CAMPAIGN 31 WEEK 14

A Tale of Protection:
return?

a voluntary

Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Program (AVRR) is one of the new tools implemented by the Government to remove unsuccessful refugee claimants from Canada. The Program has been piloted in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and has been functional since June 29, 2012. On the surface the program seems to have been developed to meet the needs of people waiting to be removed and to live with dignity once back in their country of origin. However, there are many questions and grey areas that call for more discussion and preparation in order to ensure the main goals of the Program have been met. Maria and Esperanza are a mother and daughter who left their home country to seek Canadas protection due to political persecution. As it happens, sometimes in life people get in the middle of a storm without any warning. That is what happened with Maria when she was hired in a high level government position. Maria was politically active and not scared to speak the truth. She was hired as the Director of an important government agency working very closely with the countrys president. Maria did her job diligently and with enthusiasm as in everything she does. However, once the presidents term ended, Maria became aware of wrongdoings that took place in the agency where she worked. Large amounts of money had been stolen and other fraudulent activities became evident. Maria informed the new office of the president about the wrongdoings, unfortunately, the information she gave was heard by the wrong person and Marias life turned upside-down. Extortion, threats, extensive investigations from different government authorities made Maria and her daughters lives unbearable. Maria was detained in a womens prison while waiting for her the trial. After a year, Maria was released from detention and all the charges against here were dropped. However, her troubles didnt stop there. The extortion and threats continued. She and her daughter had to move to different towns constantly living in fear. After a gun attack at their last residence, Maria and Esperanza took their belongings and moved to Canada. The two women lost their refugee claim as well as their Pre-Removal Risk Assessment. Although their H&C application is pending they received a removal notice from CBSA. The removal notice was accompanied by a leaflet explaining the new AVRR program and the possibility for a return with dignity. Should they take the offer? Not so fast There are many unanswered questions and criticism surrounding this pilot program. The AVRR is sometimes viewed as another page in the governments agenda to get people out as fast as possible, ignoring any humanitarian concerns. The real concern is the safety of individuals once they return. But what mechanisms are in place to ensure the safe arrival and re-integration of rejected claimants? The International Organization of Migration (IOM), which has been charged with each individuals reintegration plan, doesnt have a mandate to ensure each persons safety. In addition, the lack of IOM offices in every country will rend the program meaningless. And when it comes down with it, how will $2,000 in-kind support diminish this familys fear, and ensure their respect and protection when forced to return to the traumatic situation they originally fled.