ECNETNews, New York, NY, February 3, 2025: In response to rising concerns over the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in the United States, advocacy groups are urgently calling on the Canadian government to withdraw from the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA). This plea highlights the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable populations seeking safety.
The STCA, which prevents most individuals crossing from the U.S. into Canada from seeking refugee protection, operates under the assumption that both nations adhere to asylum rights. However, advocates argue that the current political landscape in the U.S. has made it increasingly unsafe for many individuals in need of refuge.
Urgency Heightened by Recent Immigration Policies
Criticism has mounted against the STCA, particularly following recent anti-immigration policies in the U.S. that many believe are designed to instill fear among those seeking asylum. Advocates view Canada’s continued association with the STCA as a stark contradiction for those fleeing persecution.
An ongoing legal challenge launched in 2017 by several advocacy organizations aims to dismantle the STCA, arguing that it violates fundamental rights outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Although a partial ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada in 2023 upheld the agreement’s constitutionality, it recognized the need for border agents to ensure that refugee claimants are not placed at risk, a measure critics deem insufficient.
Inadequate Protection for At-Risk Refugees
The plight of marginalized asylum seekers under the STCA has drawn particular concern. Reports indicate that specific groups, such as trans refugees, face immediate risks of being sent back to the U.S. without any legal recourse, despite potential violations of their rights.
While some advocates argue that the STCA allows for the conditional admission of refugees when in the public interest, they maintain that a complete withdrawal from the agreement is essential for ensuring comprehensive protection for refugees in Canada.
As the situation escalates in the U.S., the pressure is increasingly on Canada to reassess its approach to the Safe Third Country Agreement and reaffirm its commitment to human rights and the protection of refugees.
