Bring your talent and help us fundraise for refugees!
FCJ Refugee Centre and neighbours are hosting an amazing Art & Show benefit, and we are looking for your support.
Whether it’s a beautiful piece of art or a short poem, your participation will make a difference.
Are you a talented refugee with great artistic skills? Do you have art that you would like to share with people? Do you want a platform that provides you with exposure and the opportunity to network with other artists and people from the community?
February 22nd is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada, since it was proclaimed by the federal government, in 2020.
The crime of Trafficking in Persons was added to the Canadian Criminal Code in 2005, less than 20 years ago. The law criminalizes forced organ removal, forced marriage, indentured servitude, labour exploitation, and sexual exploitation. These crimes are commonly known as human trafficking.
Trafficking exploitation exist in many forms and usually entails victims being caused to provide sexual services or labour through force, coercion, deception and/or abuse of trust, power or authority.
Human trafficking therefore results in substantial physical, psychological, and emotional trauma to the victims.
Human trafficking is still happening in Canada, and continues to take advantage of systemic issues such as poverty, inequity, and legislation focused on prosecuting criminals, as opposed to empowering communities and supporting survivors.
On this Human Trafficking Awareness Day we are focusing on labour trafficking, an especially underreported and unnoticed crime.
How do labour exploitation and labour trafficking look like?
In a society where hundreds silently endure the chains of labour exploitation and trafficking, it’s crucial to shed light on their harsh realities. See the images in the following gallery to know the common indicators faced by vulnerable workers, as we strive to recognize, understand, and break the chains binding them.
Click on the images to enlarge them and access the gallery
How do labour trafficking exploitative practices look like?
Knowing about the harsh truths of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the next sequence shows exploitative practices affecting countless workers. From physical and financial abuse to psychological and other forms of exploitation, there is an urgent need for justice and policy changes. See the images in the following gallery to know the depths of these issues.
Click on the images to enlarge them and access the gallery
What are the stages of labour trafficking?
Unveiling the dark stages of labour trafficking: recruitment, control, and forced labour. See the images in the following gallery to understand the journey from promising dreams to the tight grip of exploitation and trafficking. At the recruitment stage, individuals are often attracted to false promises of better opportunities and a brighter future for themselves and their families. Dishonest practices, such as altered job details and misleading predetermined agreements, open the door to exploitation. Also, many end up trapped in debt, forced to pay high fees for getting a job and traveling, making them stuck in a cycle of control and dependency that does not seem to have the option to leave. Action is urgently needed, let’s join to break the cycle, offer support, empower survivors, and work towards a society free from forced labour.
Click on the images to enlarge them and access the gallery
You can help fight human trafficking by staying informed and informing others about the extent of the problem. Get the facts and talk about it:
Stay Awake Campaign: A dedicated initiative spotlighting human trafficking among precarious migrant youth. Through this campaign, we adopt an intersectional lens, addressing the intertwined vulnerabilities and oppressions faced by migrant youth. See the whole campaign here.
The reality of labour exploitation and uprooted people: How does human trafficking impact precarious status migrants and where does it take place? What support is available for migrants who have been trafficked? Executive Director of FCJ Refugee Centre, Loly Rico; and Anti-Human Trafficking Manager of FCJ, Jovana Blagovcanin, share their insights, experience and knowledge about this topic on an episode of Freedom Fighters: Code Gray, at Rogers TV. Watch it here.
FCJ representatives speak about human trafficking before the House of Commons: Two FCJ Refugee Centre representatives, Jovana Blagovcanin, Anti-Human Trafficking Manager, and Chiara Rossi, Anti-Human Trafficking – Women Coordinator, participated as witnesess in a House of Commons’ meeting on Human Trafficking of Women, Girls and Gender Diverse People, in the Standing Committee on the Status of Women. Watch it here.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be a victim of forced labour or sex please contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010.
Sending support to the FCJ Refugee Centre has never been easier.
Now you can simply e-transfer your donation to finance@fcjrefugeecentre.org, and your contribution will go directly towards empowering uprooted individuals and making a lasting impact.
Skip the paperwork, avoid the hassle—donate with ease!
Thank you for choosing the convenient way to make a difference.
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has just opened new community vaccination clinics to help school-aged children catch up on their routine vaccinations. In a press release, TPH highlighted that “keeping up to date with vaccinations is essential in maintaining high immunization coverage and effectively preventing and controlling various diseases.”
The community clinics, opened since Friday, January 19, will offer vaccines under:
The Province of Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA). Under the ISPA, students are required to be vaccinated against nine vaccine-preventable diseases* or have a valid exemption to avoid suspension from school. More information is available on the City’s Report Student Vaccination webpage.
