Policy Development and Reform: Creating Policies for Refugee and Displaced Persons' Protection
Introduction/Overview
International Protection Mechanisms refer to the legal frameworks, treaties, and agreements established at the global level to ensure the safety, rights, and dignity of refugees and displaced persons.
At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we work to strengthen these mechanisms by advocating for the implementation of international agreements and monitoring their compliance to protect refugees worldwide. Our efforts include collaborating with international organizations, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), monitoring the enforcement of refugee protection standards, and providing legal support to refugees seeking asylum and protection.
Key international frameworks guiding these efforts include:
1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which are the core international treaties defining the rights of refugees and the obligations of states to provide protection.
Global Compact on Refugees (2018), which emphasizes international cooperation and responsibility-sharing to improve refugee protection and support sustainable solutions.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966), which ensures that refugees have access to legal protections, fair treatment, and the right to seek asylum.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 16), which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice for all, including refugees and displaced persons.
A Vision for Strengthening International Protection Mechanisms
At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we envision a world where refugees and displaced persons are fully protected under international law and where international protection mechanisms are effectively implemented to safeguard their rights.
Our vision is to create a global system in which international treaties and agreements are enforced, ensuring that refugees are treated with dignity, fairness, and equality wherever they seek protection.
By advocating for the full implementation of international protection standards, we work to ensure that refugees have access to legal protection, asylum, and the humanitarian support they need to rebuild their lives. We collaborate with governments, international organizations, and legal experts to strengthen these frameworks and hold states accountable to their obligations under international law.
How We Deliver This Vision: Advocacy for International Protection Mechanisms
RefPIC's approach to strengthening international protection mechanisms involves working closely with international organizations, governments, and legal experts to advocate for the enforcement of global refugee protection frameworks. We provide legal support to refugees, monitor compliance with international treaties, and engage in policy advocacy to ensure that states meet their responsibilities under international law.
Key components of our International Protection Mechanisms initiatives include:
Advocating for Treaty Implementation: We advocate for the full implementation of international treaties such as the 1951 Refugee Convention and the Global Compact on Refugees, ensuring that states comply with their obligations to protect refugees.
Collaborating with International Organizations: RefPIC works closely with international organizations, including UNHCR, to monitor compliance with international protection standards and provide support to refugees seeking asylum and protection.
Legal Support for Refugees: We offer legal assistance to refugees navigating complex asylum processes, helping them access protection under international law and ensuring their rights are upheld.
Monitoring Compliance: RefPIC monitors the enforcement of international refugee protection standards by governments and advocates for policy reforms when states fail to meet their legal obligations.
Promoting Responsibility-Sharing: In alignment with the Global Compact on Refugees, we advocate for shared responsibility among countries to support refugees, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in providing protection and sustainable solutions.
Why Strengthening International Protection Mechanisms Matters
International protection mechanisms are essential for ensuring the safety and dignity of refugees who flee persecution, conflict, and other dangers. Without effective enforcement of these mechanisms, refugees may be denied access to asylum, face forced return to dangerous situations, or be subjected to discrimination and abuse in host countries. Ensuring that states comply with their obligations under international law is critical for protecting the rights of refugees and ensuring their access to fair and equitable treatment.
For refugees and displaced persons, strengthened international protection mechanisms provide a lifeline—guaranteeing that they have access to legal protection, humanitarian aid, and opportunities for resettlement and integration.
For host communities, these mechanisms promote social cohesion, respect for human rights, and international cooperation, contributing to global stability and justice.
Looking Ahead: Expanding International Protection Mechanisms
As RefPIC expands its efforts to strengthen international protection mechanisms, we are committed to advocating for greater compliance with global refugee protection frameworks and ensuring that states meet their obligations under international law.
Through our Triple Nexus Approach, which integrates humanitarian assistance, development, and peacebuilding, we aim to create long-term solutions that promote safety, justice, and human dignity for refugees.
