Annual Report 2019

st st January 1 2019-December 31 2019

www.irqr.ca 001-416-985-7456 [email protected] | 2

CONTENTS

About Our Work 3

IRQR’s Mission 3

IRQR’s Vision 3

Message From Executive Director 4

Some 4 Million Refugees 4

Partners and Public Institutions 4

Strategic Directions 5

IRQR’s Priority Activities 6

Financial Report 8

Statement of Operation 2019 8

Detailed Income Statement 2019 9

IRQR Donors 12

Our Leadership 12

Contact, Like and Follow 12

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About Our Work

International Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR) is a Canadian charitable organization that assists persecuted lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) seeking asylum, to find refuge and have a new chance of life (live free and equal in dignity and rights). IRQR provides education, guidance, and support to individuals making asylum claims, outside of their county of origin, during their resettlement process.

IRQR’s Mission

Our mission is to relieve poverty for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) refugees living in by providing the basic necessities of life; and to relieve poverty by sponsoring, providing financial and resettlement assistance to LGBT refugees in Turkey who have fled because of persecution for their sexual orientation or gender identification and, as victims of human rights abuses; and to undertake activities ancillary and incidental to the attainment of the above charitable purpose.

IRQR’s Vision

Our vision is to provide education, guidance, and support to Middle Eastern LGBT individuals making asylum claims during their resettlement process.

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Message From Executive Director

Some 4 Million Refugees

I want to take this opportunity and thank all the supporters and allies of the IRQR. 2019 was one of the slowest years for refugees and their processing application.

Turkey is home to the world’s largest refugee population, with over 3.6 million Syrian refugees and close to 400,000 refugees and asylum seekers of other nationalities.

Over 98 per cent of refugees in Turkey live in urban, peri-urban and rural areas, while the remaining refugees (1.7%) live in Temporary Accommodation Centres.

Close to 1.4 million refugees in Turkey are under 15 years old, and over 800,000 are aged between 15 and 24.

Partners and Public Institutions

The Government of Turkey leads the refugee response with UNHCR providing operational and capacity development support. Turkey hosts the largest number of refugees in the world and its response to refugees has been generous and positive. Turkish legislation (Law on Foreigners and International Protection and Temporary Protection Regulation) provides refugees and asylum-seekers with a range of rights, including access to education, health care and social services, upon registration with the authorities. Nonetheless, protection and capacity gaps continue to be observed in the implementation of the legal framework, in particular due to the scale of the needs. UNHCR Turkey has a country office in Ankara and field presence in Istanbul, Izmir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Sanliurfa and Van.

In supporting the refugee response in Turkey, UNHCR works in partnership with public institutions at the national, provincial and local levels, including municipalities, with international and national non- governmental organizations, with United Nations sister agencies, with private service providers, organizations as well as with refugees themselves.

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As the Refugee Agency, UNHCR provides for coordination of the support of partners to Turkey's refugee response, with a view to avoid duplication and gaps, and address unmet needs of refugees and asylum- seekers. In this role, UNHCR co-leads with UNDP the Regional Refugee and Resilience Response Plan (3RP) in response to Syria crisis, and chairs the International Protection and Migration Results Group of Turkey 2016-2020 UN Development and Cooperation Strategy (UNDCS). Through sector working groups and other fora, UNHCR contributes to improving referral networks to public service providers and working towards the complementarity of interventions by different actors in the response.

Strategic Directions

Turkey’s legal framework for international and temporary forms the basis of IRQR’s strategy and priorities. IRQR more specifically has the following key strategy directions by working with the UNHCR:  UNHCR promotes access to and the provision of protection, by continuing to work in close partnership with the Directorate General of Migration Management (DGMM), the Turkish Coast Guard and Land Forces, the Gendarmerie General Command, the Ministry of Justice, and the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (UTBA), advocating for the admission of persons in need of international protection, their access to fair and efficient national asylum-procedures and promoting procedural standards and safeguards. Cooperation with DGMM to support continuous registration and international protection procedures remains a priority. Efforts to improve access to legal assistance of refugees are expanding.

