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Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has launched a pilot project aimed at helping refugees who are escaping persecution due to their sexual orientation. CIC will be partnering with Rainbow Refugee Committee, a Vancouver-based organization, to share the costs involved with sponsoring refugees.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very pleased to be working with the Rainbow Refugee Committee to help refugees who are in need of protection, particularly those who are persecuted because of their sexual orientation,\u201d said Immigration Minister Kenney. \u201cBy partnering with this organization and allowing Canadians to play a part in refugee protection, the private sponsorship program showcases grassroots support for this country\u2019s international commitment to humanitarian action.\u201d<\/p>\n
There are approximately 77 countries that currently criminalize homosexuality and five countries in which homosexuality is punishable by death.<\/p>\n
The Rainbow Refugee Committee will be providing orientation services, accommodations, food, clothing, and household needs to sponsored refugees who have fled from their countries.<\/p>\n
\u201cEncouraging private sponsors to come forward is vital to refugees in need of protection and to the future of the private sponsorship program,\u201d said Minister Kenney. \u201cCanada has a proud tradition of opening its doors to people from around the world and providing a safe haven to those in need of protection. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program plays a significant role in the resettlement of refugees from across the globe.\u201d<\/p>\n