http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/734699
During the past few months Mexico has held consultations with Canadian authorities to assess other measures to deal with the problem of fraudulent claims.

Furthermore, Mexico will continue to promote actions toward modifying the Canadian measure as soon as possible.

Mexico will closely monitor implementation of the measure announced by Canada, in the interest of seeing that it be done efficiently and with respect for the rights of Mexicans, and in the aim of reducing any effects on Mexicans' travel plans to Canada.

Channels of collaboration remain open with Canada to ensure that the laws are obeyed and that Canada's refugee system be utilized in accordance with the commendable spirit that serves as its foundation.

Mexico expresses its full respect for the right to asylum established by the national and multilateral instruments of each country.

In regard to refugee claims from Mexican nationals in Canada, the Government of Mexico deems it necessary to present the following considerations:

Mexican authorities have detected that refugee claims lacking legitimate bases arise largely in response to the unrestricted operation of intermediary groups and organizations.

These organizations have encouraged this practice among Mexicans acting in good faith, charging fees for advisory, logistical and training services to then present fraudulent cases.

Organizations have taken advantage of Canadian response times to assess refugee claims, where excessive delays have become appealing in the filing of illegitimate cases.

This has resulted in a drop in the overall acceptance rate for refugee claims from Mexican citizens to below 10%, which has even affected Mexicans who could legitimately avail themselves of this benefit.

Mexico will continue to take firm action to mitigate the operation of the organizations involved when they break the law.]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:14:00 EDT http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/734699 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/734695
To understand more about the current challenges to the refugee claim process please check:

http://www.ccrweb.ca/documents/refugeeclaimsFAQ.pdf]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:11:00 EDT http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/734695 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/694647
CSIS beefs up screening for Tamil Tigers

Extra agents added in Sri Lanka as backlog grows for Canadian visa requests

Bill Curry

Ottawa

Wednesday, Jun. 10, 2009

Canada is boosting its immigration screening in Sri Lanka – shifting overseas CSIS agents from New Delhi to Colombo in a bid to keep defeated Tamil Tiger terrorists from landing here.

In addition to moving agents from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Canada Border Services Agency from their posts in India, the federal immigration department is adding staff to manage the growing backlog of Sri Lankan visa requests.

Richard Fadden, the deputy minister of Citizenship and Immigration who takes over as head of CSIS on June 27, told MPs Tuesday that any hint of association to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam now triggers in-depth screening.

“We are insisting that all applications that have any possibility of involvement with the LTTE be referred to secondary review either by CBSA or by CSIS,” Mr. Fadden said during an appearance before the House of Commons immigration committee.

Liberal MP Jim Karygiannis, whose Scarborough-Agincourt riding is home to many Tamil-Canadians, accused the government of unnecessary delays at a time when families are desperate to be united in Canada.

“Is it because your department and your government has a view that if you're a Tamil, you're a Tiger, you're a terrorist?” he asked.

“Of course it's not,” replied Immigration Minister Jason Kenney, who appeared with Mr. Fadden.

Mr. Kenney has vowed to speed up family-reunification applications coming from Sri Lanka. But his deputy, Mr. Fadden, said security concerns can lead to a second, and even a third round of interviews as part of the application process.

“While we do want to do everything we can to expedite the handling of files, one aspect that can slow down these files are security concerns,” said Mr. Fadden.]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:41:00 EDT http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/694647 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/692971
Bill C-291 is stalled in the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration, with Liberals joining Conservatives in blocking study of the bill.

At a Committee vote June 2 calling for immediate study of the bill, the Liberals split, allowing the motion to be defeated.

The CCR has written letters to the Liberal members of the Standing Committee, expressing dismay at the Party's betrayal of refugee rights.

The CCR urges the Committee to complete its study very quickly, given that the bill has already been studied by both the House and the Senate in the previous Parliament.

For nearly seven years, refugee claimants in Canada have been denied the appeal that Parliament granted them in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Instead their fate is determined by a single decision maker in a system never approved by Parliament. Correcting this injustice is long overdue.

The CCR calls on the government to implement the Refugee Appeal Division without delay and on Parliamentarians to ensure its implementation by quickly adopting Bill C-291.



Background
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act approved by Parliament in 2001 created the Refugee Appeal Division. However in 2002, the government implemented the Act but not the sections that give refugee claimants the right to appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division.

To correct this injustice, the last Parliament voted to force the implementation of the Refugee Appeal Division. Both the House of Commons (in 2007) and the Senate (in 2008) approved bill C-280, An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act calling for the implementation of the Refugee Appeal Division. However, the bill did not become law because the House still needed to approve the amendments made by the Senate when the 2008 elections were called.

Since the Refugee Appeal Division was created by Parliament and the last Parliament voted to force its implementation, the current Parliament should adopt Bill C-291, which is the text of the former bill C-280, as amended by the Senate. Bill C-291 should be adopted immediately and without further debate.

Take action!

For organizations and individuals:

Call, meet with or write Members of Parliament in your area, urging them to press for rapid reintroduction and passage of Bill C-291, calling for the implementation of the Refugee Appeal Division as provided for the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

You can include this one-pager with your letter or give it to your MP if you meet.

For a guide on how to approach a meeting with an MP, please follow these tips on how to organize a meeting on the RAD

You can also used this suggested model letter to write to your MP.

Messages to give to MPs:

The bill is important. Providing refugee claimants with their right to appeal may save lives. Wrong decisions at the refugee hearing that go uncorrected can lead to refugees being returned to persecution, torture and even death. Contrary to much popular opinion, there is currently no appeal on the merits for refugee claimants – the limited recourses that are available are incapable of correcting many errors in refugee determination.
The bill needs to be passed quickly. It is already more than six years since the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act came into effect without implementing the right of appeal for refugees foreseen by the Act. As a result, for six years refugee claimants have been having their fate determined by a single decision maker in a system never approved by Parliament. Correcting this injustice is long overdue.
The bill was very close to becoming law. All that was left was for the House of Commons to vote on the amendments made by the Senate. It should therefore be a straightforward matter for the House and Senate to pass the same text without further debate and delays.
Thanks for letting us know how about any response your get - send a quick message to cfrench@ccrweb.ca with an update after speaking to an MP.

For organizations - another way to take action:

Fill out this formal endorsement of Bill C-291 to encourage Members of Parliament to vote in favour of the appeal for refugees, as requested by MP Thierry St-Cyr, who is sponsoring the Bill in the House of Commons. Send it to Mr St-Cyr at the address listed. He will use endorsements from organizations to call on MPs to vote in favour of Bill C-291.

For more information:
A backgrounder on the Refugee Appeal Division

CCR's Refugee Appeal Division webpage

The Parliamentary Standing Committee report, Safeguarding asylum – Sustaining Canada's commitments to refugees (see section on the Refugee Appeal Division, including the recommendation to implement the RAD immediately) – (pp. 9-13).
]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:41:00 EDT http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/692971 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/692881
There are 96 million young people aged 15-29 in the European Union, constituting almost 20 % of the total population. Due to this importance of the youth, the Commission of the European Communities established the so-called Youth Report. This report is a compilation of data, statistics and brief analyses on the situation of young people in Europe. It provides an overview of the situation in the EU Member States in a range of different areas and outlines the differences between countries.

The Report is available online at:
http://ec.europa.eu/youth/news/doc/new_strategy/youth_report_final.pdf

I live, I vote!

The Italian association Forum Nazionale dei Giovani came up with the idea of a "pro-vote" project due to the necessity of young people to take an active part in the elections for the European Parliament between 4th and 7th of June 2009. In the past, a high absence of potential voters has been registered, thus this project should again increase numbers of participating young people.
Different parties are included in this project, such as the youth, civil associations and also institutions which want to achieve a captivating action and at the same time enrich the topics and capacities of communicating and discussing with young citizens about the idea of a new Europe.

Further information in Italian is available on http://www.iovoto2009.eu/

European Selections 2009

Twenty-seven countries, one election!
Between the 4th and 7th of June, 375 million people from 27 countries will vote for 1 unified parliament!
Do not miss your chance to vote in the European Elections 2009!
To find out when and for whom it is possible to vote in June click on:
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/elections2009/countries/default.htm?language=EN

Commissioner launches EuroMed News on 16 April 2009

The European Commissioner for External Relations has launched the EuroMed News project. This project aims to broaden knowledge about the EU's policies in the region and the relationship between the EU and individual Mediterranean countries.
EuroMed-News brings together broadcasters in Europe and in Algeria, Jordan, Libya, Syria, Morocco and Lebanon. Together, they will produce 300 news features, 40 short current affairs programmes and nine 26-minute documentaries about North African society and the economy.

