Canadian Red Cross endeavours to visit detention centres it has access to four times a year to make an assessment based on Canadian and international standards. During visits to detention centres, the Canadian Red Cross takes a system wide approach focussing on:
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the treatment of detainees (by staff or other detainees);
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conditions of detention;
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ability for detainees to contact and maintain contact with family members; and
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legal safeguards.
The Canadian Red Cross monitors compliance with national and international standards. These include:
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Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
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Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom
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Convention on the Rights of the Child
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UN Refugee Convention
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International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
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UNHCR Detention Guidelines
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The Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners
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National Standards & Monitoring Plan for the Regulation & Operation of CBSA Detention Centres
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UN Convention Against Torture
Red Cross monitoring activities would not preclude or replace those of a public ombudsman with legal jurisdiction over immigration detention facilities in Canada.