Conflict & Crisis

Yet, Canada has not met its refugee settlement targets at a time when need is high. Canada accepted 6,000 refugees in 2020, well below its target of resettling 32,000 refugees, placing many refugees in limbo. The disruption of visa processing, travel and other resettlement services meant that many refugees were stuck in crowded camps where COVID-19 could easily spread. Refugee women are especially vulnerable to gender-based violence, due to isolation and lockdowns.

Despite being a state party to the Arms Trade Treaty, Canada lifted the embargo on arms sales to Saudi Arabia in April 2020 – further jeopardizing the lives of an estimated 21 million people in Yemen. Canada committed $40 million for humanitarian assistance to Yemen in 2020, in stark contrast to its arms deal with Saudi Arabia worth nearly $15 billion. Canada must end its sale of arms to Saudi Arabia to avoid fueling the conflict and further crises.