The Student Immunization Program (SIP). TPH hosts school-based clinics during school hours to students who attend the school. These clinics are not open to the public. Parental consent is required. More information is available on the City’s School Immunization Program webpage.
Accessible locations
Clinics are situated in accessible locations, requiring appointments booked on the City’s TPH Appointment Booking System webpage. Operating on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m., these clinics are available throughout the school year at three key locations:
Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall
Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr.
North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St.
In the coming weeks, clinic offerings will expand to include weekends and Professional Activity (PA) days for the purpose of accessibility and convenience.
With the support of local school boards, TPH will bring SIP vaccines directly into high schools with low vaccination rates later in January. When clinics are confirmed, more information will be available on the City’s School Immunization Program webpage.
To encourage an increase in vaccination, TPH has resumed issuing non-compliance suspension orders under the ISPA for the 2023-24 school year. This will allow TPH to focus on assessing school vaccine records to ensure compliance and safety.
Notifications
Parents and guardians will receive advance notice of pending vaccination requirements before suspension orders are issued by TPH. Parents and guardians will then have 15 school days from receiving the suspension order to either obtain the necessary vaccines or submit a valid exemption. If the student remains non-compliant with vaccination requirements after 15 days, suspension will be implemented.
Parents and guardians can visit one of TPH’s community clinics or their healthcare provider to receive routine immunizations and ensure ISPA compliance. Once students have received their vaccines, parents and guardians are asked to enter the record into the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) webpage, a secure online provincial system that tracks and reports a student’s immunizations to TPH. ICON can then generate an electronic vaccination card so parents and guardians have the student’s complete vaccination record.
Starting on Thursday, January 25, clinics will also offer Novavax and pediatric COVID-19 vaccines to children five years of age and under. TPH is accepting appointments on the TPH booking website as of January 23.
* Measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, meningococcal, pertussis (whooping cough), varicella (chickenpox: only applies to students born on or after 2010). Hepatitis b and human papillomavirus are strongly recommended but are not required.
The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) is pleased to announce that Diana Gallego was elected President at its Annual General Meeting on November 18th 2023. Diana has been a member of the CCR Executive Committee since last year, and comes from FCJ Refugee Centre in Toronto, where she serves as Senior Director. Diana is proudly the first Amina Malko Fund recipient to become CCR President.
Jenny Jeanes was re-elected for her second term as Vice-President, representing Action Réfugiés Montréal.
“As President of the CCR for the 2024-2025 period, I am looking forward to upholding our organization’s mission of advocating for social justice and transformation by challenging racism, colonialism and intersecting oppressions.” – said Diana Gallego. “Along with the rest of the CCR team, we hope to bring about attention and change to key issues such as the Safe Third Country Agreement, the regularization program, and keeping Canada as a welcoming country for refugees and migrants. I extend my thanks to all members and supporters of the CCR for the trust you have placed in me, and I look forward to beginning this journey with you all.
Diana Gallego takes over from Aleks Dughman-Manzur, who served as President from the end of 2021, and will continue on the Executive as Past President.
Biographical notes
Diana Gallego is a Colombian-trained lawyer, with experience in advocacy, human rights and social justice. In 2002, Diana was forced to flee Colombia with her husband and son. This experience shaped a new commitment and led her into working with immigrants and refugees. Diana graduated in Community Work from George Brown College in Toronto. She is a part time professor in the Centre for Community Services at George Brown College. Diana Joined the FCJ Refugee Centre in 2015 and is now its Senior Director.
Within the CCR, she also serves on the Inland Protection steering committees of the CCR, where the social and economic integration of refugees and family reunification are two of the main focuses of her advocacy. Diana has been part of the Canadian Council for Refugees for the last 17 years and is the first Amina Malko Fund recipient to become CCR President.
Our traditional holiday toys and baskets distribution started! Thank you to everyone who donated and contributed to making our food drive a big success. Your support has made this holiday season special for 110 families in need.
A special acknowledgment to the Toronto Star Children’s Charities Santa Claus Fund for the gift boxes, to CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish for their toy donations, to the United Steel Workers for the food baskets, to Luciano’s NoFrills for their help, and to all the private donors from the community.
“He was a community builder. He believed we can’t do the work we do without being in solidarity and building community with a human rights lens.” This is how Loly Rico, the Executive Director of FCJ Refugee Centre, described her husband, the late Francisco Rico-Martínez, during the ceremony of the 2023 Guthrie Award, presented posthumously this Wednesday by The Law Foundation of Ontario to the man who, always along with Loly herself, was Co-Director and soul of the FCJ Refugee Centre for 30 years, until his death in 2021.
“The name Francisco Rico-Martínez is synonymous with the rights of refugees,” said Linda Rothstein, the Foundation’s Board Chair, when the award was announced. “He devoted his life to ‘walking with uprooted people’ (the moto of the FCJ Refugee Centre), and used his passionate voice and empathy to inspire a more just, fair, and humane immigration system.” The Guthrie Award, the Law Foundation’s signature award, recognizes exceptional access to justice champions.
