Human Rights Action Group participated in the International Religious Freedom Summit held in Washington, DC on February 4th and 5th, 2025. On the second day of the summit, Sarah Teich spoke on the panel discussion ‘Advancing Refugee Solutions Rooted in Dignity and Freedom’, which discussed best practices and recommendations regarding refugee resettlement in the United States.

Sarah Teich spoke about the Canadian refugee resettlement framework. In addition to outlining the existing resettlement pathways, she advocated for two potential reforms– 1) waiver of the UNHCR requirement, at least for certain vulnerable populations; and 2) expansion or removal of the numerical cap for the sponsorship agreement holders, or declaration that it no longer exists for particular vulnerable groups.

In addition to these reforms, she further noted the importance of addressing when transit countries put refugees at risk. As an example, she raised the case of the 48 Uyghur men detained in Thailand at risk of deportation back to China. Namely, she explained how their deportation would violate multiple international laws and principles, exposing Thailand to potential legal consequences. She argued that concerns should be raised with Thailand.

For further details on the case of the 48 Uyghur men at risk of deportation, see “Sarah Teich Remarks on Uyghur Detainees in Thailand in Parliamentary Press Conference Hosted by Canadians in Support of Refugees in Dire Need and Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project”.