What is a Refugee?

Very briefly, a refugee is a person who has been forced to flee their home country because of persecution, war, or violence, and who is unable to return to their home country safely due to a personalized risk. Under the “classic” s.96 definition, refugees may be fleeing persecution based on their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. There are other considerations at play as well: the risk must exist in all parts of the country and the claimant must demonstrate that they are unable to obtain protection from their own state.

Under international law, refugees are entitled to certain protections and assistance, including the right to seek asylum in other countries and the right to not be returned to a country where they would be in danger. Many refugees are assisted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which works to provide protection and assistance to refugees around the world.

Refugees often face significant challenges, including financial hardship, social isolation, and trauma. Many have experienced violence, loss, and other forms of trauma, and may need support to rebuild their lives in a new country.

The lawyers at SSH Law have extensive experience with refugee claims; the principals of this office were former Refugee Protection Officers with the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board. Contact us today if you need assistance to advance and succeed in a refugee claim from within Canada.