It was an inspiring and emotional evening for everyone attending the award ceremony, more than a hundred people including family, colleagues, friends, community members… All of them gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Francisco.
Loly Rico, Executive Director of the FCJ Refugee Centre, with her daughter, Ana, at the ceremony of the 2023 Guthrie Award.
Loly Rico received the award on behalf of Francisco, accompanied by their daughter: “With Francisco, what you saw was what you got. He was the kind of person who truly walked the talk,” she said. “He believed that each person not only deserves a dignified life, but can also give a contribution to society. For some of my colleagues he became a mentor, a confidante, a friend, a teacher. Also, he was a person that always was pushing to the maximum. He believed that we could do more than an extra mile. At the same time, he was a community builder. He believed we can’t do the work we do without being in solidarity and building community with a human rights lens”, she added.
“Francisco believed that each person not only deserves a dignified life, but can also give a contribution to society”
In her speech, Loly honoured Franciso by reading the last letter he wrote to join the Department of Imaginary Affairs Canada. In this letter, Loly said, Francisco shared his vision for “a just world where we can all fulfill our dreams and live in dignity,” envisioning an utopian future for Canada as “a rainbow made of all colours of humanity living together”. “I had dedicated my whole life in Canada to influence the creation of policies, programs, and services for the integration on new Canadians, reinventing home and the desire of belonging under the concept of diverse persons, one community. I want to share my passion for what I do. My life’s work is for the rights and protection of refugees and precarious migrants in Canada or wherever they are,” Francisco wrote.
Sister Lois Anne Bordowitz and Sharry Aiken, at the ceremony of the 2023 Guthrie Award, in Toronto.
Francisco was also remembered by Sharry Aiken, President of FCJ Refugee Centre’s Board of Directors, Associate Professor at Queen’s University, Faculty of Law, and who supported Francisco’s nomination. “Through both his long tenure as Co-Director of the FCJ Refugee Centre, as president of CCR and his extensive pro bono contributions as a volunteer and activist, Francisco truly embodied the values the Guthrie award aims to recognize,” she said.
“As an advocate for refugees and other uprooted people, his life’s work was centrally focused on promoting access to justice and justice itself for the most marginalized and vulnerable residents of our province. His life and career embodied a deep and abiding commitment to service and making the world a better, more just place for everyone,” Aiken added.
Aiken highlighted that Francisco “organized rallies, spearheaded community fundraising drives, engaged in incisive policy advocacy and had a truly impressive record of finding a way around any legal roadblock. Through op eds in print media and countless appearances in news and public affairs programs, Francisco was a leading voice for refugee and migrant rights in Canada.”
“Francisco was also unfailingly kind, generous and compassionate – with clients, professional colleagues, friends and even his adversaries in government”
Francisco, Aiken said, “was also unfailingly kind, generous and compassionate – with clients, professional colleagues, friends and even his adversaries in government. That a few of those adversaries attended his funeral mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church speaks volumes.”
The life of Francisco was also honoured and remembered by FCJ Sister Lois Anne Bordowitz, former President of FCJ Refugee Centre’s Board of Directors. Sr. Lois Anne joined the Centre in 1996, working with Francisco, and she still volunteers in the office, and at the Toronto Immigration Holding Centre.
“One of the things that impressed me about Francisco was that he walked the talk when it came to his respect for women. He was always the Co-Director with his wife Loly, which had many implications, including equal salaries. He promoted many programs for women at the FCJ Refugee Centre over the last 30 years,” she said.
“Francisco was a great believer in the potential of a person and was able to help bring it about,” Sister Lois Anne remarked. “I will always remember him as a great friend and passionate advocate, who vowed to keep the door open for refugees,” she added.
This holiday season, let’s unite as a community to empower families with the joy of a festive dinner and a heartwarming celebration.
Your contribution to our Holiday Food Drive isn’t just a donation; it’s an investment in creating meaningful holiday experiences for our neighbours in need.
As we come together to make this holiday season brighter for our community, we invite you to join us in person this weekend in Toronto, in front of NoFrills:
Where: Luciano’s NoFrills, 243 Alberta Ave, Toronto, ON M6C 3X4
When: December 2nd and 3rd, 10am to 2pm
Our dedicated team will be there, ready to accept your generous donations and share the spirit of giving.
Whether it’s festive non-perishable items or a contribution towards empowering families with holiday dinners, your support will directly impact the lives of those in need.
Enabling Holiday Dinners: Your support ensures that every family in our community has the opportunity to savour a special holiday dinner.
