Mr. Speaker, Refugee Rights Day is celebrated every year in Canada on April 4, to commemorate the Singh judgment. This year we commemorate the tenth anniversary of a decision by the Supreme Court of Canada to extend the application of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to refugees.
One hundred and twenty-five million people have had to leave their countries or towns as a result of ethnic conflict or civil war, including 23 million refugees who are victims of persecution.
Considering the current backlash against refugees in Canadian public opinion, the government should start a campaign to make the public aware of our responsibility to welcome these people and aware of the need for openness and tolerance and of Canada's international obligations to refugees.
I want to express my support for and solidarity with refugees and the organizations dedicated to defending them.