Some topics that will be covered are:
- Young people and employment assistance schemes
- Rural women and the elimination of illiteracy
- Schemes to help young people set up companies
- EU strategy for development of Euro-Mediterranean cultural heritage

EuroMed-News is funded under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) through EuropeAid's regional information and communication programme. For more information refer to http://www.euromedinfo.eu/site.168.news.en.5599.html

Overview of SALTO Youth EuroMed Resource Centre 2009 activities

The EU-funded SALTO-Youth Euromed Resource Centre has already announced a great number of 2009 activities - a complete list can be found on http://www.salto-youth.net/tceuromed2009/ The activities are open for participation and their focus/ topics range from intercultural dialogue, education, democracy, training and workshops, youth programmes and networking.

Next Series of European Citizenship Training Courses

Due to the success of the six training courses which took place from September 2008 to May 2009, a
new series of EC TCs (training courses) will be organised in 2009-2010:

• EC TC Slovenia from 23-29 November 2009;
• EC TC Czech Republic from 22-28 March 2010;
• EC TC France from 12-18 April 2010;
• EC TC UK from 14-20 June 2010.

Please visit the following website for more information:
http://youth-partnership.coe.int/youth-partnership/training/EC_2009-2010

EVS - European Voluntary Service

Partners' search for Multilateral projects Afsai is looking for non European partners for future collaboration within EVS programme. We ask all organizations, interested in establishing fruitful partnership with us on the theme of social inclusion and intercultural dialogue. Is required a previous experience within the EVS programme.
For further information please send CV of your organization to the following address: sve@afsai.it.

Youth Ministers met to evaluate their past cooperation and discuss future Youth strategy

During its meeting of 11th May 2009, the Council adopted conclusions on the evaluation of the current framework for European cooperation in the youth field and future perspectives for the renewed framework.
Commissioner Figel presented to the Council the recently adopted Commission Communication on an EU strategy for Youth: Investing and Empowering. A public exchange of views on this topic was held and the Strategy was positively welcomed by the Member States.

In the conclusions the Council and the representatives of the governments decided to call on the Member States and the Commission to consider and discuss several actions in the youth field in respect of the overall framework and the instruments and tools, such as Open Method of Coordination, the European Youth Pact, a cross-sectoral approach and a structured dialogue.

AVSO VACANCY - Call for Director

AVSO, the Association of Voluntary Service Organisations, is looking for an acting Director to cover a maternity leave full time in its Brussels Secretariat, starting immediately.
The successful candidate will be responsible to manage the AVSO office and staff during the maternity leave of its current director, and report directly to the Board of Directors. A prolongation of the post is a possibility in the capacity of policy officer. The position is open ASAP and the duration is at least until February 2010.
The successful candidate will have a university degree in political science, economics, law or a related field, at least 5 years experience in international networks, European affairs and excellent knowledge of the EU institutions. He or she will be fluent in spoken and written English; other languages are an advantage. He or she will be a strong team player able to work effectively in a global network setting. Successful candidates will be required to take initiative and work independently.
The post will be offered under a Belgian contract.
A motivation letter and CV should reach AVSO no later than 5 June 2009 and be sent to info@avso.org. Interviews will take place in the week of 15 June.

Ubuntu Conference: International Voluntary Service as a Tool for Development Education
25th of June 2009

In the framework of the Ubuntu International Youth Voluntary Service Award 2009, AVSO - the Association of Voluntary Service Organisations - is organising this conference which will take place in Brussels on the 25th of June 2009. The Conference is aimed at investigating how international voluntary service contributes to raising the awareness of development issues among young people and their environment. Experts in development and volunteering will be asked to discuss if and how volunteering is a tool for educating young people to development through the following core questions:
- What is the added value of hosting an international volunteer?
- How do the young volunteers change during the service?
- What do volunteers learn in terms of awareness of development issues?
- What are the real outcomes of international volunteering projects?
- Do the young volunteers become active citizens?
- What are the impacts of international volunteers on the hosting community?
The conference will take place at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels. For further information about the conference and the application procedure, to download the agenda and to download the registration form please visit http://www.avso.org/

AVSO Seminar on Partnership Building: Calling Partners

AVSO is organising a seminar about sustainable partnerships in voluntary service, concentrating on partnerships between European Union and South East Europe country youth organisations. For more information and to download the Part III please visit http://www.avso.org/index/index.htm]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:40:00 EDT http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/692881 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/692839 News, Analysis and Updates
No One Is Illegal-Toronto
http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

MIGRANT JUSTICE

=(1)= Stop the Raids! Campaign Launched

=(2)= June 13: Good Jobs for All! Rally in Toronto

=(3)= June 18: Whose Security? Adil Charkaoui speaks in Toronto


INDIGENOUS SOVEREIGNTY

=(4)= June 11: Grassy Narrows Clan Mothers Speak in Toronto ( JUNE UPDATE)

=(5)= Tyindenaga Mohawk Territory JUNE UPDATE

=(6)= Algonquins of Barriere Lake JUNE UPDATE

=(7)= Akwesasne/CBSA UPDATE JUNE 8, 2009


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Migrant Justice Advocates Launch "Stop the Raids!" Campaign in Toronto

Pledge to end racist scapegoating of migrant workers during economic
recession

On Saturday June 6, 2009, nearly a hundred people assembled to hear from
people directly affected by the recent Immigration raids that have
terrorized migrant communities.

Immigration raids conducted in April saw over 100 migrant workers arrested
and were followed by another raid in May where nearly 2 dozen workers were
arrested.

"We are not illegal" related Flor, a migrant farm worker who witnessed the
raids this May. "All we ask for is to make a living".

Another migrant worker who was arrested in the April raids explained her
situation: She was forced to quit the job she had a work permit for
because of horrendous conditions involving a criminal investigation
against her employer. She was arrested in an Immigration raids while
working and was jailed for a month.

These stories are typical of an immigration system that exploits migrants,
too-often people of colour, and then blames them for their exploitation.
Two other workers who were meant to speak on the day could not be present
because their deportation was scheduled for the same day.

The assembly vowed to stop immigration raids and the scapegoating of
immigrant communities. Instead, calling for dignity and respect for all
migrants, full regularization and an end to deportations. Renewed energy
was also directed towards the Access Without Fear campaign that aims to
make Toronto an accessible city for all its residents.

Prior to the assembly, workers and activists from nearly two dozen
organizations met to sow the seeds of the campaign that would include
education around immigration enforcement, political mobilization for a
comprehensive and inclusive regularization program and a broad response in
the event of a raid.

Follow up meetings for Education, Health, Community Organization, Legal
and Labor activists were announced. A large assembly is also planned for
the fall. To attend these follow up meetings and/or to support the Stop
the Raids campaign, please email nooneisillegal@riseup.net


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June 13 - 1pm
Good Jobs for All Rally

Its time
- To fix Employment Insurance to cover all workers, irrespective of
Immigration status
- To protect pensions
- To ensure strong accessible social services for all people
- Its time to put people before profits

Join the Migrant Justice contingent!
Bring banners and signs.
Meet at Metro Hall.

Rally organised by the Good Jobs for All Coalition.


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WHOSE SECURITY?
ADIL CHARKOUI SPEAKS IN TORONTO
with Barbara Jackman and Others.

| Thursday | 18 June | 6:30pm | 25 Cecil Street |

Canadian laws that claim to secure communities brutalize migrants, target
marginalized people, and use the fear of detention and deportation to
regulate every part of people's lives and justify coercion. These laws
make nobody safe.

Under the guise of national security, Canada has instituted laws that deny
basic human rights, civil liberties and justice to anyone that it deems
worthy of suspicion. Security Certificates, Secret Trials, Extraordinary
Renditions, Confinement without Trial, Overseas detention and Torture are
the dirty underbelly of Canadian immigration policy.

Come hear Adil Charkoui speak about Security Certificates and Secret
Trials. Adil will be joined by Barbara Jackman and others.