Empowering with Food Baskets: Your donation goes towards assembling holiday food baskets, empowering families to partake in the seasonal celebrations with dignity. Making a donation online or donating a gift card allows us to better tailor each household’s needs.
Ways to Make a Difference:
A $100 donation empowers a family with a festive holiday dinner.
Opt for a $50 NoFrills gift card instead
Drop off festive non-perishable food items at our community collection points.
Share the spirit of celebration – spread the word about our Holiday Food. Drive with your friends and neighbours.
Your commitment helps create a holiday season filled with joy, unity, and shared celebrations. Thank you for being an essential part of making this festive time special for everyone in our community. We will see you there!
You can’t make it? No problem! You can also donate here:
As we approach this year’s Giving Tuesday, we find ourselves reflecting on the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, especially the recent housing crisis in Toronto. The FCJ Refugee Centre has been at the forefront of providing settlement and immigration support to those in need, and now, more than ever, they require your help.
Over the past couple of months, the housing crisis in Toronto has intensified, leaving many women without a safe place to call home. We are reaching out to you today to ask for your support in a unique and impactful way – by giving the gift of shelter.
This Giving Tuesday campaign aims to match the cost of providing room for a woman in Toronto. The reality is that many of these women have fled, seeking safety and a chance for a better life. Your donation can directly contribute to providing them with a room, ensuring they have a secure space to rebuild their lives.
By contributing to this campaign, you are not just providing a physical space; you are offering hope, security, and the opportunity for a fresh start. The FCJ Refugee Centre works tirelessly to offer comprehensive support, including legal information, counseling, and community integration programs.
Spread the Word: Share our campaign on social media and encourage your friends and family to join the cause. Use the hashtag #RoomForHope and #GivingTuesday to amplify our message.
Volunteer: If you have the time and skills, consider volunteering with the FCJ Refugee Centre. Your direct involvement can make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.
This Giving Tuesday, let’s come together as a community to support our neighbors who are facing the challenges of displacement. Your generosity can truly make a difference and provide a brighter future for these women.
The Law Foundation of Ontario announced today that the late Co-Director and Co-Founder of the FCJ Refugee Centre Francisco Rico-Martínez is the posthumous recipient of the 2023 Guthrie Award, the Foundation’s signature award to recognize exceptional access to justice champions.
It is with great pride and a profound sense of appreciation that FCJ Refugee Centre share this special announcement.
Francisco’s unwavering dedication to the cause of access to justice leaves a lasting mark on our organization and the lives of countless individuals. As we reflect on this remarkable moment, we draw ongoing inspiration from his commitment to justice for all.
The Guthrie Award stands as a testament to his extraordinary legacy, and we seize this moment to celebrate and honor the man who champions access to justice with heart, passion, and vision.
Join FCJ Refugee Centre in paying tribute to Francisco Rico-Martínez. His legacy lives on through the work we perform each day. Together, we ensure his mission endures, continuing to make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it.
“A passionate voice”
“The name Francisco Rico-Martínez is synonymous with the rights of refugees,” says Linda Rothstein, the Foundation’s Board Chair. “He devoted his life to ‘walking with uprooted people’ and used his passionate voice and empathy to inspire a more just, fair, and humane immigration system.”
Francisco was the Co-Director of the FCJ Refugee Centre, the organization he founded and ran with his spouse, Loly Rico. FCJ provides advice, counsel, and support to refugees, migrant workers, survivors of human trafficking, and others at-risk related to their claim or immigration status. FCJ is also a leading public legal educator and advocate on refugee and immigration policies and issues.
“Francisco was the greatest advocate our community could imagine,” shared Diana Gallego, FCJ Senior Director and who nominated Francisco for the Guthrie Award. “There is not a single person who was not touched by his grace, encouragement, and nurturing. He was a great champion for the rights of the marginalized, the forgotten, the ignored. Francisco worked every day to ensure no one would be left without hope or would find a closed door. We continue this fight for justice in his memory, inspired, and guided by his life’s work.”
A refugee
Francisco was born and raised in El Salvador. There he earned his Juris Doctor and worked as a lawyer, law professor, writer, political analyst, and human rights advocate. He was an investigator for the archbishop office of San Salvador and a refugee issues advisor for the Jesuit Refugee Service.
Due to his activism, Francisco was a target of civil violence. He, Loly, and their children were forced to flee El Salvador during the civil war. They arrived in Canada as refugees in 1990. They did not speak English and their education credentials were not recognized. A year later, with the support of the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus, Francisco and Loly founded a project that would become the FCJ Refugee Centre. They ran FCJ together for almost 30 years before his death in August 2021 at the age of 63 from cancer. Loly continues to serve as FCJ’s Executive Director.
