REFUGEE CRISIS
Thousands of Pakistani families have left the country to escape the false accusations of the infamous blasphemy laws and resulting attacks, target killing, and other discrimination. They fled to neighbouring countries on temporary tourist visas and attempt to seek asylum through a UNHCR office. Several thousands have reached Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and other countries.
Living as asylum seeker & refugee in another country also presents great risk. They face multiple challenges after leaving everything behind and moving to another country. They often do not have enough resources to have their visitor visas renewed every three months since they are not allowed to work. Without work, they also do not have enough cash to meet daily needs, access health facilities, pay rent or buy food.
The UNHCR Office in Malaysia often takes 12 to 18 months before they respond to the asylum seeker application. In other countries there is also a long wait to hear back from the office.
Despite receiving so many people, Malaysia & Sri Lanka are not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention nor its Protocols and do not have an asylum system regulating the status and rights of refugees. In other words, local laws do not distinguish between refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented migrants. The legal disparity leaves refugees without the right to work or send their children to school and leaves them vulnerable to detention by authorities and exploitation by employers.
CAPC’S REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP TO CANADA
Canadian Aid to Persecuted Christians works with individuals, Charities, Canada’s Immigration and Citizen department, and Church and Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAH) to sponsor refugees. In the past some of our Board Members have worked with refugee committees as a co-sponsor for refugees from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Sudan, and Eritrea, as well as from other countries.
APPEAL FOR DONATIONS
There is a huge need for Refugee Sponsorship to Canada, which has become particularly urgent in Sri Lank. The UNHCR Office in Colombo, Sri Lanka is closing operations by December 2023, giving rise to great fear and anxiety among asylum seeker and refugee families currently living in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- CAPC has a plan to sponsor Dilshad and his wife and son from Malaysia, having been in touch with the family for the last three years and affording humanitarian aid on occasion.
- A single parent (mother and son) waits for sponsorship from Colombo Sri Lanka.
Canadian Aid to Persecuted Christians is working with a local SAH group to sponsor the two families to Canada.
CAPC appeals for your generous donations to raise CAN $52,600 towards Christian Refugee Funds. For more information write to nadeem@capc.life
HOW TO DONATE: https://capc.life/donate/