Adil Charkaoui, a Montreal teacher, father of three children, was held
without charge since May 2003 in Montreal. Released under severe
conditions in February 2005, he has only recently been allowed to travel
outside of Montreal. (See http://www.adilinfo.org/ for more)

"What is a security certificate?
A security certificate,
It's the right to be treated outside the law
It's two-speed justice
It's precedent for secret trials…
It's contact visits with no contact
It's the glass that separates you from loved ones,
It's deadlock, solitude; it's breathing corruption…
It's the guilt of being born elsewhere…
It's human folly clothed as wisdom.
It's me today, maybe you tomorrow! "
- Excerpt of poem by Adil Charkaoui, translated from French

Barbara Jackman has represented clients in a number of high profile cases
involving Canada's anti-terrorism laws and immigration security
certificates.

Hosted by: No One Is Illegal - Toronto, Toronto Action for Social Change,
Christian Peacemaker Teams Toronto, Canadian Arab Federation, Jesuit
Refugee and Migrant Service-Canada, The Council of Canadians,
Ontario/Quebec Regional Office, Toronto Coalition to Stop the War,
Parkdale Community Legal Services


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Grassy Narrows Clan Mothers Speak
Thursday June 11, 7pm

OISE Peace Lounge-7th Floor
252 Bloor Street West (near St. George Subway)

Gwa wich Taypaywaykejick (Roberta Keesick) and Barbara Fobister are
Indigenous Grassy Narrows trappers, clan mothers, grandmothers, and
blockaders. They have been a key force in sustaining the Grassy Narrows
blockade (now in its seventh year) and in the grassroots efforts of their
community to assert control over their traditional territory, protect the
earth, and exercise their right to self-determination.

In October, Roberta will go on trial for building a cabin on her family's
ancestral lands without a provincial building permit. The act for which
she now faces criminal charges is part of a process of reclamation and
revival where people are using the land on their territory as their
ancestors have for generations. It is a critically important piece of the
work that is being undertaken by the people of Grassy Narrows to empower
themselves and to sustain their families, revive their culture and heal
their community.

This is a unique opportunity to hear Roberta Keesick and Barbara Fobister
speak in Toronto - 1700 kilometers from their home in Grassy Narrows.

Suggested Donation: $10 (waged), $5 (unwaged and student).
NO ONE WILL BE TURNED AWAY.

All Proceeds go to Roberta's legal defence fund. To donate to the legal
defence fund please contact: leah.m.henderson@gmail.com

Nearest cross street Bloor and St George
Closest TTC stop: St George Station.
Enter the OISE building, take the elevator to the 7th floor, look for
signs to the Peace Lounge.

----------------------------------------------------

BACKGROUND

In early June, 2008 the Grassy Narrows First Nation's demand that
industrial logging on their territory stop was met when Abitibi-Bowater
announced that they would not be seeking a licence in the Whiskey Jack
Forest. However the struggle is not over. While the chainsaws have stopped
at Grassy Narrows, persecution of those that assert their traditional
rights on the land has not ended.

Roberta Keesick, a Grassy Narrows clan mother, trapper, blockader, and
grandmother, is facing charges in Red Lake Ontario for building a
trappers' cabin on her traditional family lands without a Provincial
permit. She has been a tremendous force in the grassroots struggles at
Grassy Narrows to reclaim traditional land and assert the right of self
determination. The act for which she now faces criminal charges is part of
a process of reclamation and revival where people are using the land on
their territory as their ancestors have for generations. It is a
critically important piece of the work that is being undertaken by the
people of Grassy Narrows to empower themselves and to sustain their
families, revive their culture and heal their community. This access to
land is crucial for the healing of First Nations, and it is this right
that is being challenged by the court with the charges that have been
brought against Roberta Keesick.

Roberta's trial date is in the spring. While Roberta has a lawyer who will
donate his services, he needs his costs of travel, and filing documents
with the court, covered. These costs will be approximately $4000. She is
seeking donations for a legal defence fund. The assertion of rights on
traditional land is one of the most important components of the ongoing
struggle for Indigenous rights. This case has the potential to set an
important precedent; Indigenous people have a right to traditional land
use on their traditional territories. This case represents an example of
the way that governments disable First Nations from sustaining and
empowering themselves. Roberta Keesick's actions-the building of a
trapping cabin on her own family's trap line-is a perfect example of how
people from Grassy Narrows are asserting their rights through the
straightforward actions of living an Anishnabe life. It is of the utmost
importance that any and all of us who are concerned with Indigenous rights
and the well being of First Nations communities, support the grassroots
struggles at Grassy Narrows and in other communities and to support
Roberta Keesick in her struggle to simply live her life on her land.
Please donate generously.

To make a donation to Roberta Keesick's legal defence fund through email,
cheque, or cash, please email leah.m.henderson@gmail.com.

For more information on Grassy Narrows, go to
www.FreeGrassy.org
http://www.amnesty.ca/themes/indigenous_grassy_narrows.php

For more information about this speaking event contact
david.sone@gmail.com


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TYENDINAGA MOHAWK TERRITORY

In September and October of 2008, Tyendinaga community members objected to
the delivery of a $1.9 million pre-fabricated police station, funded
jointly by the Band Council and the federal Ministry of Public Safety and
Emergency Preparedness. The Band Council failed to consult the broader
community before making the decision that a new police station should take
priority over clean drinking water on the reserve and other pressing
issues. The reserve school down the road from the proposed police station
site lacks drinkable water, and the majority of reserve homes remain on a
boil-water advisory. Tyendinaga police issued 12 warrants for Tyendinaga
Mohawks and over the ensuing months, arrested and charged them in
connection with protests against the police station, as well as protests
against an illegal quarry operation on the Territory.

Tyendinaga Mohawks Shawn Brant, Tara Green and Jason Maracle continue to
fight a multi-million dollar lawsuit filed against them by CN, seeking
damages for the rail blockades on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in 2007.

In addition, there are still more than a dozen members of the community
facing charges for protesting, and the government has still not resolved
any of Tyendinaga’s outstanding land issues.

For more information, email support.tmt@gmail.com or visit:
http://www.ocap.ca/supporttmt/


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UPDATE ON THE ALGONQUINS OF BARRIERE LAKE (MITCHIKINABIKO'INIK) OF RAPID
LAKE, QUEBEC (4 HOURS NORTH OF MONTREAL)

The leadership of Benjamin Nottaway, supported by the majority of the
community and selected according to customary method, had offered to
resign and enter into a new leadership selection process, mediated by
respected former MP Keith Penner.

The offer had been rejected by the government-backed Chief Casey Ratt.
Nottaway had then proposed a reconciliation process to resolve the
leadership situation, to which the Ratt minority faction could nominate a
co-facilitator.

This was seen as urgent in light of the fact that DIA appears to be
preparing to use the leadership conflict as a pretext to impose an
electoral system on the community, unilaterally and unconstitutionally
sweeping aside their customary system, by invoking section 74 of the
Indian Act (for more information on this section, see:
http://www.dominionpaper.ca/articles/2560).

Ratt's lawyer, funded by a Third Party Manager using community funds, has
tried to block this reconciliation process with injunctions in federal
court. One injunction went so far as to attempt to block Elders
responsible for leadership customs from actually convening meetings. The
injunction, however, failed. As of writing, the government-backed Chief
has finally, though tentatively, agreed to the leadership resolution
process.

