February 6, 2025 – Toronto, Canada
Hope for Refugees International and the UPlift Black Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion strongly condemn the Trump administration’s recent executive actions cancelling refugee resettlement, erasing protections for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. These regressive measures represent a direct attack on human rights, disproportionately harming marginalized communities—including Black, 2SLGBTQI+, and refugee populations—already facing systemic barriers to safety, inclusion, and economic empowerment.
A Devastating Blow to Refugees and Asylum Seekers
The cancellation of travel for refugees already vetted and approved for resettlement in the U.S. is inhumane and a betrayal of America’s commitment to protecting those fleeing war, persecution, and violence. These actions violate the principles of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which upholds non-refoulement—the principle that refugees should not be returned to places where their lives are at risk.
For Black and 2SLGBTQI+ refugees, this decision is not just a policy shift—it is a matter of life and death. Many of our community members have escaped imprisonment, violence, and government-sanctioned persecution in countries where their very existence is criminalized. By closing its doors, the U.S. is abandoning them.
Erasure of 2SLGBTQI+ Rights and DEI Protections
The Trump administration’s order to recognize only two sexes, male and female, and its repeal of 78 executive orders, including those advancing racial equity and 2SLGBTQI+ protections, is an outright attack on civil rights, effectively erasing transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals from legal recognition and denying them access to essential services, protections, and opportunities.
Additionally, dismantling of DEI policies and programs will deepen systemic discrimination in workplaces, educational institutions, and public services. Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and other marginalized groups will bear the brunt of these setbacks, facing heightened barriers to employment, housing, healthcare, and safety.
Canada Must Step Up as a Global Leader
As the Trump administration turns its back on refugees, 2SLGBTQI+ rights, and racial justice, Canada has an urgent moral and political responsibility to lead. We call on the Government of Canada to take immediate and decisive action, including:
Expanding Canada’s Refugee Resettlement Program – Canada must accelerate the intake of 2SLGBTQI+ refugees and other marginalized groups who are now stranded due to the U.S. policy change. Special priority should be given to 2SLGBTQI+ refugees, women fleeing gender-based violence, and those facing imminent danger.
Strengthening Asylum Protections for 2SLGBTQI+ and Racialized Refugees – Canada must ensure that 2SLGBTQI+ asylum seekers and Black refugees have a streamlined, trauma-informed, and equitable asylum process that recognizes the unique barriers they face.
Condemning the U.S. Rollbacks on Human Rights – The Canadian government must publicly denounce the Trump administration’s regressive policies and reaffirm its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as core Canadian values.
Increasing Federal Support for Black and 2SLGBTQI+ Refugee Organizations – Community-led organizations like Hope for Refugees International and UPlift Black are at the forefront of supporting refugees and racialized communities. Canada must invest in grassroots efforts to ensure refugees and asylum seekers receive housing, employment, mental health, and legal support.
We Will Not Be Silent
Hope for Refugees International and UPlift Black stand unwavering in our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Black, 2SLGBTQI+, and refugee communities.
We call on policymakers, community organizations, and allies to stand with us in resisting these harmful policies and advocating for a more just, inclusive, and equitable world. We will continue to fight for the rights of those whose voices are being silenced.
For media inquiries or to join our advocacy efforts, please contact:
📩 Hope for Refugees International – info@hopeforrefugees.org
📩 UPlift Black Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion – info@upliftblack.ca
Together, we will rise. Together, we will resist.
📢 Take Action Today:
📌 Email your MP & demand urgent refugee protections:
📌 Be informed, understand what's at stake, and don't forget to Sign the petition
📌 Donate to refugee-led organizations fighting for justice like UPlift Black's Newcomer fund and Hope For Refugees International
Together, we stand for justice. We resist oppression. We uplift communities. 💙
Comments