“Francisco’s life and career embodied a deep and abiding commitment to service and making the world a better, more just place for everyone,” shared Sharry Aiken, Associate Professor, Queen’s University, Faculty of Law, who supported Francisco’s nomination. “He organized rallies, spearheaded community fundraising drives, engaged in incisive policy advocacy, and had a truly impressive record of finding a way around any legal roadblock. Through op eds in print media and countless appearances in news and public affairs programs, Francisco was a leading voice for refugee and migrant rights in Canada.”
Francisco was awarded a Community Leadership in Justice Fellowship from The Law Foundation of Ontario. Through it he conducted research on the basis and implications of the ‘principal applicant’ approach of Canada’s immigration and refugee law, policy, procedures, and programs, and he delivered faculty and student lectures on the ‘‘uprooted people’ perspective of immigration.
Refugee Help in Refugee Hands
“When Maytree began our focus on immigration and refugee issues, we supported an initiative Francisco developed called Refugee Help in Refugee Hands,” shared Elizabeth McIsaac, President, Maytree, who supported Francisco’s nomination. “As a refugee advocate with lived experience, he understood the need to empower refugees with the tools they need to claim their rights and access justice. The impact was broad and shaped the work of the centre and other refugee serving groups going forward.”
Francisco was the first refugee to serve as the president of the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR). The organization established the Francisco Rico-Martinez Access to Justice Award in 2021 ‘to honour and continue Francisco’s leadership over his three decades within the CCR’.
He was a commanding presence on many other boards and networks, including as the Toronto Regional Director of Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, co-chair of the Inland Protection Group of the Canadian Council for Refugees, and a member of Legal Aid Ontario’s Immigration and Refugee Law Advisory Committee. He was the recipient of numerous community awards including the City of Toronto William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award and the YMCA Peace Medallion.
The Guthrie Award Medal will be presented at a private reception with Francisco’s family, colleagues, and community, public health protocols permitting.
About the Guthrie Award
The Law Foundation of Ontario created the Guthrie Award in 1996 to honour H. Donald Guthrie, Q.C., a long-standing member and Chair of the Foundation’s Board. A Guthrie Award recipient joins the legacy of the Guthrie Award and becomes a member of an esteemed group recognized for their achievements in improving access to justice. Past recipients have come from many directions – the judiciary, private bar, community legal clinics, and nonprofit organizations. They saw a chance to make a difference and took it. See the full list of Guthrie Award recipients.
The Youth Alliance Against Human Trafficking would like to introduce a new edition of the #StayAwakeCampaign.
The #StayAwakeCampaign is a dedicated initiative spotlighting human trafficking among precarious migrant youth. Through this campaign, we adopt an intersectional lens, addressing the intertwined vulnerabilities and oppressions faced by migrant youth.
We’ll focus on:
Understanding human trafficking: Demystifying myths and presenting the stark realities.
The Canadian context: Highlighting local statistics and the prevalence of trafficking in Canada.
Diverse exploitation forms: Discussing both sex trafficking and labor exploitation, revealing the multifaceted nature of this crime.
The reality of international students life in Canada
Creativity and healing
Join us in this pivotal movement. Together, we can raise awareness, educate, and combat Human Trafficking.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be a victim of forced labour or sex please contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010.
The Youth Alliance Against Human Trafficking would like to introduce a new edition of the #StayAwakeCampaign.
The #StayAwakeCampaign is a dedicated initiative spotlighting human trafficking among precarious migrant youth. Through this campaign, we adopt an intersectional lens, addressing the intertwined vulnerabilities and oppressions faced by migrant youth.
We’ll focus on:
Understanding human trafficking: Demystifying myths and presenting the stark realities.
The Canadian context: Highlighting local statistics and the prevalence of trafficking in Canada.
Diverse exploitation forms: Discussing both sex trafficking and labor exploitation, revealing the multifaceted nature of this crime.
The reality of international students life in Canada
Creativity and healing
Join us in this pivotal movement. Together, we can raise awareness, educate, and combat Human Trafficking.
Updates to the campaign will be posted here, in this page.
Did you know that human trafficking impacts millions of lives globally every year? Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where individuals are exploited for labor, sexual acts, or other services against their will. It takes numerous forms, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and child trafficking, each leaving a devastating impact on victims. Access the gallery to understand its various forms and some startling statistics that underline the urgency to combat this heinous crime.
View the gallery (4 images):
Day 2: How does sex trafficking happens?
Sex trafficking is a heart-wrenching reality that affects millions worldwide. From the smallest towns to the most significant cities, no one is immune to its devastating impact. Here are some crucial facts to raise awareness: – Every 30 seconds, someone becomes a victim of human trafficking. – Sex trafficking is a $150 billion criminal industry. – Victims come from diverse backgrounds, ages, and genders. Together, we can make a difference and spread awareness. Access the gallery to see how sex trafficking happens.