 Turkey’s legal framework provides for access to health care, education and social services by refugees. In strengthening protection and access to quality public services, UNHCR is focusing on child protection services (in particular for unaccompanied or separated children), the prevention and response to Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) as well as social services with persons with specific needs. The cooperation with Ministry of Family Labour and Social Services, in particular its Social Service Centres will be expanded, as well as support in the identification, referral and response to cases of refugees with specific needs, working with civil society partners.

 In an effort to promote social cohesion and harmonization, UNHCR supports DGMM in the implementation of the National Strategy on Harmonization and the National Action Plan and engages with local administration and municipalities to strengthen interaction and social cohesion

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between refugees and host communities. A priority for refugees in this regard are Turkish language courses, provided through Public Information Centres (PECs).

 UNHCR promotes and prepares for durable solutions for refugees. This entails working with the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB) with regards to higher education and language training for higher education preparation. The focus on self-reliance will also be pursued by working with the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Services and ISKUR, with a review to improving access to the labour market for refugees.

Advocacy for an increase in resettlement quotas and for safe complementary pathways for refugee countries, with 20,000 resettlement places as a target for 2020. IRQR monitors for the voluntary nature of spontaneous returns, and works with the UNHCR and international governments to address some of the barriers, such as lack of civil documentation, in case a large number of Syrians opt to return and conditions for facilitate such returns.

Throughout is work, IRQR prioritize enhancing partnership and communication with a wider range of stakeholders. As over 98% of refugees in Turkey live in urban, peri-urban and rural areas. IRQR continues to strengthen its community-based and outreach approaches as further invest in communications with communities, including host communities, through a variety of channels and tools and engage them directly in the response.

IRQR’s Priority Activities

In the basis of the national legal framework for international and temporary protection, IRQR promotes access to international protection procedure for refugees and asylum-seekers, including those in removal centres. to do so, IRQR works to improve access to information and legal assistance. Contribute to the UNHCR as well as the Directorate General for Migration Management (DGMM) and its provincial department across Turkey continues to be a priority, including to support continuous registration as well as quality and efficiency of the international protection procedures.

More specifically, IRQR interventions in Turkey focuses on:  Enhancing partnerships with key institutions, including UNHCR and DGMM to monitor trends and to promote protection-sensitive border management that supports admission to territory, continuance registration and access to international protection procedures for those in need of

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protection and assistance.

 Supporting UNHCR and DGMM to register international protection applicants and temporary protection beneficiaries. IRQR supports UNHCR and DGMM to implement continuous registration, process new applications in a timely and efficient fashion and establish a functioning referral system for LGBT refugee applicants in Turkey, and identify persons with specific needs throughout the process. To this effect, IRQR continues to provide information, documentation and reports to UNHCR and DGMM.

 Strengthening the refugee status determination procedure conducted by DGMM to build a resilient, efficient and quality national asylum system by providing reports and through study visit, meetings with PDMM personnel involved in status determination and help establish a sustainable country of origin information mechanism. These activities aim to ensure UNHCR and DGMM and its provincial departments improve the quality and efficiency of refugee status determination procedure in line with international standards for vulnerable individuals with special needs such as members of LGBT community.

 Brightening access by refugees to legal protection and assistance by working in close collaboration with Turkish Non-profit organizations. A range of initiatives to enhance the capacity of lawyers, advocates, judiciary and court personnel including knowledge in national and international refugee law, standards and procedures, and provide interpretation support for lawyers and advocates. To overcome barriers to accessing legal assistance and legal aid, refugees receive direct support through IRQR’s referral mechanisms.

There is a long path ahead of us and we are facing a new challenge everyday. We are optimistic that by working together we can bring a relief to the plight of LGBT refugees and those who are in need of support.