By focusing on advocacy, legal support, and international collaboration, RefPIC is working to expand the effectiveness of international protection mechanisms, ensuring that refugees have the rights and protections they deserve.
What We Aim to Achieve
Our primary goals in strengthening international protection mechanisms include:
Advocating for Treaty Compliance: Ensure that governments comply with their obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention, the Global Compact on Refugees, and other international frameworks.
Providing Legal Support: Offer legal assistance to refugees navigating asylum processes and seeking protection under international law.
Promoting Responsibility-Sharing: Advocate for responsibility-sharing among countries to support refugees and promote sustainable solutions to the global refugee crisis.
Monitoring Compliance: Hold governments accountable for enforcing international refugee protection standards and advocate for reforms when necessary.
How We Deliver Impact
Advocating for Treaty Implementation: RefPIC advocates for the full implementation of international treaties and agreements that protect refugees, ensuring that states meet their obligations to provide protection and support.
Collaborating with International Organizations: We work with organizations like UNHCR to monitor compliance with international protection mechanisms and ensure that refugees have access to legal protection and asylum.
Providing Legal Support: RefPIC offers legal assistance to refugees seeking protection under international law, ensuring that they have the resources and representation needed to navigate asylum processes.
Monitoring Compliance: We track and monitor the enforcement of international protection standards, advocating for policy reforms when governments fail to meet their responsibilities.
Who Benefits
Refugees and Displaced Persons: Refugees benefit from stronger international protection mechanisms, ensuring that they have access to legal protection, humanitarian aid, and opportunities for resettlement and integration.
Host Communities: Host communities benefit from responsibility-sharing and international cooperation, ensuring that refugee protection is supported by global efforts and that communities receive the support needed to integrate displaced persons.
International Stakeholders: Governments, NGOs, and international organizations benefit from strengthened global protection frameworks that promote justice, human rights, and safety for refugees.
Governance, Oversight, and Accountability
At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we uphold the highest standards of governance, oversight, and accountability across all our programs. As a registered nonprofit, we operate in full compliance with the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and adhere to guidelines set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for charities. This ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with national laws.
In addition to federal compliance, RefPIC adheres to provincial nonprofit regulations where we operate, both within Canada and internationally. Where necessary, we incorporate separately in different jurisdictions to ensure we meet local legal requirements. This enables us to operate effectively across regions while maintaining the highest levels of accountability and legal compliance.
National and Provincial Compliance: RefPIC strictly follows Canadian laws governing nonprofit organizations, ensuring transparency, financial accountability, and ethical standards. By complying with federal and provincial nonprofit regulations, we meet all legal requirements in the regions we serve.
International Standards and Frameworks: RefPIC's work is further guided by international laws and frameworks that protect refugee rights and promote sustainable development. We align our programs with global best practices to ensure our initiatives serve refugees and displaced persons effectively.
Strong Accountability Practices: We collaborate with local, national, and international stakeholders to ensure responsible resource management and effective service delivery. Through regular evaluations, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement, RefPIC ensures that our programs meet the immediate needs of refugees while contributing to long-term sustainable outcomes.
For more details, visit our Governance, Oversight, and Accountability page to learn more about our commitment to ethical practices, program evaluation, and compliance with legal frameworks.
Get Involved/Call to Action
Support International Protection Mechanisms: Advocate for stronger international protection mechanisms by supporting RefPIC’s efforts to promote compliance with global treaties and agreements.
Volunteer: Share your expertise in international law, refugee rights, or policy development by volunteering with RefPIC to support our efforts in strengthening international protection mechanisms.
Partner with Us: Collaborate with RefPIC to advocate for treaty compliance, provide legal support to refugees, and strengthen global frameworks for refugee protection.
Donate: Your financial contributions help fund RefPIC’s work in advocating for international protection mechanisms, providing legal support to refugees, and monitoring treaty compliance.