For more information, visit http://barrierelakesolidarity.blogspot.com/ or
write to barrierelakesolidaritytoronto@gmail.com


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Akwesasne/CBSA UPDATE JUNE 8, 2009

HIGHLIGHTS:

- Seaway International Bridge, on the Mohawk territory of Akwesasne,
remains closed
- Akwesasne community still not allowed full free movement on their own
territory
- Tyendinaga Mohawks shut down Skyway Bridge in support of Akwesasne -
Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan states that permanently "moving the
border crossing off the Akwesasne reserve" is an option

IN QUOTES:

"What the border has done to far too many of our First Nations communities
is horrific and atrocious on so many levels -- and it has poisoned our
minds to think in singular factions, instead of a full circle...Which way
is going to best resolve this situation I'm not sure of yet but I do know
we have a right to stand up for our own community, which will never solely
be in Canada or the United States. We belong to Mother Earth in whom no
one has claim over - and where there aren't any borders." - Jessica Yee,
Kanionke:haka (writing in rabble.ca, June 5, 2009)

"When the people make their decision, that's what needs to be carried out,
and the people have made their decision: there will be no firearms carried
by customs agents on our territory." -- Sakoietah, member of the Men's
Traditional Council at Akwesasne (in an interview with No One Is Illegal
Radio, June 4, 2009)

"[The Canadian Border Service Agency] is a foreign oppressive force who
occupies our sovereign community and territory. (They are) unwelcome,
uninvited and now carrying firearms. For lack of a different description,
that is considered by some an act of war." - Larry King, member of the
Akwesasne Mohawk Territory (quoted in the Ottawa Citizen, May 29, 2009)

"They'll have to accept armed border officers there." - Peter Van Loan,
Canadian Minister of Public Safety, responsible for the Canadian Border
Services Agency (quoted by Canadian Press, June 7, 2009)

[further updates, comprehensive chronology, and backgrounder included below]

RECENT ARTICLES, AUDIO, VIDEO ANALYSIS:

1) "Akwesasne under siege" (rabble.ca, June 5, 2009):
http://rabble.ca/columnists/2009/06/akwesasne-under-siege

2) Mohawks continue struggle at border (Indian Country Today, June 5,
2009): http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/home/content/47044112.html

3) AUDIO: Interview with Sakoietah, member of the Men's Traditional
Council at Akwesasne (No One Is Illegal-Montreal Radio, June 4, 2009):
http://www.radio4all.net:8080/files/jaggisingh@gmail.com/2840-1-sakoiepah-final.mp3

4) Interview with Brendan White, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (Ottawa
Citizen, June 3, 2009):
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/This+unique+situation+have+Akwesasne+with+Mohawk+spokesman+Brendan+White/1658208/story.htm
l

5) VIDEO: Kanietakeron gives message to CBSA agents (video by Neddie
Thompson, May 31, 2009)
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J-479EaojM
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH7zuzkbjuc

6) VIDEO: Protest at border crossing by Akwesasne Mohawks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRM6ev4FBVg

7) Mohawk Nation News (MNN) Articles:
http://www.mohawknationnews.com/news/news4.php?en=enlayout=mnncategory=26srcurl=%2Fnews%2Fnews3.php%3Flang%3Den%26layout%3Dmnn%26sortorder%3D0

8) Akwesasne Forums:
http://akwesasne.ca/
http://myakwesasne.com/

9) PHOTOS from Akwesasne (by independent journalist Sandra Cuffe):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lavagabunda/

10) Previous No One Is Illegal-Montreal Updates:
http://nooneisillegal-montreal.blogspot.com/2009/06/akwesasne.html

UPDATES FROM MAY-JUNE 2009

* June 7, 2009: Tyendinaga Mohawks issue a release stating "Tyendinaga
Answers Akwesasne’s Call, Shuts Down Skyway Bridge in Tyendinaga Mohawk
Territory." The release in full:

“The community of Akwesasne has been living without the freedom of
mobility for one week. People have been cut off from family and friends,
barred from access to elder relatives in need of care, unable to get to
work and hundreds of children have had their school year disrupted. It is
no secret that there are significant tensions between the community of
Akwesasne and Canadian Border Services Agency. Hundred of complaints have
been filed for incidents like conducting a cavity search on a teenager,
subjecting a pregnant woman to repeated x-rays and interrogating children
after forcibly removing them from the care of adult family members. As a
result, the community of Akwesasne has clearly stated that it has
substantial concerns over the arming of these same guards. The position
of the Federal Government that it refuses any discussion with Akwesasne is
ludicrous and will only engender further mistrust and frustration.
Tyendinaga understands this frustration and calls for the Federal
Government to enter into meaningful discussions with the community of
Akwesasne. Ignoring the concerns of First Nations communities will not
make the issues go away.”

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/06/08/mohawk-bridge-blockade697.html

http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_35153.aspx

* June 6, 2009: Akwesasne band council chief Tim Thompson states that
despite claims by politicians of dialogue with Akwesasne, federal
politicians are not in discussion with Akwesasne leaders. The only
concrete discussion was a request from CBSA to remove equipment out of the
customs facility, but the Akwesasne leader rejected the request.

http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2009/06/06/9698246-sun.html

* June 6, 2009: "A sense of emergency is in the air, but tensions remain
cool on Cornwall Island in light of the ongoing dispute over the arming of
border guards. Akwesasne residents have been chipping in to assist one
another in numerous ways as the international passage that bisects their
community remains closed as a result of the dispute. A food drive has been
set up on the U. S. side of Akwesasne, and food, supplies and money are
being dropped off and shipped to the island by boat."

http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1601017

* June 5, 2009: Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan states that
permanently "moving the border crossing off the Akwesasne reserve" is a
serious option being evaluated. Peter Van Loan says the government is
examining all options, including moving the port of entry that now links
Cornwall, Ont., and Massena, N.Y. Appearing Sunday on a national political
television program, he refused to say when a decision would be made.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Feds+confirm+relocation+border+crossing+under+review/1666915/story.html

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5ipHHAbgXjqj4In9fuvY8cwlXpX5Q

* June 3, 2009: Canadian Border Services Agency states it is considering
entering third-party mediation with Akwesasne Mohawk leaders. Guy Lauzon,
Conservative MP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, said he has been told
a mediation process to settle the dispute is currently "in play".
Akwesasne band council chief Larry King said, as far as he knew, the band
council leadership had yet to be informed of the mediation proposal, but
said they were open to more talk.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Mohawks+border+agency+considering+mediation/1656859/story.html

* June 2, 2009: Mayor Bob Kilger of Cornwall is calling on the federal
government to resolve the current dispute in Akwesasne.

http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1593559

* As of 5 pm on June 1 2009, the bridge to the Akwesasne reserve is opened
for residents to return home, according to Akwesasne's Chief Tim Thompson.
The border crossing to the US remains closed.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Akwesasne+bridge+opened+local+residents/1651926/story.html

* On June 1, 2009, the federal Minister of Public Safety, Peter Van Loan,
states that the Canada-U.S. border crossing near Cornwall, Ont. won't
reopen until the Mohawk community accepts that guards at the border will
be armed with handguns.

http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090601/OTT_Border_Protest_090601/20090601?hub=Ottawa

* On June 1 2009, during the afternoon, the federal Minister of Public
Safety, Peter Van Loan, said the Cornwall Island crossing will not be
exempted from arming because the Conservative government plans on
committing to its promise to arm all 4,800 border officers at land and sea
ports of entry by 2016.

http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1593213

* June 1, 2009 (5:35am): More than 50 protesters are maintaining a
presence near the Canadian customs building on Cornwall Island. There are
at least five fires burning to keep demonstrators warm. Many more
residents and
supporters are expected to be on-site as the morning progresses.

http://nooneisillegal-montreal.blogspot.com/2009/06/akwesasne.html

* On midnight of May 30, 2009, Canadian Border Services Agency workers
left their posts on Cornwall Island, citing safety concerns, in advance of
the Akwesasne Mohawk demonstration. Soon after the Canadian guards left,
their U.S. counterparts did the same thing and police on both sides
barricaded the crossing. Vehicular traffic onto the Seaway International
Bridge has been shut down by police on both sides of the border, although
pedestrians were still being allowed to access the bridge.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article
/ALeqM5jc3eZgl16gB4iY56X6QorsZC0a9A

* On May 29, 2009, over 100 Akwesasne Mohawks marched on the border and
served CBSA with yet another notice and demand that the CBSA not arm the
guards and that their demand be sent to officials in Ottawa. "What we are
waiting for is an answer from Ottawa. We don't get that answer, action has
got to be taken by the people," said Thomas Stacy. "We are not getting
anywhere with the government. The government is going to come over here
and take over everything."

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Mohawks+protest+slated+arming+Canadian+border+guards/1647377/story.html

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

- CBSA agents were due to be armed at the Port of Cornwall (Kahwehnoke)
crossing on June 1 2009, a policy universally opposed and condemned by the
Akwesasne Mohawk Community -

[CBSA press release (May 9, 2009):
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/media/release-communique/2009/2009-05-09-eng.html
]

The Mohawk territory of Akwesasne straddles the jurisdictions of Ontario,
Quebec and New York State, and is a major international border crossing
between Canada and the United States. Canadian Border Service Agency
(CBSA) guards began arming in 2007, and there are currently more than 800
armed CBSA guards across Canada. The entire CBSA aims to be armed, in
stages, by 2016. The CBSA announced that their agents at the Port of Entry
at Cornwall (at Akwesasne) would be armed by June 1 of 2009.

