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Introduction/Overview


Advocacy for Refugee Rights and International Protection refers to the concerted efforts aimed at ensuring the rights and legal protections of refugees and displaced persons are upheld globally. This advocacy involves influencing policy reforms, raising awareness about refugee issues, and ensuring compliance with international protection frameworks. At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), our advocacy efforts include policy development, human rights advocacy, representation in legislative bodies, and public awareness campaigns to ensure refugees have access to legal protection, human rights, and justice.


The global refugee crisis presents complex challenges, including barriers to accessing protection, legal rights, and the threat of refoulement (forced return to danger). Through our advocacy efforts, we seek to influence national and international policies, ensuring that the rights of refugees are enshrined in law, respected in practice, and promoted through public discourse.

Our approach aligns with key international frameworks, including:


A Vision for Refugee Rights and International Protection


At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we envision a world where the rights of refugees are fully protected, respected, and promoted on both national and international levels. Our vision is to create a global environment where refugees can access legal protection, receive humanitarian support, and live free from the threat of violence or persecution.


Through our advocacy efforts, we aim to influence policy development and ensure that refugee rights are enshrined in law, while also fostering public awareness and understanding of refugee issues. We work closely with governments, international organizations, and civil society to advocate for inclusive policies that uphold the dignity and human rights of refugees. Our focus is on ensuring refugees have access to international protection mechanisms, including the right to seek asylum, the right to protection from refoulement, and access to justice and social services.


How We Deliver This Vision: Comprehensive Advocacy for Refugee Rights



RefPIC’s Advocacy for Refugee Rights and International Protection initiatives focus on addressing the legal, political, and social challenges faced by refugees. We engage with governments, international organizations, and civil society to promote policy reforms, raise awareness, and protect the rights of refugees.


Key components of our advocacy efforts include:


  • Policy Development and Reform: Collaborating with policymakers to influence the development and reform of laws that protect refugees, ensuring their rights are aligned with international standards.


  • Human Rights Advocacy: Engaging in human rights advocacy to protect refugees from discrimination, abuse, and exploitation, and to ensure their access to justice and social services.


  • Representation in Legislative Bodies: Advocating for the inclusion of refugee voices in legislative processes and policy-making, ensuring their needs are addressed in national and international policies.


  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising public awareness about refugee issues through media campaigns, community outreach, and educational programs that promote understanding and inclusion.


  • International Protection Mechanisms: Collaborating with international bodies, such as UNHCR, to strengthen international protection frameworks and ensure compliance with refugee protection standards.


  • Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF): As part of the Global Compact on Refugees, the CRRF promotes responsibility-sharing among host countries and the international community, focusing on education, health, livelihoods, and integration of refugees into host communities.


Why Advocacy for Refugee Rights and International Protection Matters



Advocacy for refugee rights is essential to ensure that refugees and displaced persons are treated with dignity and respect, and that their legal rights are upheld. Refugees often face systemic barriers to accessing protection, social services, and legal representation. Without strong advocacy efforts, many refugees remain vulnerable to human rights violations and discrimination.


By advocating for policy reforms and engaging in public awareness campaigns, RefPIC ensures that refugee issues remain at the forefront of public discourse and policy-making. Our advocacy initiatives aim to create a more inclusive legal and social environment, where refugees have access to legal protection, justice, and the resources needed to rebuild their lives.


For host communities, promoting refugee rights strengthens social cohesion, ensures rule of law, and fosters an inclusive environment that encourages refugees to fully integrate and participate in society.


Looking Ahead: Expanding Advocacy for Refugee Rights



As RefPIC expands its Advocacy for Refugee Rights and International Protection initiatives, we are committed to working with governments, international organizations, and civil society to create stronger protections for refugees and displaced persons. Our Triple Nexus Approach—which integrates humanitarian relief, development, and peacebuilding—ensures that our advocacy efforts are part of a broader strategy to promote resilience, inclusion, and justice for refugees.


