FORUM WITH A PALESTINIAN REFUGEE IN VANCOUVER

APRIL 9 @ 6:30 PM. PALESTINE COMMUNITY CENTER, 1874 KINGSWAY

Osama, a Palestinian refugee living in Vancouver, was recently denied refugee status. Osama has been unable to live any semblance of a normal life, having faced the occupation as a young teenager, and since then constantly on the move in the hopes of starting a new and secure life. Osama’s city, Qalqil-ya, is now completely surrounded by the so-called security wall, a wall that is 25 feet high that separates the city from the outside world.

Osama’s judge, Barbara Hodgins, ruled that he was JORDANIAN and therefore could return to Jordan without any risk, despite the fact that all his documents prove that he is Palestinian. Osama had more than adequate proof, as per the IRB’s own reference book about Palestinian refugees, such as his passport, his passing card from the West Bank, registration with UNRWA and more.

There is no doubt that Palestinian refugees qualify under every test set forth by the Geneva Convention. Certainly, Canada has constantly recognized that Palestinian refugee claimants living under a brutal and military occupation are systematically humiliated and denied their basic rights. The denial of Osama of his identity as a Palestinian refugee is a blatant violation by the IRB and reveals the discrimination against Palestinian refugees.

It is time for us to support Osama and hundreds of others in this city fighting against CIC for their right to life and self determination.