate in favour of greater respect for international humanitarian law in Thailand, including the importance of finding alternatives to detention.One example of Canada’s action was a recommendation made to Thailand during its second cycle UPR at the UNHRC in May 2016, which focused on the need for Thailand to provide access to legal status for asylum seekers and refugees without discrimination, end arbitrary detention, and implement effective legal safeguards against refoulement consistent with international human rights and refugee laws. Furthermore, representatives from Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa and the Embassy of Canada in Thailand have met with community groups for Pakistani Christians and the latter has raised this issue directly with the Government of Thailand.Canada will continue to strongly advocate for the promotion and protection of the freedom of religion or belief around the globe and support refugees and asylum seekers that have settled in Thailand.
AsylumPakistanRefugeesReligious minoritiesThailand
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 11, 2020431-00106431-00106 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 24, 2020April 11, 2020December 11, 2018PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADAWe, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw your attention to reach out to the government of Thailand to suspend the arrests, detention, and deportation of Pakistani asylum seekers seeking refuge from religious persecution, violence, and threats of death in Pakistan.The recent crackdown on asylum seekers in Thailand has shaken and deeply affected the Canadian Christian Community of Pakistani origin. Pakistani asylum seekers fled their homes with hopes of resettling in countries where they could freely practice their religion without fear of being victimized under Blasphemy laws.We, as Canadian citizens, urge the government of Canada to take up this matter urgently with the government of Thailand and urge for the protection and humane treatment of Pakistani asylum seekers. These asylum seekers must be provided the opportunity to apply for refugee status with the UNHCR and for resettlement without being arrested, detained, or deported.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneThe Government of Canada firmly opposes the discrimination or persecution of any group or individual on any grounds, including based on their religion or beliefs. Global Affairs Canada, through its Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion, works to promote the freedom of religion or belief internationally, through a variety of channels. Likewise, senior officials at Global Affairs Canada and our Embassy in Thailand have repeatedly voiced our strong concerns with Thai authorities regarding human rights, and specifically, international humanitarian law. Canada works with like-minded states at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva to ensure that resolutions involving freedom of religion or belief truly aim to protect believers from persecution. Canada also founded the International Contact Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief (ICG-FoRB) in June 2015, which brings together a number of like-minded countries to discuss new approaches and good practices for promoting freedom of religion or belief internationally. The ICG-FoRB, which Canada presently co-chairs with the United States, meets bi-annually to discuss ongoing challenges to the rights of faith and belief communities around the world, as well as innovative ways to collaborate in an effort to protect those rights.On a bilateral basis, Canada raises freedom of religion or belief violations with countries of particular concern at every opportunity.Through our High Commission in Islamabad and other high-level channels, Canada has made its views on freedom of religion or belief and the abuse of the blasphemy laws known directly to national and provincial authorities in Pakistan. Canada’s latest recommendation during Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Review at the UNHRC, calls on Pakistan to: “Implement effective measures to prevent violence, persecution and discrimination on the basis of religion and, in particular, take effective steps to reduce the misuse of blasphemy laws by requiring all cases to undergo prior judicial review and authorization before charges may proceed.”Moreover, the Government of Canada consistently raises the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand, including their detainment at immigration facilities while they await UNHCR status determination and processing. Senior officials of Global Affairs Canada, together with the Embassy of Canada in Thailand, work closely with various stakeholders, including UNHCR, like-minded embassies and civil society, to advocate in favour of greater respect for international humanitarian law in Thailand, including the importance of finding alternatives to detention.One example of Canada’s action was a recommendation made to Thailand during its second cycle UPR at the UNHRC in May 2016, which focused on the need for Thailand to provide access to legal status for asylum seekers and refugees without discrimination, end arbitrary detention, and implement effective legal safeguards against refoulement consistent with international human rights and refugee laws. Furthermore, representatives from Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa and the Embassy of Canada in Thailand have met with community groups for Pakistani Christians and the latter has raised this issue directly with the Government of Thailand.Canada will continue to strongly advocate for the promotion and protection of the freedom of religion or belief around the globe and support refugees and asylum seekers that have settled in Thailand.
