March 27, 2013

Canada’s Commitment to Resettle Bhutanese Refugees

Minister Jason Kenney announced today that Canada has committed to welcoming and resettling up to 1,000 additional Bhutanese refugees from Nepal.

Since the early 1990s, Bhutanese refugees have been residing in camps in eastern Nepal.  Canada is just one of many countries helping resettle them in their countries, but it is among the top countries for refugees, accepting 1 in 10 refugees resettled globally.

In May 2007, Canada announced its objective to help up to 5,000 Bhutanese refugees over a five year period.  After those five years, in June 2012, the Canadian government announced its commitment to resettle an additional 500 refugees who have family ties in Canada.  With today’s announcement, Canada’s commitment to Bhutanese refugees totals 6,500, with 5,000 already settled in the country.

The selection of Bhutanese refugees will occur over the next two years and some are expected to arrive in the country before the year is out.

In addition to the Bhutanese, Canada aims to aid significant numbers Iraqi and Iranian refugees from Turkey and Iraqi refugees from Syria resettle into Canada.

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