View the gallery (7 images):
Day 3: How does labour trafficking happen in Canada?
How does labour trafficking happen in Canada? Hidden in plain sight: Labor trafficking is a grave reality in Canada. From coercive recruitment to deceptive job offers, many find themselves trapped in exploitative situations with limited freedom. Access the gallery to uncover how this form of modern-day slavery manifests in our communities. Let’s stay informed, vigilant, and united against this injustice.
View the gallery (8 images):
Day 4: The reality of labor trafficking
From agriculture to hospitality, labor trafficking permeates various industries in Canada. As we delve into the plight of migrant workers, it’s crucial to approach with empathy and understanding. Remember, behind every statistic is a human story. Access the gallery to discover more and let’s be allies in their fight for justice.
View the gallery (6 images):
Day 5: Demystifying myths around human trafficking
Human trafficking, often shrouded in misconceptions, remains one of the most misunderstood global issues. Myths and misinformation not only distort our understanding but can also hinder efforts to support survivors and combat this heinous crime. Today, we aim to demystify some of these myths, shedding light on the realities of human trafficking and empowering our community with accurate knowledge. Join us as we separate fact from fiction and pave the way for informed advocacy.
View the gallery (6 images):
Week 2
Day 6: The reality of international students life in Canada
Canada, a dream destination for many international students, offers world-class education and opportunities. However, beneath the surface lies a less talked about issue: the exploitation of these students. From employment malpractices to housing challenges, many international students grapple with situations they never anticipated. Today, we embark on a journey to uncover these hidden challenges and shed light on the realities they face.
View the gallery (4 images):
Day 7: Are international students exploited?
International students in Canada dream of a brighter future, but many face hidden challenges. From underpayment and unsafe work conditions to housing issues and academic exploitation, their journey isn’t always smooth. It’s crucial to be aware, offer support, and advocate for their rights. Let’s stand together to ensure their well-being and protect their dreams.
View the gallery (7 images):
Day 8: What role do educational recruiters play in exploiting international students?
Behind the allure of studying abroad, there’s a hidden narrative. International recruiters often paint a rosy picture, but not all deliver on their promises. Let’s shed light on the unseen side of overseas education and stand up for students’ rights.
View the gallery (10 images):
Day 9: International students’ rights
Empowerment starts with awareness. International students in Canada are protected by law and have rights that safeguard their well-being. From fair work practices to secure housing, it’s vital to know your rights and where to find help if you need it.
View the gallery (10 images):
Day 10: Support for international students
Seeking support as an international student in Canada? You’re not alone on this journey! From academic guidance to mental health services and legal support, there’s a network ready to assist you. Together, we’re stronger. There are organizations and communities ready to support international students in their journey. Let’s connect, support, and uplift each other.
View the gallery (10 images):
Week 3
Day 11: Creativity and Healing (1)
Welcome to the intersection of creativity and healing. This week, we will observe a poignant journey through art, where each brushstroke unveils the silent narratives of mental health struggles intertwined with the fight against human trafficking. This campaign is not just about raising awareness; it’s about understanding the unspoken pain and the resilience that lies within the hearts of those affected.
Art has the unique power to express the inexpressible — to give form to the fears, hopes, and dreams that words alone cannot convey. It allows for a cathartic release, offering a path to recovery that transcends traditional communication. Through the pieces we will share, we hope to offer solace, to stir empathy, and to kindle a flame of action against the shadows of exploitation.
As we unfold these visual stories, we invite you to reflect on the profound impact that human trafficking has on mental health. We encourage you to see beyond the canvas to the real-life implications of these artworks. Each color, each line, each texture represents a step towards healing — not just for the artists, but for all of us as a collective.
Join us in this movement of awareness and recovery. Witness how art can not only expose the depths of the issue but also pave the way for mental wellness and empowerment. Let’s embrace the power of art to heal, to unite, and to inspire change.
The art that we will be sharing this week were made by youth by FCJ Youth Network. This particular art was made by a 24yrs old youth member which portrays the overcoming mental health struggles.
View the gallery (3 images):
Day 12: Creativity and Healing (2)
Within the bold lines and stirring shades of one of our Youth Network members aged 26 lies a silent narrative waiting to erupt into the consciousness of our community. Today, we present a piece that is more than mere art—it is a poignant commentary on the stolen childhoods of millions, a visual manifesto against the injustice of child labor.
This artwork, crafted by the hands of a young visionary from our Network, captures the stark reality of young lives eclipsed by premature toil. Each brushstroke is a testament to lost dreams and the resilience of the spirit that persists even in the face of such adversity. It is a mirror held up to society, reflecting the urgent need for change and the power of youth to catalyze that change.