AsylumPakistanRefugeesReligious minoritiesThailand
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledApril 11, 2020431-00115431-00115 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABFebruary 26, 2020April 11, 2020November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Canada continues to resettle Afghan refugees who have fled Afghanistan. This resettlement is done through the Government-Assisted and Private Sponsorship of Refugees programs.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada's humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world.The Government has more than tripled the number of spaces available in the Private Sponsorship of Refugee program over pre-2015 levels, to allow even more Canadians to sponsor refugees to Canada and to reduce wait times.Since 2019, the Government has been working closely with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation to identify and resettle at-risk Afghan religious minorities outside of Afghanistan. Some of the applications for vulnerable families in the system are in the process of being finalized with the first of the Afghan sponsored families having arrived in Calgary, Alberta in early March 2019, and families continue to arrive.Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad is a priority for the Government of Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.For example, most recently, as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process on Human Rights on January 21, 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019 presidential election. The Afghan government must do more to prevent incidents such as the tragic July 2018 attack which targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, the Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections. Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims of the attacks and their families.Canada uses the opportunities of multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the Heart of Asia –Istanbul Process and the November 2018 Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, to raise issues related to human rights in Afghanistan. Canada also raises its support for the full inclusion of all members of Afghan society, regardless of ethnicity, gender or background. Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed.Canada continues to work with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups. For example, Canada contributes to the Law and Order Trust Fund of Afghanistan and the Afghan National Army Trust Fund, which support fair representation of minorities in security institutions.The Minister of Foreign Affairs has also recently condemned the horrifying attack on Sikh worshippers in Afghanistan that occurred on March 25, 2020 (https://twitter.com/FP_Champagne/status/1243583795032403968). Canada firmly believe that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practice their religion without fearing for their lives and safety.Canada recognizes and applauds the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan. Canada is committed to working with the Afghan government to ensure that Sikh and Hindu minority groups are able to fully participate in Afghan society. Canadian officials frequently raise the issue of human rights with their Afghan interlocutors, and will continue to take every opportunity to emphasize the importance of ethnic minority rights in Afghanistan.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 22, 2020431-00009431-00009 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABDecember 9, 2019January 22, 2020November 9, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.For example, most recently, as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process on Human Rights on January 21, 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019 presidential election. The Afghan government must do more to prevent incidents such as the tragic July 2018 attack which targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, the Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections. Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims of the attacks and their families.Canada uses the opportunities of multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the Heart of Asia –Istanbul Process and the November 2018 Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, to raise issues related to human rights in Afghanistan. Canada also raises its support for the full inclusion of all members of Afghan society, regardless of ethnicity, gender or background. Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed.Canada continues to work with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups. For example, Canada contributes to the Law and Order Trust Fund of Afghanistan and the Afghan National Army Trust Fund, which support fair representation of minorities in security institutions.Canada recognizes and applauds the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan. Canada is committed to working with the Afghan government to ensure that Sikh and Hindu minority groups are able to fully participate in Afghan society. Canadian officials frequently raise the issue of human rights with their Afghan interlocutors, and will continue to take every opportunity to emphasize the importance of ethnic minority rights in Afghanistan.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Canada continues to resettle Afghan refugees who have fled Afghanistan. This resettlement is done through the Government-Assisted and Private Sponsorship of Refugees programs.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada's humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world.The Government has more than tripled the number of spaces available in the Private Sponsorship of Refugee program over pre-2015 levels, to allow even more Canadians to sponsor refugees to Canada and to reduce wait times.The Government has been working closely with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation to identify and resettle at-risk Afghan religious minorities outside of Afghanistan. Some of the applications for vulnerable families in the system are in the process of being finalized with the first of the Afghan sponsored families having arrived in Calgary, Alberta in early March 2019, and families continue to arrive.Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad is a priority for the Government of Canada.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 22, 2020431-00010431-00010 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABDecember 9, 2019January 22, 2020December 12, 2018PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADATO: The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada CC: The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada CC: The Hon. Ahmed Hussain, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipCC: The Hon. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of United NationsWe, the undersigned citizens of Canada, draw your attention to reach out to the government of Thailand to suspend the arrests, detention, and deportation of Pakistani asylum seekers seeking refuge from religious persecution, violence, and threats of death in Pakistan.The recent crackdown on asylum seekers in Thailand has shaken and deeply affected the Canadian Christian Community of Pakistani origin. Pakistani asylum seekers fled their homes with hopes of resettling in countries where they could freely practice their religion without fear of being victimized under Blasphemy laws.We, as Canadian citizens, urge the government of Canada to take up this matter urgently with the government of Thailand and urge for the protection and humane treatment of Pakistani asylum seekers. These asylum seekers must be provided the opportunity to apply for refugee status with the UNHCR and for resettlement without being arrested, detained, or deported.