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As a signatory to the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, Canada has legal human rights obligations towards refugees who seek asylum in our country. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees fundamental rights to anyone who enters Canadian territory. This includes the right to an in-person hearing on Canadian soil to every refugee claimant that enters the country in order to determine his or her legitimacy. While waiting a decision on their claim, refugee claimants have certain rights and may have access to some Canadian services, such as: employment, financial assistance, education and health care.

Canada is among the top 10 destinations for refugees around the world. Thousands of refugees make their way here every year. In 2013, Canada received over 10,000 refugee claimants. To take a serious look at the state of refugee protection in Canada and around the world today, the University of Ottawa chapter of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers has organized a Refugee Night that brings together students, faculty and other community members.

During that night, the Roberto Miranda Award is given to a community member who came to Canada as a refugee and has made outstanding contributions to human rights and social justice. The award also recognizes the positive qualities that emerge from refugee experiences, including courage, resilience, a willingness to put others first, and a respect for humanity.

Azzi Law is a proud supporter and sponsor of Refugee Night and the Roberto Miranda Award. So come join us on Friday, February 27th, at the Alumni Auditorium, Jock Turcot University Centre, University of Ottawa, for an evening of theatre and education beginning at 7:00 pm.