1. SECRET
LGBTQ2 Sponsorship
2018 National SAH Conference
June 6, 2018

2. Purpose To provide and overview of:
SECRET
Purpose
To provide and overview of:
Government initiatives which support the LGBTQ2 community
Resettlement of LGBTQ2 Refugees
Settlement services available to LGBTQ2 Refugees 2

3. LGBTQ2 are subject to human rights violations across the world
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LGBTQ2 are subject to human rights violations across the world
76 countries criminalize consensual same-sex activity in some form or another.
Mauritania, Sudan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen; as well as parts of Nigeria and Somalia provide for the death penalty in such cases.
Even in countries where anti-LGBTQ2 laws are not actively enforced, police forces and private citizens harass, extort, sexually abuse, and murder LGBTQ2 or suspected LGBTQ2 individuals with relative impunity.
LGBTQ2 individuals also face discrimination in the labour market, housing, access to medical services, as well as, social isolation and ostracism from their peers and family members.
Individuals fleeing persecution for reasons of their sexual orientation or gender identity can qualify as refugees under the 1951 Convention. 3

4. SECRET
The Government of Canada works to support the LGBTQ2 community internationally
Canada works at both multilateral and bilateral levels to promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQ2 persons.
Canada is the co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition.
The Government collaborates with civil society organizations in Canada and abroad to advance LGBTQ2 rights. (e.g., Egale, Amnesty International Canada, Dignity Initiative).
Canada engages broadly on LGBTQ2 rights in a number of multilateral fora, including the United Nations, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Organization of American States.
Through international assistance, Canada supports the human rights of LGBTQ2 people through funding from our embassies to local civil society organizations in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).
We also have a number of initiatives through our peace and security, and partnerships programming that focus in part on advancing the human rights of LGBTQ2 persons. . 4 4

5. The LGBTQ2 agenda is a key priority for the Government of Canada.
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The Government of Canada supports the LGBTQ2 community nationally
The appointment in November 2016 of Randy Boissonnault, MP as Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 issues.
Establishment in 2017 of the LGBTQ2 secretariat at the Privy Council Office underscores the Government’s commitment to LGBTQ2 issues.
Bill C-16 amended in June 2017 the Canadian Human Rights Act to add gender identity and gender expression to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.
The LGBTQ2 agenda is a key priority for the Government of Canada. 5

6. SECRET
LGBTQ2 Refugees
LGBTQ2 Refugees are resettled to Canada through all three refugee streams: Government Assisted, Privately Sponsored and Blended Visa Officer Referred.
LGBTQ2 individuals are included in the most vulnerable populations identified and selected for resettlement by the UNHCR under its “legal and/or physical protection needs” resettlement submission category.
In exceptional circumstances UNHCR can refer LGBTQ2 refugees under the Urgent Protection Program for expedited resettlement to Canada.
Private sponsors submit applications for any vulnerable or persecuted persons including individuals fleeing persecution based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
LGBTQ2 refugees often choose not to disclose persecution on the basis of their gender identity or sexual orientation, for fear of reprisal in their country of asylum.
LGBTQ2 refugees are at a higher risk of isolation than other resettled populations as they are often shunned by family and cultural communities. 6

7. Initiatives which support LGBTQ2 Refugees
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Initiatives which support LGBTQ2 Refugees
Canadian migration officers receive training that includes gender- based decision-making as well as being sensitized to the specific risks and barriers faced by LGBTQ2 refugees.
IRCC has an agreement with Rainbow Refugee Society of Vancouver to assist in the identification of LGBTQ2 refugees for resettlement through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.
The Refugee Training Program shares potential LGBTQ2 BVOR cases with sponsors in Canada.
IRCC funded the September 25 & 26 Prairie & Northern Territories LGBTQ+ newcomers conference.
Immigration and Refugee Board adopted “Guideline #9” in May to promote greater understanding of cases involving sexual orientation and gender identity and expression 7

8. Settlement Services LGBTQ2
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Settlement Services LGBTQ2
Upon arrival in Canada the initial needs assessment and referral, for GARs and BVORs, includes assessment of newcomers specific needs including LGBTQ2 linkages to community services and organizations.
Settlement services for LGBTQ2 newcomers and families include:
Information on LGBTQ2 rights in Canada
Information on exploring LGBTQ2 identity within a cultural context
Various LGBTQ2 specific service providers that are currently funded through the settlement program include but are not limited to : YMCA of Greater Halifax and Dartmouth, Association for New Canadians, DIVERSEcity, Windsor Women Working With Immigrant Women, The 519, Black CAP. 8

9. SECRET
Going Forward
IRCC is aware that members of the LGBTQ2 refugee community face persecution that can be more complex than other refugee populations.
Consideration is being given as to what more can be done to support settlement of LGBTQ2 persons.
Private sponsors have an important role to play in identifying LGBTQ2 persons in need of protection and providing appropriate settlement supports.
The BVOR program also offers an opportunity to match UNHCR identified LGBTQ2 persons with sponsors in Canada.
IRCC is working to formalize a relationship with a new Canadian LGBTQ2 coalition to consider how best to address LGBTQ2 refugee needs across the resettlement spectrum. 9