Okay.
The last point I want to make is a point about appeals. For years the lack of an appeal on merits has been the notable shortcoming in Canada's refugee system. We welcomed, therefore, the inclusion in Bill C-31 of establishing the Refugee Appeal Division. What is deeply troubling, though, is the discrimination in terms of who gets access to an appeal, most notably those who have arrived as part of an irregular arrival or those coming from designated countries of origin.
Discrimination in something so fundamental as access to justice contravenes Canada's international human rights obligations. An appeal hearing is not superfluous; it is essential, and this should not be part of the bill.
Thank you.