Through their art, we are invited to witness a world that should not exist, yet does, in the shadows of our global landscape. This piece is not just an expression of creativity; it is an act of advocacy, a call to recognize and respond to the plight of child laborers everywhere.
As we share this profound work with you, we hope it resonates deeply, stirring a sense of responsibility and kindling a flame of activism. Let it be a reminder that the issue of child labor is not a distant reality but a present challenge, calling for our immediate attention and action.
Together, we can transform this awareness into a movement that not only uplifts the voices of the affected but also works tirelessly to restore the joy and freedom of childhood.
View the gallery (3 images):
Day 13: Creativity and Healing (3)
Emerging from the shadows with strength and courage, many trafficking victims find their way back to freedom on their own. This powerful artwork by a talented member of our youth network depicts the resilience of those who have navigated their way out of darkness. It’s a tribute to their bravery and a stark reminder of the need for stronger support systems. The current law enforcement is unable to detect and intervene in trafficking operations at large scale and shows more need for support from individual and community organizations. Let’s amplify their voices and bolster our efforts to end human trafficking.
View the gallery (3 images):
Day 14: Creativity and Healing (4)
In the stark lines and haunting contrasts of this artwork lies a truth too often veiled in silence: the sale of souls in the shadowy markets of human trafficking. This powerful piece, created by a member of our youth network, confronts us with the commodification of human life, urging us To see, To care, and To act. Let’s stand together to dismantle these markets and affirm the priceless worth of every individual.
View the gallery (3 images):
Day 15: Creativity and Healing (5): Empowering Actions
As we reach the final day of our campaign, it’s important to remember that the battle against human trafficking is far from over. Each one of us has the power to effect change and be a beacon of hope in this ongoing fight.
Today, we not only reflect on our collective efforts but also showcase the inspiring artwork created by the youth members at FCJ. Their art vividly illustrates that our crusade against human trafficking is an ever-present endeavor, filled with diverse ways to engage and spread awareness.
As we wrap up this campaign, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for joining us on this meaningful journey. Your participation, support, and shared commitment have been invaluable. We’re eager to hear your thoughts, experiences, and insights gained along the way. Your feedback is not just appreciated—it’s essential in shaping our future initiatives.
Together, we’ve taken significant steps, but there’s still much to be done. Let’s carry forward the momentum, continuing to learn, share, and advocate for those affected by human trafficking. Thank you for standing with us in this vital cause.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be a victim of forced labour or sex please contact the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010.
That was a great Ride For Refuge! Thank you so much to all of you for all your support. It allows us to continue working with vulnerable and uprooted people. It’s not being an easy year for refugees, immigrants, people without status… But thanks to your generosity, our doors remain open. The funds we raised will play a crucial role in sustaining our core programs.
We are excited to invite you to join our Playing to Act Workshop, a series of 12 sessions where you can learn basic theater knowledge in a fun and supportive environment.
This is a great opportunity for young people to explore their creativity and express themselves through theater. Also it is a good way to relieve stress, improve communication skills and build confidence.
The program is facilitated by Lilibeth Rivas, an experienced professional who is passionate about theater and love working with young people.
If you’re interested in joining our class, please let us know by September 21st.
There is a limited number of participants.
For registration, please contact Stefan JK, Youth & Access To Education Coordinator, at stefanjk@fcjrefugeecentre.org
A VIRTUAL ORIENTATION of the program will be provided on Friday September 22 at 4:00 pm.
After your registration you will receive the Zoom link to join the orientation.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Objectives:
A platform for young individuals to discover new dimensions involving their bodies, voices, imagination, and personal experiences.
Involves scenic exercises as a medium of exploration.
Encourages expressive use of bodies for storytelling.
Class Development Areas:
1. Human body / Movement and expression
2. Oral expression
3. Stage composition
Facilitator:
Lilibeth Rivas is an actress (theater and cinema), born and raised in El Salvador. She has been involved in artistic projects that advocate for social justice. Her experience is based on working with youth, teaching them techniques that help them to build confidence, improves verbal communication and develops their creativity, among other benefits.
When:
September 26 to December 12, 2023
Every Tuesday
Sessions Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Attendance: 10 per session
Where:
192 Spadina Ave.
Toronto, ON M5T 2C2
Sessions:
Session 1
How many ways to introduce myself to others?
Session2
“My Own Voice”. Participants engage in voice exercises that lead to diverse evaluations of their individual voices’ significance.
Session 3
Walking for nature’s elements.
Session 4
“I trust me, I trust you”. Trust exercises.
Session 5
“Body Sounds”. This session focuses on voice encompassing techniques.
Session 6
“Lines to Walk”. This session delves into the study of scenic displacements.
Session 7
“Born Again”. Participants engage in physical exercises.
Session 8
“How I Move”. Participants will take part in body exercises, exploring their personal movement qualities.
