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Make Our Dreams Truth Forever

April 2, 2009

By Carolyn

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April 4th is Refugee Rights Day

Almost 200 Palestinian refugees from Iraq are waiting anxiously, hoping beyond hope that they will find a new home in Canada through the private sponsorship program. It’s their only chance to escape life in a refugee camp on the Iraq/Syria border, where the water tanks are dirty and in need of maintenance, doctors sometimes visit but not often or long enough to treat everyone in need, and children above primary school age have no access to education.

In a special plea, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has appealed to private sponsors in Canada for help. The Palestinians from Iraq have been described as among the most vulnerable of the entire population of Iraqi refugees. A large number were forced to flee Iraq in 2006 after a widespread campaign against them, in which many were personally threatened and some injured in mortar attacks. Most fled on short notice, carrying only a suitcase and leaving behind their homes and possessions.

Because the Government of Canada has made no commitment to resettle any of these refugees under the government resettlement program, those who do not find a private sponsor face continuing their lives as refugees in limbo — unable to leave the camp and return home, and unable to begin a new life somewhere else.

In the refugee camp, hopes run high. One man explained: “I am looking forward to having a nationality. Imagine living 60 years without a nationality!”  Some of the children recently asked an NGO delegation to carry their message back to the western world: “Make our dreams truth forever.”

The visa officers who interviewed the families were impressed with their gentle nature, resilience, and dignity. The men in the group have work experience in various trades ranging from car mechanics, sweet makers, and shoe designers. Youth in the camps have received some training in carpentry, sewing, and mobile phone maintenance. Many of the refugees have a limited ability to speak English.

For Anglicans, this is a tangible opportunity to truly live out our baptismal vows: to strive for peace and justice among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being. Working with members of other denominations and other groups all across Canada, Anglicans can be a part of changing the lives of 193 people, and of closing a refugee camp for good.

The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, is facilitating the sponsorship of 50 refugee families by parishes and dioceses across Canada, which can include refugees from the group described above. Some funding is available to help groups with the costs of sponsorship.
 Carolyn Vanderlip is the PWRDF 50th Anniversary Program Facilitator
More Information


PWRDF 50 Refugees Project
Contact Carolyn Vanderlip
50th Anniversary Program Facilitator
Phone: 416-924-9199 ext 266
E-mail: [email protected]: www.pwrdf50.org/refugee-sponsorshipPhoto gallery of Palestinian refugees

Refugee Rights Day, April 4th
Canadian Council for Refugees

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