Safe Third Country Agreement Decision

Thursday February 2nd, 2023

On July 22, 2020, a Federal Court in Canada declared the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States of America unconstitutional. This agreement stated that asylum seekers could not make a claim in Canada if they had already passed through the United States and were not in danger there. The decision comes… View Article

On July 22, 2020, a Federal Court in Canada declared the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States of America unconstitutional. This agreement stated that asylum seekers could not make a claim in Canada if they had already passed through the United States and were not in danger there. The decision comes after extensive debates and legal proceedings that have lasted for months.

The Safe Third Country Agreement was signed in 2002 between Canada and the USA, with the aim of reducing the number of asylum seekers in both countries. The agreement stated that refugees must seek asylum in the first safe country they reach, which meant that those who had already been in the USA would not be allowed to make a claim in Canada.

However, the Federal Court declared the agreement unconstitutional, stating that sending asylum seekers back to the USA violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. According to the court, the United States is not currently a safe country for refugees, and sending them back would put them in danger.

The decision has been met with both praise and criticism. Supporters of the ruling argue that it will protect the rights of refugees and ensure that they are not sent back to a country where they could face persecution. Critics argue that it will lead to an influx of refugees and create a burden on Canada`s resources.

Despite the controversy, the decision is a significant step forward for asylum seekers in Canada. It acknowledges the danger that many refugees face and ensures that they will have a fair chance to make a claim and find safety.

In conclusion, the Safe Third Country Agreement decision is a complex issue that will continue to be debated for some time. However, for those seeking asylum, it is a positive development that ensures their safety and security. As Canada moves forward with its refugee policies, it is essential to keep the needs of these vulnerable individuals at the forefront of the conversation.