As written in Mohawk Nation News on May 3, 2009: "For the next month
Mohawks of Akwesasne will be protesting colonial Canadian border guards
arming themselves with Beretta 9 mm handguns in the middle of our
community. They hope to start on June 1. Akwesasne is on both sides of the
foreign Canada-U.S. border and home to the whole community regardless of
this imaginary line... A letter was sent to Prime Minister Stephen Harper
to have meetings with Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan and his
predecessor Stockwell Day over a year ago. There has been no response. We
hear that the European settler experience at the border is completely
different. They are often waved through without harassment." (For full
article visit: http://noii-van.resist.ca/?p=1076 )

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne passed resolution #318 on February 28,
2008 forbidding firearms to be carried by Canada Border Services Agents
CBSA on the territory of Akwesasne.

On May 8, 2009 over 250 Mohawks marched on the U.S.-Canada border. As
written in Mohawk Nation News: "We are the most policed people in the
world. Almost 20 U.S. and Canadian enforcement agencies traverse our
community." Daily disagreements have been instigated against Mohawks who
must pass through the checkpoint on a daily basis. There have been serious
injuries, hospitalizations, charges and assaults. So far there have been
no fatalities. There has been a steady increase in racial profiling and
slurs direct at us sanctioned by Canada. Incidents are being provoked to
justify armed guards. Hundreds of complaints have been filed with the
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Canada Justice Department and the Canadian
Human Rights Commission. No peaceful resolution has come forward."

During the month of May, the community attempted to pressure and negotiate
with the federal government and lobby at the international level. On May
26, 2009 Cornwall city council passed a resolution that no guns should be
given to the CBSA guards. On May 28, 2009 Skarohreh Doug Anderson of the
Haudenosaunee Confederacy presented a request to the Secretary of the UN
Security Council to ask the UN to send officials to Akwesasne. Kenneth
Deer of Kahnawake raised the issue of guns at Akwesasne with the Permanent
Forum on Indigenous People.

Excerpt of statement to Secretary of the UN Security Council in New York:
"On June 1 the Canada Border Services Agency guards will try to carry 9mm
Berettas, which are meant to kill people. The UN must stop this attempt at
ethnic cleansing at Akwesasne. Canada at the behest of the U.S. is trying
to commit genocide on us, the real people of mother earth. The reasonable
decision of the Haudenosaunee, our friends and supporters, is that there
should be no guns anywhere on the Canada-U.S. border on the Canadian side.
Canada is setting a precedent that any visitor arriving will have the
barrel of a gun in their faces, so to say. We want the border station to
be removed from the middle of Akwesasne. We know the power they presently
exercise without the guns. They ridicule and demean us as we come through
the border. They use their power of intimidation to pull us into their
building away from the protective eyes of our friends and relatives. We
have no choice but to cross many times a day to carry on our normal lives.
The violence will always be directed at us and not at them. We want peace.
These supposed peace officers are acting like war zone combatants. What a
contradictory message Canada sends out to the world."

The Akwesasne Mohawk Council Chiefs offered several compromise positions
to senior Canada Border Services Agency officials during a meeting in
Ottawa, but were rebuffed on May 28, 2009, according to Chief Larry King.
During the Ottawa meeting, the chiefs unsuccessfully asked that the move
be delayed for at least a year or until the end of CBSA’s arming process
in 2016 to allow more time for community consultations as well as time for
officers to be trained in cultural sensitivity by the community. The
meeting ended with a declaration from CBSA president Stephen Rigby that
our position is what it is; to which the chiefs responded, whatever
happens will happen said King. (Source:
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Armed+border+guards/1644877/story.html )

SOME ADDITIONAL HISTORY AND BACKGROUND:

-> Many members of the Akwesasne community currently opposing armed border
guards have referenced the story of Saiowisakeron (Jake Ice), a
traditional Mohawk man who was shot and killed by Dominion police in 1899.
There is a statue of Jake Ice at Akwesasne, which has become a focal point
to express opposition to armed border agents. More information about Jake
Ice available here: www.wampumchronicles.com/saiowisakeron.html

-> In 1968, members of the community blocked the border-crossing bridge
against the policy that forced Akwesasne residents to pay duty on
purchases they made in the United States, despite the fact that the Jay
Treaty of 1794, also known as the “Treaty of Amity, Commerce and
Navigation” affirmed that they were not required to do so. An NFB
documentary by Mort Ransen is available online at:
http://intercontinentalcry.org/you-are-on-indian-land/

For an extensive backgrounder, read “Forty-one year legacy of Mohawk
resistance at Akwesasne border” by Mohawk Nation News:
http://www.mohawknationnews.com/news/singlenews.php?en=enlayout=mnnnewsnr=709backurl=%2Fnews%2Fnews3.php%3Flang%3Den%26layout%3Dmnn%26sortorder%3D0srcscript=/news/news3.php

-> June 2008: Mohawk grandmothers attacked by CBSA guards; more info here:
http://nooneisillegal-montreal.blogspot.com/2008/06/cbsa-attack.html

-> Katenies, a member of the Akwesasne community, has openly challenged
the colonial “Canada-US” border. She refuses to recognize the authority of
the Canadian courts to judge her for “border violations”. Article/Audio
compilation here:
http://nooneisillegal-montreal.blogspot.com/2008/06/katenies-cbsa-background.html

[Information compiled by Harsha (No One Is Illegal-Vancouver) Jaggi (No
One Is Illegal-Montreal). Please send information for future updates to
BOTH noii-van@resist.ca AND nooneisillegal@gmail.com]

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
No One Is Illegal-Toronto
Web: http://toronto.nooneisillegal.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2232590266
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/nooneisillegal
Email: nooneisillegal@riseup.net
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:13:00 EDT http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/692839 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/586937
Refugee Rights Day 2009
Toronto Meeting Call

Refugee Rights Day commemorates the April 4, 1985 decision of the Supreme Court of Canada, recognizing that refugees have the right to fundamental justice. Every year, community groups and individuals in Toronto come together to mark this important day.

Please join us to help organize Refugee Rights Day 2009 in Toronto. This meeting is open to everyone.

* If cannot come to the meeting, but wish to receive Refugee Rights Day 2009 (Toronto) planning updates, please email amy@ocasi.org

Date: Thursday, February 12, 2009
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI) – 110
Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 200
Near Yonge Eglinton - Eglinton Subway Station - Follow this link for directions: http://www.ocasi.org/contact_us.php

Agenda:
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Event Dates
3. Major activities:
a. Mayor's Proclamation and Panel Discussion - evening
b. Training Workshop - daytime
c. Art Display/Community Fair
d. Evening celebration
4. Outreach and promotion
5. Volunteers
6. Financial support/donations

If you have questions, please contact Amy Casipullai at amy@ocasi.org or phone 416.322.4950 ext. 239


--
Amy Casipullai
Policy and Public Education Coordinator
Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
110 Eglinton Ave. W., Suite 200 Toronto ON M4R 1A3
Tel: 416.322.4950 ext. 239
Fax: 416.322.8084
acasipullai@ocasi.org
www.ocasi.org
www.settlement.org
www.etablissement.org
www.settlement.org/atwork]]> Sun, 08 Feb 2009 09:30:00 EST http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/586937 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/242955
August 21, 2007 - Toronto FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1,500 Torontonians tell Minister of Immigration to ‘Let Leo Stay’

Award-winning community activist Leonardo Zuniga and his supporters are calling on Minister of Immigration Diane Finley to stop his removal to Mexico, where he faces persecution due to his sexual orientation and threats against his life.

In addition to gathering over 1,000 online petition signatures and 500 hard copy signatures, Leo’s grassroots campaign has received support from MP Olivia Chow, MPP Cheri DiNovo, MPP George Smitherman, Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, Councillor Shelly Carroll, Councillor Adam Giambrone, Councillor Howard Moscoe, Councillor Kyle Rae, and Councillor Adam Vaughan.

On Wednesday, August 22nd at 11am in the Council Chambers of Toronto City Hall, Leo will deliver a personal message intended for the Minister of Immigration. He will be joined by MPP-Toronto Centre Rosedale, George Smitherman, Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of EGALE Canada, John Campey, Executive Director of Community Social Planning Council of Toronto, community supporters, and members of the Toronto Youth Cabinet, Supporting our Youth, and No One Is Illegal – Toronto.

