Canadas Bill C-12 sparks controversy over refugee and migrant rights concerns

Federal Law in Canada Restricts Asylum Seekers’ Rights

A new federal law in Canada has been criticized by human rights groups for its potential impact on asylum seekers and migrants. The law, known as Bill C-12, was passed on Thursday and has sparked concerns among advocacy organizations.

The bill includes provisions that limit the ability of individuals to seek refugee protection in Canada, enable the mass cancellation of immigration documents, and facilitate the sharing of personal information with external entities. These changes have been condemned by over two dozen organizations, including Amnesty International Canada, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, and the Canadian Council for Refugees.

One specific element of the law has drawn particular criticism: a new rule that bars asylum seekers from receiving a full hearing at an independent tribunal if they apply more than one year after entering Canada. Instead, affected applicants would have access to a pre-removal risk assessment process, which rights groups claim grants fewer protections and is “wholly inadequate”.

The law also grants the government the power to cancel immigration documents, including permanent or temporary resident visas, and work or study permits, if deemed necessary in the public interest. This provision has been criticized for its potential impact on individuals’ livelihoods.

In response to concerns about the legislation, Immigration Minister Lena Diab stated that Bill C-12 aims to strengthen Canada’s immigration and asylum systems. However, international organizations have expressed concern about the law’s potential impact on refugee protection.

The United Nations Human Rights Committee has warned that Bill C-12 “may weaken refugee protection”. Refugee advocates in Canada are also pushing back against the legislation, citing concerns about its potential impact on individuals’ lives.

Source: Al Jazeera