The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) is an agreement between Canada and the United States that requires asylum seekers to apply for protection in the first country they arrive in. The agreement has been controversial since it was first signed in 2002 and has been challenged in Canadian courts on the grounds that the U.S. is not a safe country for refugees.
Despite the legal challenges, the STCA remains in effect and continues to impact the lives of asylum seekers and the stakeholders involved in their resettlement. Here are some of the key stakeholders in the STCA:
1. Asylum Seekers: Asylum seekers are the primary stakeholders in the STCA. The agreement requires them to apply for protection in the first safe country they arrive in, meaning that many asylum seekers who come to Canada from the U.S. are turned away at the border and sent back to the U.S. to apply for asylum there instead. This process can be traumatic and dangerous for asylum seekers, as they may face persecution, violence, or other forms of harm in the U.S.
2. Canadian Government: The Canadian government is responsible for enforcing the STCA and deciding which asylum seekers are eligible for protection under the agreement. The government has faced criticism from human rights organizations and advocacy groups for its handling of STCA cases, including accusations that it is violating refugees` rights by turning them away at the border.
3. U.S. Government: The U.S. government is also a key stakeholder in the STCA, as it is the first safe country that asylum seekers arrive in before coming to Canada. Recent changes to U.S. asylum policies under the Trump administration have made it even more difficult for asylum seekers to obtain protection there, further complicating the STCA process.
4. Lawyers and Advocacy Groups: Lawyers and advocacy groups play a critical role in advocating for the rights of asylum seekers affected by the STCA. These stakeholders provide legal representation, education, and support to individuals seeking asylum and may also participate in policy advocacy and public education campaigns to raise awareness of the STCA`s impact on refugees.
5. Canadian Communities: Finally, Canadian communities are also stakeholders in the STCA, as they are often the destination for asylum seekers who are granted protection in Canada. These communities may provide support and resources to refugees, including housing, language classes, job training, and other services to help them integrate into society.
In conclusion, the Safe Third Country Agreement impacts a wide range of stakeholders, from asylum seekers and governments to lawyers, advocacy groups, and communities. While the STCA remains in effect, it is important for stakeholders to work together to ensure that the rights and safety of refugees are protected and that they are able to access the protection and resources they need to rebuild their lives.