Date/Time
Monday, June 19, 2023
2:30 pm - 6:00 pm

• Other

Take Action for World Refugee Day, a day to honour the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their homes, and also a great opportunity to join together to demand that Canada welcomes and upholds the rights of refugees.

Walk in solidarity with those who walk across countries and continents to find safety.

March in Toronto

• When: Monday, June 19 (the day before World Refugee Day, which is June 20th)
• Where: From Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino’s office (511 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON M6A 3B7) to Ireland Park (Eireann Quay, Toronto, ON M5V 3G3)

Program 

• 2:30 PM (EDT): Gather at Minister Mendicino’s office. We will then march directly south down Bathurst Street straight to the waterfront and Ireland Park
• 6 PM (EDT): March will end at Ireland Park with speeches

People are welcome to join at the beginning, end, or anywhere along the walk. Some signs will be provided but please feel free to bring your own.

People are also welcome to bring life jackets to the waterfront, as a reminder of the perils that refugee claimants face trying to enter Canada because of the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA).

Groups across Canada will be marching at the exact same time to denounce the closure of the Canadian border to the vast majority of asylum seekers.

Why Walk

“Reaching safety in Canada is an obstacle course full of danger for the vast majority of people who walk across countries and continents to find safety. For many of these people, there is no line to wait in, no immigration program meant for them. Their only choice when faced with danger is to flee in the direction of safety, by boat, bus, and foot. Walk in solidarity with people seeking safety in Canada.” (Amnesty International Canada)

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World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive. While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution. Many activities held on World Refugee Day create opportunities to support refugees.