"Leo has already contributed a great deal to our community as a human rights advocate and supporter," said Helen Kennedy, Executive Director of Egale Canada. "Now we have to focus our efforts on making sure he is not deported to Mexico where being gay is not an accepted way of life."

Xtra! Magazine recently published the story of Enrique Villegas, the Mexican refugee claimant who was murdered upon return to Mexico after the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board rejected his refugee protection claim in 2003. Villegas was found dead in his Mexico City apartment in April, 2007.

Since arriving in Canada, Leo has been active in the LGTBQ, Latino, and youth communities and has drawn on his own experiences as an LGTBQ immigrant youth to support those who find themselves in similar situations. Leo is the recipient of the 2006 David Barker Maltby Award for his photography work and received the 2007 Youth Line Award for Queer Youth Activism.

“As a country that prides itself on upholding human rights, Canada should not be deporting its human rights advocates,” said Gabriela Rodriguez Director of Council Relation of the Toronto Youth Cabinet. “In addition to working full-time, Leo has selflessly dedicated himself to promoting the rights of others. The fact that Leo has been treated so callously by the immigration system is further evidence that the discriminatory system itself is ‘un-Canadian’ and in need of a serious overhaul.”

In June of 2006, William T. Short of the Immigration and Refugee Board refused Leo’s claim on the grounds that his fears were not well-established. Ignoring the pervasiveness of homophobia in Mexico, including the fact that over 1000 gay men have been murdered in the past 10 years with little sign of justice, Short reported that Leo could simply move to another part of Mexico.

On July 12th, 2007, Leo organized an event at the 519 Community Centre attended by over 150 community members entitled the “Invisible Struggle” to highlight the conditions of LGTBQ people in Mexico and the barriers they face upon seeking asylum in Canada.

The Toronto Youth Cabinet is the official voice of Toronto’s 300,000 youth at City Hall since 1998.

For more information, please contact: Leonardo Zuniga – 416-312-0523, Ryan Hayes, Toronto Youth Cabinet – 416-655-0161, Suhail Abualsameed, Supporting our Youth – 416-924-0774

Website: www.leonardozuniga.ca
Petition: www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?004612 ]]> Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:26:00 EDT http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/242955 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/240241
IMMIGRATION
TheStar.com - News - Mexican refugee requests skyrocket
Mexican refugee requests skyrocket

Middle class wants to escape drug cartels, corrupt authorities
Aug 05, 2007 04:30 AM
Nicholas Keung
IMMIGRATION/DIVERSITY REPORTER

Manuel Lanveros could have come to Canada through normal immigration channels as a skilled immigrant.

Instead, the Mexican citizen simply hopped on a plane and asked for refugee asylum here because, he says, he couldn't afford to risk his life on the two-year wait.

An architect with 15 years of experience, Lanveros represents a new wave of Mexican refugees who contradict the desperate day-labourer stereotype: educated, upper-middle-class professionals who claim corrupt authorities are failing to protect them from drug cartels, abusive spouses or gay bashers.

According to the Immigration and Refugee Board, Mexican asylum claims have skyrocketed in a decade, from fewer than 1,000 a year to 5,000. For the past two years, Mexico has been Canada's top source country for refugee claims.

With the defeat this spring of a U.S. immigration bill that would have provided a path to citizenship for undocumented migrants – and the increasing hostility of many Americans – observers worry that Mexicans hoping for a safe haven will instead file claims in Canada.

Francisco Rico-Martinez, of the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ) Refugee Centre, says 85 per cent of the advocacy group's clients are now Mexicans. As many as 15 new cases arrive at his door each week.

"My concern is we're going to be swarmed by Mexicans in the U.S. who don't have status there and can come to the border because they don't need a visa to come to Canada," says Rico-Martinez, himself a refugee from El Salvador. "We're starting to get calls from Mexicans in the States, five to six a week, hoping to file refugee (claims) in Canada. But we may not even know half of the Mexicans here who are without status, because they don't need visas to come."

Anticipating a continued influx, the refugee board is now treating Mexican cases as a top priority. Some cases are heard within six months, compared with the more typical 12 to 18 months.

Last November, the board even sent a fact-finding mission to Mexico, "to address information gaps related to witnesses of crime and public-sector corruption, women victims of violence, and victims of discrimination or violence based on sexual orientation." In February, the researchers issued guidelines to help adjudicators make decisions.

Advocates argue that most Canadians view Mexico through the benign lens of a tourist – as a free, democratic country – and fail to recognize how corruption there can leave people vulnerable to crime. That blind spot, they say, is reflected in the high rates of rejection for Mexican refugee claims. "Our concern is whether Mexicans can get a fair hearing, when most people simply assume they are economic migrants," says Janet Dench, executive director of the Canadian Council for Refugees. "And we've seen our share of prejudice against the Mexicans."

Lanveros says he, wife Trisya and daughter Andrea, 8, fled to Toronto in March last year after a drug-trafficking ring demanded at gunpoint that he help them smuggle cocaine into the U.S.

"This bad guy paid me to build a big house for him in Hidalgo. One night, I left my laptop in the house (still under construction). When I went back, I caught them moving bricks of cocaine. There were more than 100 of them in many plastic bags," Lanveros recalls. He went to the state police for help, "But the cops said they needed me to bring evidence to them. That's impossible for me to do," explains Lanveros, whose son, Ruben, was born in Canada last year.

"And they asked for $150 to protect me. They just wanted my money and were not interested in protecting me."

Though he even provided immigration authorities with a copy of a police report from Mexico, Lanveros's refugee claim was rejected earlier this month.

Mary Jo Leddy, of Toronto's Romero House, says the Lanveros case isn't untypical. Since last spring, the resettlement agency has received a growing number of educated, professional Mexicans who "don't fit the image" of typical economic migrants.

"We've had lawyers, engineers, people working for non-governmental agencies, accountants and architects. They are the ones who do well in their country and can afford the plane tickets to Canada," she notes. "Their stories always relate to the collapse of the country to drug cartels. The issue is always about the lacking state protection due to the corruption situation there."

Mauricio Guerrero, a spokesperson for the Mexican Embassy in Ottawa, insists many of the new arrivals are "economically and socially driven," and that his government does safeguard citizens against corruption and drug lords.

"The reason we are seeing more Mexican refugees in Canada is related to the dishonest coyotes who are promoting Canada to people who want to immigrate here. They leave Mexico for Canada with the idea of a better experience, a better life," he says. "The government is on the right track to fight against drug dealing and corruption."

Leonardo Zuniga's refugee claim – on grounds of persecution because of his sexual orientation – failed in June last year.

He says Mexican authorities adopt laws and policies to crack down on corruption, discrimination and criminal activity that look good on paper.

But, "the reality is we have a big corrupt government. People simply do things in front of you, blatantly asking you for money. It's not just gay people; even straight people have no rights," says the 25-year-old, who studied marketing in university and now works as a mailroom assistant in Toronto. "People think, we have a gay pride parade in Mexico City, then it's safe. They don't know many gay people get killed in Mexico. It's a very macho country," adds Zuniga, whose claim was denied because the refugee board believed the state there could protect him.

"I think people here only have superficial knowledge about Mexico."

Citizenship and Immigration Canada says department officials meet with Mexican authorities on a regular basis, and the refugee board is being guided by three "persuasive" decisions issued last October.

But those decisions are themselves controversial, says Gerri MacDonald, president of the Refugee Lawyers Association of Ontario. All three were negative rulings, based on claims 18 to 30 months old.

"It raises the perception that some in the system want to reduce the number of positive decisions for Mexicans," complains MacDonald, whose group asked the refugee board to withdraw the decisions, to no avail. "It also undermines the legitimacy of the fact-finding mission."

The FCJ Refugee Centre's Rico-Martinez thinks it's only a matter of time before Canada imposes visa requirements on Mexicans, as it did on Zimbabweans and Argentines when it felt a need to curb the inflow of refugees.

"But we can't have a blank-cheque solution that discriminates (between) people who need to come for protection (and) those with resources to come," he says. "To address the issue, Canadian officials need to reach out to the Mexican public and educate them about our immigration and refugee system."

