International migration is at record levels and is unlikely to slow in the near future. There are now about 214 million people living outside their place of birth. Some migrants and refugees from countries affected by natural disasters, civil unrest, economic uncertainty or other humanitarian crisis are forced to flee from their homes to seek safety in another country.
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has a long history of working with communities to provide protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants and refugees, who may find language barriers, physical and mental stress stemming from trauma and the anxiety of adapting to a new culture all very difficult to overcome.
In Canada, the Canadian Red Cross offers several migrant and refugee services that can benefit migrants and refugees that are seeking safety in Canada.
The First Contact Program, which is available in Vancouver and Toronto, was designed to help refugees gain access to vital information on affordable housing, steady employment and social assistance during their most vulnerable time. Conveniently located drop-in centers in Canada's most populous city – Toronto - makes it easy for refugees to gain internet and telephone access; while an emergency telephone service can help those arriving in either city for the first time get immediate assistance regardless of the time or day.
Anyone seeking to locate a family member who has gone missing in the wake of a crisis can gain assistance through the Canadian Red Cross. These services are provided by the Restoring Family Links program, which can also provide health and welfare reports regarding family members outside of Canada, help transmit official documents like birth certificates and determine whether a loved one has been detained in his or her home country. If postal delivery has been interrupted in a country as a result of a major disaster or situations of violence, Red Cross Messages can help families reconnect and provide peace of mind.
Unsure of where to begin? If you've been separated from a loved one as a result of a crisis within another country, visit your local Red Cross office to receive further assistance regarding what service best meets your needs.