
Dear Justice fighters
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to provide you with an update on the petition initiated by the Eritrean Canadian Community Association of Calgary (ECCAC) regarding the dire situation faced by Eritrean refugees in Sudan and Ethiopia. The petition aimed to implore the Canadian Government and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to take immediate action in assisting these vulnerable individuals.
I am delighted to inform you that the petition received an overwhelming response from concerned citizens across Canada who share our compassion and empathy for Eritrean refugees. Your support and the support of thousands of other individuals who signed the petition have demonstrated a powerful commitment to humanitarian principles.
As of today, we have gathered over 2000 signatures on the petition. This achievement is a testament to the collective will of the Canadian people to extend a helping hand to those in desperate need. We express our deepest gratitude to every person who took the time to sign the petition and support this crucial cause.
While we appreciate the temporary measures that have been implemented for Sudanese nationals in Canada and the prioritization of processing applications from those still in Sudan, we believe there is more that can be done. We are determined to continue our efforts and push for further action.
Our goal now is to reach double the number of signatures we have already obtained. By doing so, we aim to amplify our voice and emphasize the urgency of this situation to the Canadian Government and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. We encourage all Canadians who have not yet signed the petition to join us in our advocacy efforts. Together, we can make an even greater impact and bring attention to the plight of Eritrean refugees.
We understand that the situation in Sudan and Ethiopia is constantly evolving, and the challenges faced by Eritrean refugees persist. Therefore, we respectfully request that the following critical points be taken into immediate consideration:
Evacuate holders of 'Confirmation of Permanent Resident' (CoPR) inclusively with Canadians and Permanent Residents.
Negotiate with the Ethiopian Government to facilitate the exit of CoPR holders who are currently unregistered asylum seekers inside Ethiopia.
Negotiate with the Ethiopian Government to initiate the registration of asylum seekers and recognize them as refugees.
Exempt displaced refugees from providing a new Refugee Status Determination (RSD) from their current location to continue/finalize their active process to Canada.
Allow groups of five and community sponsors in Canada to sponsor Eritrean refugees without requiring a refugee status determination (RSD) document.
We firmly believe that by taking decisive action on these points, the Canadian Government can showcase its commitment to humanitarian principles and values while providing vital assistance to those in desperate need.
Once again, we express our sincerest appreciation for your attention to this matter and for your continued support. We will remain dedicated to this cause until tangible steps are taken to alleviate the suffering of Eritrean refugees.
We kindly request a response from the relevant authorities to update us on the progress made in addressing our concerns. We are available to discuss this matter further and explore any possibilities for collaboration.
Thank you for your time, understanding, and commitment to humanitarian causes. Together, we can make a difference.
Best Regards.
ECCAC