One key area both governments need to tackle, says the embassy's Guerrero, is the "coyotes" who thrive on the ludicrous business of selling the Canadian dream to Mexicans.

]]> Wed, 08 Aug 2007 11:12:00 EDT http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/240241 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/234613 CRIME / Murder in Mexico
Tamara Letkeman / Xtra West / Friday, July 06, 2007

http://www.xtra.ca/public/viewstory.aspx?AFF_TYPE=1STORY_ID=3287PUB_TEMPLATE_ID=2

Friends of a former Vancouver resident murdered in Mexico whose refugee claim was rejected by Canada are claiming he was killed because he was gay, and calling into question this country's attitude toward queer refugees seeking asylum.

Enrique Villegas, 35, was found dead in his apartment in Mexico City Apr 7, just over four years after his refugee claim — which he made based on his sexual orientation — was denied by the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).

Mexican police say the murder was the work of drug traffickers, as reported by Univision.com, a Spanish-language news website, but close friends of Villegas in Vancouver are not convinced.

"He was sweet. He didn't smoke, he didn't drink. He was a very clean person, very healthy," says Martina Cordero, who knew Villegas for seven years.

"The police linked the murder to drug trafficking because many of Mexico's drug dealers are from [the state of] Sinaloa, where Enrique was from," says Alfredo Serrano, who also knew Villegas for seven years.

Villegas was also shot in the back of the neck, a style of execution favoured by drug dealers, adds Serrano.

But he and Cordero — who spoke on the phone to Villegas every day until shortly before his death — believe their friend's sexual orientation was a key factor in his murder.

Serrano describes how, a few days before he was killed, Villegas told him he had started "dating" someone, a homeless man without a job. Serrano says Villegas, who "wanted to help everyone all the time," told him he had taken the man to his restaurant to help him do some work, and planned to take him to his apartment afterwards. That was the last time they spoke.

Four days later, Villegas' body was discovered.

"According to the doctors, he was dead for two or three days," Serrano says. "There is no chance that somebody broke in. [The murderer] had to be somebody he let in. He was living in a very secure apartment complex."

Serrano and Cordero believe the man in question latched onto Villegas once he found out he was gay in order to exploit him.

"In Mexico it can be dangerous for people to reveal they are gay. When you say something different to other people, they try to take advantage of you," Serrano says. "We are very sure there is a link with this guy without a job, without a place to stay."

Despite repeated attempts, a police spokesperson could not be reached in Mexico City for comment on the case.

Majority of queer Mexicans not granted refugee status, group says

Villegas, who lived in Vancouver for several years, returned to Mexico after Canada rejected his refugee claim in February 2003.

"He felt so sad," says Serrano. "He came here because he said he felt safe here."

The IRB will not release the details of a particular claimant's case, but Chris Morrissey, a local immigration consultant, says refugee claims made by queer Mexicans are usually denied.

"The majority of cases have not been successful," says Morrissey, who is also a volunteer with the Rainbow Refugee Committee, a non-profit group offering support to queer refugee claimants.

Morrissey explains that in order to be granted refugee status, claimants must prove, among other things, that they have a well-founded fear of persecution in their country. Morrissey says this can be difficult for Mexicans as there is nothing in Mexican law that prohibits having sex with same-sex partners.

"Much of it depends on whether you have personally been threatened and if it would continue if you went back to your country," she says. "You have to be able to demonstrate this."

Melissa Anderson, senior communications advisor for the IRB, says Mexicans who are being persecuted because of their sexual orientation have the option to move to another region of their country where they will presumably be safe.

"There is a persuasive decision that argues homosexual refugee claimants have an in-country flight alternative in Mexico City to escape persecution for their sexual orientation," Anderson says.

"Persuasive decisions" have been identified by the IRB as being of persuasive value in developing jurisprudence. Decision-makers are encouraged to use them in the interest of consistency.

'It's not okay to be out in everyday life'

Anderson pointed Xtra West to RefLex, the IRB's legal periodical, which offers summaries of refugee claims. The decision to deny many queer Mexicans' claims is based on the idea that Mexico City is becoming increasingly tolerant of queer culture.

"A well-organized gay movement has achieved a significant level of acceptance in one of Mexico's most Catholic and conservative cities," states a decision made Feb 25, 2005. "Though both the city and the state are governed by the centre-right and generally gay-hostile National Action Party (PAN), a political accommodation has been reached, significantly improving conditions for the city's homosexual population."

But Pat MacDiarmid, who also volunteers with the Rainbow Refugee Committee, says despite increased tolerance, Mexico can be a dangerous place for queers.

"In theory, it's not against the law to be queer, but it can be quite oppressive — it's not okay to be out in everyday life," she maintains. "They can court danger just by being themselves."

Queer refugees allege harassment by Mexican police

Serrano and Cordero are both familiar with this scenario, having both successfully claimed refugee status here after fleeing alleged police persecution in Mexico. Serrano says he left his country with his partner after police began harassing them and extorting money from them after they were seen leaving a gay bar in Mexico City.

Cordero left after police allegedly threatened her life when they discovered she was transgendered.

"The police can make your life a nightmare," claims Serrano, who worked as a reporter in the pressroom of the Mexico City police department for 11 years. "They see you as a resource to get money. They threaten to tell your family or your boss."

Although they believe they have information that could shed light on Villegas' murder, Serrano and Cordero say it is useless to contact Mexican police.

"When they find out the victim was gay, they say gay people deserve that," Cordero alleges.

'Don't be yourself, and you'll be okay'

Rainbow Refugee Committee volunteers say the people deciding the fate of queer refugees in Canada do not fully understand the implications of being queer in Mexico.

El-Farouk Khaki, an immigration lawyer who specializes in refugee claims based on sexual orientation, says the IRB tends to be more sympathetic to queer claimants from countries where homosexuality is illegal, but cases involving applicants from countries like Mexico are more tenuous.

"We need to look beyond what social advances have been made to the overall human rights situation to see how rights have improved for gay people," Khaki told Xtra in January. "Most Latin American countries have amazing constitutions, but that doesn't mean [they are] enforced."

"It has been determined by the powers that be that Mexico is friendly," says Morrissey. "Many people who go to Mexico don't perceive that people are persecuted over sexual orientation."

MacDiarmid concurs, adding that some tribunal members seem to think queer refugees will be able to go back to their countries and live without incident, provided they "be more discreet."

"It's like they're saying, if you don't flaunt it, you'll be fine. You've got to wonder how it's okay to suggest to someone: 'Don't be yourself, and you'll be okay.'"]]> Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:16:00 EDT http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/234613 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/227417 IMMIGRATION / Queer trans refugees face similar threats but separate struggles
Candace Joseph / Xtra / Thursday, July 05, 2007

In Toronto being trans and being queer are clearly two different, if potentially overlapping, experiences. But the distinctions between queer and trans become less meaningful in places where homophobia is more prevalent.

"For 20 years back home I've been facing discrimination from society, even my own family," says Mexican-born Leonardo Zuniga, who is currently seeking refugee status in Canada. "I'm kind of an effeminate person, so even if I was pretending not to be gay, it's not something I was able to do... to stay in the closet."

It is queers who push gender roles, above and beyond loving people of the same gender, who are more likely to be the targets of discrimination and violence.

"The roles that we apply to gender is the basis of homophobia," says immigration lawyer and activist El-Farouk Khaki. "Women and men who are queer and who violate those gender norms are the ones that are the most victimized."

Khaki, whose immigration practice focusses on queer, trans and HIV-positive people fleeing persecution and women fleeing violence, has been filing refugee claims for more than 12 years. Through his experience he has concluded that trans people are often less able to escape persecution than other queers.

"A gay man or a lesbian woman or someone who is bisexual can pass [as straight] in many cases whereas trans people have a harder time passing for their chosen genders."

Shadmith Manzo, also from Mexico, came to Canada because she was afraid of what would happen if she came out as trans.

"I tried to hide [being trans]," says Manzo, "but you cannot hide it very well and then you have people threatening you, trying to blackmail you, even sometimes close people, and then you have to be careful of everybody and then eventually it governs your life.

"For me at a certain point I developed a lot of anxiety and a lot of problems. I reached a point where I realized my life in Mexico was practically drowning my existence."

At the time that she left Mexico Manzo says that there were incidents of trans people being murdered, their bodies found on the outskirts of the city. People would make fun of them, she says, "And say, 'Oh, this happened because it was a homosexual.'"

