From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Canada is dedicated to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals swiftly and securely. To date, Canada has welcomed 14,645 Afghan refugees, with more arriving regularly.<\/p>\n Pride Month in Canada underscores the courage and diversity of the LGBTQ2 community. Canada has a history of aiding vulnerable groups, including LGBTQ2 refugees. To assist those fleeing persecution due to sexual orientation or gender identity, Canada initiated a special humanitarian program for vulnerable Afghans, including LGBTQ2 individuals.<\/p>\n In partnership with the Rainbow Refugee Society<\/a> through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership<\/a>, IRCC encourages Canadians to sponsor LGBTQ2 refugees. Originally, this partnership provided 50 cost-sharing spaces annually for privately sponsored refugees. Due to the Afghanistan crisis, it was expanded to include an additional 150 spaces for Afghan refugees from 2022 to 2024.<\/p>\n Canada acknowledges the unique challenges LGBTQ2 refugees face and remains committed to their safety. The support from Canadians across the nation has been invaluable in welcoming these individuals. Discover how you can contribute<\/a> to making Canada their home.<\/p>\n Media can access photos of previous arrivals<\/a>, and stay updated on Canada\u2019s progress in welcoming Afghan refugees<\/a>.<\/p>\n “LGBTQ2 refugees face severe challenges simply for their identity, making them targets for persecution in countries like Afghanistan. With partners like Rainbow Refugee Society, we aim to create inclusive communities for these vulnerable refugees. We will continue funding organizations that provide essential services to those seeking refuge in Canada.”<\/p>\n \u2013 The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n “Rainbow Refugee welcomes Canada’s initiative to expand sponsorship spaces for LGBTQ2 refugees from Afghanistan. Persecution based on sexuality and gender identity is widespread, and in conflict zones, LGBTQ2 individuals are particularly vulnerable. Expanding safety pathways is crucial for fulfilling Canada’s human rights obligations.”<\/p>\n \u2013 Aleks Dughman-Manzur, Co-Executive Director, Rainbow Refugee Society<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n For media inquiries<\/strong><\/p>\n Aidan Strickland<\/strong> Media Relations<\/strong> It is a collaborative initiative providing financial and community support for LGBTQ2 refugees, with start-up costs and three months of government income support.<\/p>\n As of now, Canada has welcomed over 14,645 Afghan refugees, with ongoing efforts to increase this number.<\/p>\n Canadians can support by sponsoring refugees or volunteering through various organizations. Learn about ways you can help<\/a>.<\/p>\n Refugees must be referred by designated organizations like the United Nations Refugee Agency or through private sponsorship.<\/p>\n Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting LGBTQ2 refugees, ensuring their safety and integration into Canadian society. Read our immigration guide<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Government of Canada is working hard to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals as quickly and safely as possible. Canada has now welcomed a total of 14,645 Afghan refugees, with more arriving every week. … <\/i>Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4925,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[89],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4927","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-immigration"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4927","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4927"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4927\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4925"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4927"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4927"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/applytocanada.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4927"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Canada’s Commitment to Afghan Refugees<\/h2>\n
Voices of Support<\/h2>\n
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Key Information<\/h2>\n
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Related Resources<\/h2>\n
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Media Contacts<\/h2>\n
Press Secretary
Minister\u2019s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Aidan.Strickland@cic.gc.ca<\/a><\/p>\n
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca<\/a><\/p>\nFAQs About Afghan LGBTQ2 Refugees<\/h2>\n
What is the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership?<\/h3>\n
How many Afghan refugees has Canada resettled?<\/h3>\n
How can I help Afghan LGBTQ2 refugees in Canada?<\/h3>\n
Who can refer refugees to Canada\u2019s resettlement program?<\/h3>\n