Session 9
“How They Move”. This session involves examining the movement of other individuals, particularly focusing on their spinal columns and dorsal spine.
Session 10
“Stage”. This session entails a study of stage composition, involving actors’ bodies, set design, props, and various other elements.
Session 11
“I am and I am here”. This session introduces an exercise for participants to enter the scene confidently, emphasizing their presence.
Session 12
“To Be or Not To Be”. In this session, there will be a reflection on the workshop process, considering individual and collective projections as youth.
The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) is now seeking applications for the Francisco Rico-Martinez Access to Justice Award. The award exists to honour and continue Francisco’s leadership over three decades within the CCR, and it is given on an annual basis to support a project aligned with the core commitments of the also late co-founder and co-director of the FCJ Refigee Centre.
If you have an idea for a project that will further Francisco’s legacy, you can request up to a maximum of $10,000 to help push it forward.
The deadline to apply is Tuesday October 17, 2023.
Applicants
Applicants may be an individual, a group of individuals or an organization in Canada.
Applications must be:
Submitted by a member organization of the CCR,
OR
Supported by a member organization of the CCR.
Eligible projects
You can propose projects designed to advance access to justice in an area within the mandate of the CCR in one or both of two fields: Capacity building and Advocacy.
Here are some more specific areas for consideration, based on Francisco’s commitments:
Building leadership of people with lived refugee experience
Supporting youth leadership
Developing political understanding of how to effect change
Advocating for rights for refugees and the forcibly displaced
* Registration for this semester is now closed. Please stay tuned for new courses *
Our Access to Education program is starting a new semester of the Uprooted U program for youth and newcomer individuals that have barriers to accessing Post-Secondary Education.
Uprooted U is an immersive and interactive academic series emulating the Post-Secondary Education experience, with weekly online classes focusing on literature, social status, world events, and the evolving political climate.
Available for ages 18 and above, with classes delivered in English, Uprooted U will be taking place online (on Zoom), weekly. It will start in October and run until December.
Mondays 2PM-4PM (Eastern Time Zone)
October 16 – December 4 (break week: November 13)
Class Title: “Topics In Global Studies”
Areas focused on: Global networks, economics, job market, citizenship
We are thrilled to invite you to the Undocumented Residents Day event, on Thursday August 24th.
For more than 30 years, the FCJ Refugee Centre has been amplifying the voices of Toronto’s most marginalized communities. We are proud to continue working alongside The City to invite all Torontonians to increase awareness, engage in discussion, and embrace Toronto as a true Sanctuary City, where everyone is welcome and treated with dignity. A Toronto we can all be proud of.
Undocumented Residents Day features an exhibition showcasing artwork and stories from undocumented residents in Toronto sharing their experiences. This collection of art and community materials is presented in the City Hall Rotunda from August 21st to 24th. The display, which is free and open to the public, has been organized by the City of Toronto’s Newcomer Office in collaboration with FCJ Refugee Centre, Access Alliance, and Migrants Rights Network.
It is our belief that by shedding light on these stories, we can work towards a more informed and supportive community that recognizes the importance of equal rights and opportunities for all.
In 2013, the City of Toronto was the first Canadian municipality to adopt an Access without Fear Policy to ensure access to City services, regardless of immigration status. More information about the policy is available on the City’s website.
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities.
On the occasion of Undocumented Residents Day, the City emphasised that, “as the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses.”
Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Vice-Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee, in partnership with the FCJ Refugee Centre and Access Alliance, will join members of the community to recognize Undocumented Residents Day.
Date: Thursday, August 24 Time: 5:30 p.m. (speakers begin at 5:45 p.m.) Location: Rotunda, City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.
The Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture (CCVT) is announcing the establishment of the Francisco Rico-Martínez Award. This distinguished award is a tribute to Francisco who was an unwavering champion of refugees and marginalized communities. We are excited to share this opportunity with you, and we believe that your commitment to social justice aligns perfectly with the spirit of this award.
This award will honour two exceptional students enrolled in a relevant post-secondary institution. Each recipient will be awarded a prize of $2500, recognizing their outstanding dedication to the advancement of refugee rights and marginalized populations.
This award is inspired by Francisco’s enduring legacy as a refugee himself and his visionary contributions as the co-founder of the FCJ Refugee Centre.
Bring your talent and help us fundraise for refugees!
February 22nd is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada, since it was proclaimed by the federal government, in 2020.
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has just opened new community vaccination clinics to help school-aged children catch up on their routine vaccinations. 
We are excited to invite you to join our Playing to Act Workshop, a series of 12 sessions where you can learn basic theater knowledge in a fun and supportive environment.
Our Access to Education program is starting a new semester of the Uprooted U program for youth and newcomer individuals that have barriers to accessing Post-Secondary Education.
The 