Minister Kenney Launches "Voices of Refugees"

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jun 16 (MARKET WIRE) --
In recognition of World Refugee Day, "Voices of Refugees," a new
multi-media presentation combining portraits with videos of refugees
telling their stories, was unveiled today by Citizenship, Immigration and
Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney and Mr. Abraham ABRAHAM,
Representative in Canada of the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees.

"Voices of Refugees enables refugees to share their stories with all
Canadians, to show that there are real people in real danger," said
Minister Kenney. "Refugees are sometimes forgotten as a faceless group
stranded in a far away land. We need to heed these voices and listen to
their stories."

This project came from two ordinary Canadians - Graham Thompson and
Sherry Tompalski - doing extraordinary things. The partnership between
these two Canadians and the refugee artists featured in the multi-media
presentation is the kind of initiative that will help bridge communities
and build a more inclusive and cohesive Canada for all.

"These works of art speak for themselves and help us understand that
refugees are not faceless statistics, but real people with talents and
with real needs like you and me. Ask them and you will know that every
refugee has a moving story to tell," said Mr. Abraham.

Every year Canada's refugee programs provide protection to more than
30,000 people. We have a fair and generous domestic refugee protection
system that is well regarded internationally. Through our resettlement
program, we provide protection to 1 in 10 refugees who are resettled
globally. In fact, since World War II, Canadians have provided refuge to
over 1 million refugees.

Even so, the Government of Canada is exploring ways to improve the
refugee status determination system and our resettlement approach in
order to better help refugees. Canada must focus our resources where they
can do the most good. Working with its many partners including the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization
for Migration, private sponsors and service providers, Canada is helping
refugees begin their lives anew.

Voices of Refugees is a testament to those who have already come to
Canada and of the thousands still in need of protection. This
presentation highlights the remarkable bravery of these individuals and
the important contributions they are making to Canadian society.

Contacts:
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Alykhan Velshi
Minister's Office
Alykhan.Velshi@cic.gc.ca

Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Media Relations Unit
Communications Branch
613-952-1650
CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca

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