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneThe Government of Canada firmly opposes the discrimination or persecution of any group or individual on any grounds, including based on their religion or beliefs. Global Affairs Canada, through its Office of Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion, works to promote the freedom of religion or belief internationally, through a variety of channels. Likewise, senior officials at Global Affairs Canada and our Embassy in Thailand have repeatedly voiced our strong concerns with Thai authorities regarding human rights, and specifically, international humanitarian law. Canada works with like-minded states at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva to ensure that resolutions involving freedom of religion or belief truly aim to protect believers from persecution. Canada also founded the International Contact Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief (ICG-FoRB) in June 2015, which brings together a number of like-minded countries to discuss new approaches and good practices for promoting freedom of religion or belief internationally. The ICG-FoRB, which Canada presently co-chairs with the United States, meets bi-annually to discuss ongoing challenges to the rights of faith and belief communities around the world, as well as innovative ways to collaborate in an effort to protect those rights.On a bilateral basis, Canada raises freedom of religion or belief violations with countries of particular concern at every opportunity.Through our High Commission in Islamabad and other high-level channels, Canada has made its views on freedom of religion or belief and the abuse of the blasphemy laws known directly to national and provincial authorities in Pakistan. Canada’s latest recommendation during Pakistan’s Universal Periodic Review at the UNHRC, calls on Pakistan to: “Implement effective measures to prevent violence, persecution and discrimination on the basis of religion and, in particular, take effective steps to reduce the misuse of blasphemy laws by requiring all cases to undergo prior judicial review and authorization before charges may proceed.”Moreover, the Government of Canada consistently raises the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand, including their detainment at immigration facilities while they await UNHCR status determination and processing. Senior officials of Global Affairs Canada, together with the Embassy of Canada in Thailand, work closely with various stakeholders, including UNHCR, like-minded embassies and civil society, to advocate in favour of greater respect for international humanitarian law in Thailand, including the importance of finding alternatives to detention.One example of Canada’s action was a recommendation made to Thailand during its second cycle UPR at the UNHRC in May 2016, which focused on the need for Thailand to provide access to legal status for asylum seekers and refugees without discrimination, end arbitrary detention, and implement effective legal safeguards against refoulement consistent with international human rights and refugee laws.Furthermore, representatives from Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa and the Embassy of Canada in Thailand have met with community groups for Pakistani Christians and the latter has raised this issue directly with the Government of Thailand.Canada will continue to strongly advocate for the promotion and protection of the freedom of religion or belief around the globe and support refugees and asylum seekers that have settled in Thailand.
AsylumPakistanRefugeesReligious minoritiesThailand
43rd Parliament223Government response tabledJanuary 22, 2020431-00025431-00025 (Foreign affairs)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservativeABDecember 12, 2019January 22, 2020November 5, 2018PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following: Whereas at one time, Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan numbered in the hundreds of thousands, but today less than five thousand remain; and, Whereas a recent bombing in early July killed leaders from both communities in Afghanistan, and demonstrates their ongoing vulnerabilities, especially since these leaders were on their way to meet the president; and,Whereas the Minister of Immigration is already empowered by legislation to allow vulnerable minorities to come to Canada as privately sponsored refugees, directly from the country where they face persecution; and,Whereas the Sikh and Hindu communities are ready to sponsor Afghan minority refugees;Therefore we, the undersigned, urge the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship to use the powers granted to him to create a special program to help persecuted minorities in Afghanistan. And further, we urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to raise the persecution faced by this community with her Afghan counterpart and to strongly advocate for more to be done to protect them.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneRespect for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.  Global Affairs Canada consistently advocates for the rights of religious and ethnic minorities around the world through both bilateral and multilateral forums.For example, most recently, as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process on Human Rights on January 21, 2019, Canada called on the Afghan government to undertake a review of the security challenges faced during past parliamentary elections and to apply the lessons learned to ensure the safety of Afghans during the September 28, 2019 presidential election. The Afghan government must do more to prevent incidents such as the tragic July 2018 attack which targeted the Sikh and Hindu community in Jalalabad and killed Avtar Singh Khalsa, the Sikh candidate for the 2018 parliamentary elections. Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims of the attacks and their families.Canada uses the opportunities of multilateral meetings on Afghanistan, such as the Heart of Asia –Istanbul Process and the November 2018 Geneva Conference on Afghanistan, to raise issues related to human rights in Afghanistan. Canada also raises its support for the full inclusion of all members of Afghan society, regardless of ethnicity, gender or background. Canada is committed to helping the people of Afghanistan create a more peaceful environment that is safe and secure and a country that is well governed.Canada continues to work with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Afghan government to protect human rights, to ensure stability and security for all Afghans, including members of minority groups. For example, Canada contributes to the Law and Order Trust Fund of Afghanistan and the Afghan National Army Trust Fund, which support fair representation of minorities in security institutions.Canada recognizes and applauds the strength and resilience of the Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan. Canada is committed to working with the Afghan government to ensure that Sikh and Hindu minority groups are able to fully participate in Afghan society. Canadian officials frequently raise the issue of human rights with their Afghan interlocutors, and will continue to take every opportunity to emphasize the importance of ethnic minority rights in Afghanistan.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marco MendicinoThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan.Canada continues to resettle Afghan refugees who have fled Afghanistan. This resettlement is done through the Government-Assisted and Private Sponsorship of Refugees programs.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada's humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world.The Government has more than tripled the number of spaces available in the Private Sponsorship of Refugee program over pre-2015 levels, to allow even more Canadians to sponsor refugees to Canada and to reduce wait times.The Government has been working closely with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation to identify and resettle at-risk Afghan religious minorities outside of Afghanistan. Some of the applications for vulnerable families in the system are in the process of being finalized with the first of the Afghan sponsored families having arrived in Calgary, Alberta in early March 2019, and families continue to arrive.Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad is a priority for the Government of Canada.
AfghanistanHinduism and HindusReligious minoritiesSikhism and Sikhs