Zuniga agrees that in Mexico there is the dominant thinking that victims of homophobic or transphobic violence have somehow brought it upon themselves.

"Police say, 'Oh, it's just a passionate crime,'" says Zuniga. "Because this person was homosexual it was like it was something that he or she deserved."

On Thu, Jul 12 Zuniga will present a forum on the realities of life for queer and trans people in Mexico. The event, to be held at the 519 Community Centre, will include information taken from the recently published Homo-fobia: Odio, Crimen y Justicia (Homophobia: Hate, Crime And Justice) by Fernando del Collado, which documents the more than 1,000 queer and trans people who were killed or went missing in Mexico from 1995 to 2005.

"I called this event Invisible Struggle because I'm going to try to talk about all these thousands of people murdered," says Zuniga. "There's injustice for all these people."

The forum will also touch on the struggles that refugees face when they come to Canada.

"I'll try to raise awareness of queer refugees in Canada who are struggling on a daily basis with the [immigration and refugee] system," says Zuniga, who is currently waiting on the outcome of an application to let him stay in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

Zuniga has already been denied refugee status once. His first claim was on the basis of persecution due to sexual orientation, which was complicated by the fact that he was on the run from an abusive boyfriend.

"The situation with ex-boyfriend forced me to leave," says Zuniga. "It was really hard. My life was in danger and I was completely alone, isolated, all by myself. I wasn't able to ask my family for help because I wasn't sure how they'd react. There is in Mexico the machismo culture and the Catholic religion and my family was very religious. I felt that I had no choice [but to leave]."

But at an immigration hearing in May 2006, Zuniga's first refugee claim was denied. "[The Immigration And Refugee Board member] reported he had not found well-established fear. That I wasn't a person in need of protection.

"[He said] 'Mexico City has 25 million people so your ex-boyfriend will not find you there. It's a very open city right now... so you won't face discrimination there.'"

The trouble with proving persecution is something that Manzo is also familiar with. In 1994 Manzo claimed refugee status in Canada on the basis of persecution related to gender identity. But her claim was rejected. On Aug 12, 1998, less than a week after she married her partner, Crystal Manzo Chavez, Shadmith was taken from her apartment and detained at a facility in Malton.

"The only reason I came here was to a have a right for living a life for who I am and then you go to this journey where all of a sudden, you are misunderstood.... You are treated like a criminal," she says, describing her detainment. "You feel like it's so unbelievably unfair and [you feel] isolated and misunderstood. It's a very anguished and very painful time. It was very dehumanizing in many ways because you are treated like a product, not an individual. You are treated like a number, not like a person."

Manzo appealed to the federal court offering evidence supporting her claims of persecution in Mexico. But a risk assessment officer determined that while transsexuals were discriminated against, they were not persecuted. After 17 days in detention, Manzo was deported back to Mexico. She was eventually granted landed immigrant status on the basis of her relationship with her partner.

Part of what complicates the process of claiming refugee status in Canada as a Mexican is that the country is in the process of becoming more accepting of sexual diversity — at least in theory.

In November 2006 civil unions in Mexico City were legalized, allowing same-sex couples to register their relationships and providing them with inheritance rights and other benefits normally given to spouses. Earlier this year David Sanchez Camacho of the Democratic Revolution Party planned to submit a bill amending Mexico's constitution to include the rights of transsexuals, and to change civil laws to ensure that they can change their names and genders.

"Even a few months ago there was passed into different states civil unions of same-sex couples," says Zuniga. "But that's paper. I don't need papers in my life. I need reality."

Although trans and other queer refugees face many similarities in their struggles to be allowed to stay in Canada, their particular challenges once here are unique.

"Issues around gender and sex are very different to issues around sexuality," says Rachna Contractor, the coordinator of Among Friends, a three-year program to improve access to services for queer and trans immigrants and refugees in Toronto. "It's two different communities. They get lumped together for obvious reasons, but someone's gender identity is not the same as their sexual identity."

Contractor says there exists a level of transphobia within Toronto's queer scene. "I think that the queer community is a place where there's a lot of internalized homophobia, but [also] a lot of transphobia, a lot of sexism. There's a lot of racism, there's a lot of classism.

"I think what happens in communities that are marginalized is that it's almost like, 'Here's my piece of the pie and you can't come in and I'm not going to share it with you'.... It's almost like your power is on the backs of others so sometimes the queer community doesn't want to look at the trans people, the gender piece because, 'No, we've already gotten our power, now why do we want to take on your issue?'"

Khaki agrees that there is transphobia among queers, as well as homophobia among trans people.

"I think that many gay and lesbian people don't understand what makes a person transsexual," says Khaki. "They can understand not fitting into a gender norm and maybe it's a discomfort that most gay and lesbian people have with the visibility of somebody who is trans.... One would hope that your own experience of exclusion or disadvantage would make you more sensitive to others, but I think that human experience tells you otherwise."

In addition to possible discrimination within the queer scene, trans people face unique difficulties around accessibility to hormones, treatments and surgeries, says Suhail Abual Sameed, coordinator for Newcomer/Immigrant Youth Project. Sex reassignment surgery was removed from Ontario's health coverage in 1998.

It can also be a challenge to find trans-positive employers, he adds. "To find employers that are friendly enough to youth or to immigrants or to refugees is one thing. To find one that is friendly enough to trans people who are all these things, we can't even imagine how difficult that is or how problematic."

But for both queer and trans refugees there is the process of navigating the refugee system and the possibility of being taken advantage of along the way.

"They often don't know that there's a process which allows them to apply on the basis of sexuality. They wait for a while and that affects their cases. If they do know the process they look for a lawyer because they don't have connections and they often stumble onto really bad lawyers who take advantage of them and that's a very common situation."

Because of their lack of resources and support systems, refugees, particularly young ones, may do things that put their health at risk, says Abual Sameed.

"Lots of them meet older people within the community who sometimes take advantage of them and they go and do things to them sexually that are unsafe and, even though it's not safe, they will jeopardize that and compromise that safety for the sake of making a connection to somebody and making a new friend or thinking that this person might help them."

So then with all of the hardships and upheaval that queer and trans refugees face, is it worth it? Zuniga and Manzo certainly think so.

"Many people say, 'Why not lie? You have a much better life if you just lie,'" says Manzo. "But again, could you live without yourself? Could you just cover an existence without being you?"

"I love my country but if I can't be free, if I can't be Leonardo in Mexico it doesn't make sense to me," says Zuniga. "I want to be without fear of persecution, without fear that my life will be in danger."




Invisible Struggle takes place Thu, Jul 12 at the 519 Community Centre (519 Church St) beginning with a photo exhibit at 6:30pm. There will be a short film at 7pm and then the forum at 7:30pm. The petition asking the minister of immigration to let Leonardo Zuniga stay in Canada is available at Leonardozuniga.ca.

www.Leonardozuniga.ca

]]> Thu, 05 Jul 2007 10:15:00 EDT http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/227417 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667 http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/221111 Colleen French
Communications and Networking Coordinator
Canadian Council for Refugees

"Hello and thank you for continuing to contact senators in your region
asking them to support Bill C280, calling for the immediate implementation
of the Refugee Appeal Division!"

On 12 June, Senator Yoine Goldstein rose and spoke to the bill, opening
debate at second reading in the Senate. Other Senators MUST rise and speak
to the bill during second reading, however. After a few sittings, if no
one has spoken to Bill C280, it will be removed from the Order Paper and
our efforts to have the Refugee Appeal Diviaion implemented will be lost.

We know that several Senators have expressed their support for the
Bill. Senators that may be particularly favourable of speaking to Bill
C280 include: Vivienne Poy (Ontario), Sharon Carstairs (Manitoba), Lucie
Pépin (Québec), Claudette Tardif (Alberta), Mobina Jaffer (British
Columbia), and others in the Atlantic region and elsewhere.

Please contact these senators and others you have already been in touch
with and ask them to voice their opinions in the Senate chamber! It is
more important now than ever to take action. Contact details for senators
can be found online at:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/common/senmemb/senate/isenator.asp?Language=E]]> Wed, 20 Jun 2007 17:31:00 EDT http://lzuniga.tigblog.org/post/221111 43.6666667 -79.416666743.6666667-79.4166667