By focusing on policy development, human rights advocacy, and public awareness campaigns, RefPIC aims to strengthen international protection frameworks, ensuring that refugees are not only protected from violence and persecution but are also empowered to thrive in their new communities.


What We Aim to Achieve


Our primary goals in Advocacy for Refugee Rights and International Protection include:


  • Promoting Policy Reforms: Advocate for inclusive laws and policies that protect refugee rights and provide access to social services, legal protection, and justice.


  • Strengthening Human Rights Protections: Work with governments and international bodies to ensure that refugees are protected from human rights abuses and can access justice and legal representation.


  • Raising Public Awareness: Engage in public awareness campaigns to raise understanding of refugee issues, combat discrimination, and promote social inclusion.


  • Enhancing International Protection Mechanisms: Collaborate with international organizations to strengthen global protection frameworks that safeguard refugees from refoulement and ensure they have access to asylum and social services.


How We Deliver Impact



  • Policy Development and Reform: RefPIC works with lawmakers to influence the development of inclusive policies that ensure legal protection for refugees and respect for their human rights.


  • Human Rights Advocacy: We engage in advocacy efforts to protect refugees from discrimination, exploitation, and abuse, while promoting their rights to legal protection and justice.


  • Representation in Legislative Bodies: RefPIC advocates for the inclusion of refugee voices in legislative processes, ensuring that their needs and rights are addressed in national and international policymaking.


  • Public Awareness Campaigns: We lead public education campaigns that raise awareness of refugee issues, combat xenophobia, and promote social inclusion.


  • International Protection Mechanisms: RefPIC collaborates with UNHCR and other international bodies to strengthen international protection frameworks, ensuring that refugees are not forcibly returned to danger and receive the support they need.


Who Benefits



  • Refugees and Displaced Persons: Refugees benefit from stronger legal protections, access to justice, and improved social inclusion through advocacy for their rights.


  • Host Communities: Host communities benefit from increased social cohesion, reduced discrimination, and a more inclusive society that respects the rights of all individuals.


  • International Stakeholders: Governments, NGOs, and international organizations benefit from stronger legal frameworks and protection mechanisms that promote global stability and justice.


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 Advocacy for Refugee Rights: Advocate for stronger legal protections for refugees and displaced persons by supporting RefPIC’s advocacy initiatives.


  • Volunteer: Share your expertise in policy development, human rights law, or public advocacy by volunteering to support our advocacy efforts.


  • Partner with Us: Collaborate with RefPIC to promote refugee rights, influence policy reforms, and strengthen international protection mechanisms.


  • Donate: Your financial contributions help fund our advocacy programs, ensuring that refugees receive the legal protection and support they need.

Useful Resources (External Links)

  • Policy Development and Reform: UNHCR Advocacy Toolkit for Refugee Policy Development – This toolkit provides resources and strategies for influencing policy development and reform, helping organizations collaborate with policymakers to align refugee rights with international standards. Access the toolkit


  • Human Rights Advocacy: Human Rights Watch Advocacy Toolkit – This toolkit offers guidance on engaging in human rights advocacy, focusing on protecting refugees from discrimination, abuse, and exploitation while promoting access to justice and social services. Access the toolkit


  • Representation in Legislative Bodies: ICMC Refugee Representation and Policy Influence Guide – Created by the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), this guide focuses on advocating for the inclusion of refugee voices in legislative processes and policy-making, ensuring that refugee needs are addressed. Access the guide


  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Amnesty International Public Awareness Campaigns Toolkit – This toolkit offers resources for running media campaigns, community outreach, and educational programs to raise awareness about refugee issues and promote inclusion. Access the toolkit


  • International Protection Mechanisms: UNHCR Handbook on International Protection for Refugees – This handbook provides an overview of international protection mechanisms and guidance on collaborating with UNHCR to strengthen frameworks and ensure compliance with refugee protection standards. Access the handbook


  • Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF): Global Compact on Refugees CRRF Guide for Practitioners – This guide offers practical information on implementing the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework, focusing on education, health, livelihoods, and integration efforts for refugee support and responsibility-sharing. Access the guide and CRRF





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