Sincerely Yours, Arsham Parsi, Executive Director International Railroad for Queer Refugees

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Financial Report

Statement of Operation 2019 Income Statement for the period of 01/01/2019 to 12/31/2019 Account Number Account Name Amount Income Contributions from 4100 Tax Receipted Donations (TR) 8,145.00 4200 Non-Tax Receipted Donations (NTR) 3,210.51 Total Contributions from Canada 11,355.51 Contributions from Outside of Canada 4500 Outside of Canada Non-Tax Receipted Donations (OC-NTR) 10,001.78 4600 Foundations/Charities Outside of Canada 21,785.25 Total Contributions from Outside of Canada 31,787.03 Fundraising 4700 Fundraising Events 691.29 Total Fundraising 691.29 Other Revenues 4900 Miscellaneous Income 82.87 Total Other Revenues 82.87 Total Income 43,916.70 Expense International Operation-Safe House and Emergency Relief 5000 Safe House and Emergency Relief to Refugees 72,71 Total International Operation-Safe House and Emergency Relief 72.71 International Operation-Refugee Program 6100 Refugee Program Fieldwork 9,606.45 6200 Refugee Program Operation 1,469.26 Total International Operation-Refugee Program 11,075.71 Domestic Operation 7000 Domestic Operation Expenses 5,277.80 Total Domestic Operation 5,277.80 Domestic Public Outreach and Meetings 8000 Public Event and Fundraising 18.14 8100 Meetings 2,407.09 Total Domestic Public Outreach and Meetings 2,425.23 Salaries and Wages 9100 Employee Salaries 20,000.00 9200 Employer Contributions 1,354.64 Total Salaries and Wages 21,354.64 Total Expense 40,206.09 Net Income (Loss) -3,710.61

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Detailed Income Statement 2019

for the period of 01/01/2019 to 12/31/2019 Account Number Account Name Amount Income Contributions from Canada 4100 Tax Receipted Donations (TR) 0.00 4101 TR Lump Sum Donations 3,095.00 4102 TR Monthly Donations 4,690.00 4103 TR SHER Fund Donations 360.00 Total 4100 - Tax Receipted Donations (TR) 8,145.00 4200 Non-Tax Receipted Donations (NTR) 0.00 4201 NTR Lump Sum Donations 2,983.92 4202 NTR Monthly Donations 226.59 Total 4200 - Non-Tax Receipted Donations (NTR) 3,210.51 Total Contributions from Canada 11,355.51 Contributions from Outside of Canada Outside of Canada Non-Tax Receipted Donations (OC- 4500 NTR) 0.00 4501 OC-NTR Lump Sum Donations 310.00 4502 OC-NTR Monthly Donations 9,691.78 Total 4500 - Outside of Canada Non-Tax Receipted Donations (OC-NTR) 10,001.78 4600 Foundations/Charities Outside of Canada 0.00 4602 Tides Foundation 21,785.25 Total 4600 - Foundations/Charities Outside of Canada 21,785.25 Total Contributions from Outside of Canada 31,787.03 Fundraising 4700 Fundraising Events 0.00 4711 NTR General Fundraising 691.29 Total 4700 - Fundraising Events 691.29 Total Fundraising 691.29 Other Revenues 4900 Miscellaneous Income 0.00 4902 Refunds 82.87 Total 4900 - Miscellaneous Income 82.87 Total Other Revenues 82.87 Total Income 43,916.70 Expense International Operation-Safe House and Emergency Relief 5000 Safe House and Emergency Relief to Refugees 72.71 Total International Operation-Safe House and Emergency Relief 72.71

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International Operation-Refugee Program 6100 Refugee Program Fieldwork 0.00 6101 Fieldwork Flights 6,477.36 6102 Fieldwork Accommodations 311.66 6103 Fieldwork Ground Transportation 957.32 6105 Fieldwork Consultation Meetings 515.79 6106 Fieldwork Logistic and Rent for Venues 1,114.00 6107 Fieldwork Food and Refreshments for Refugees 230.32 Total 6100 - Refugee Program Fieldwork 9,606.45 6200 Refugee Program Operation 0.00 6202 Refugee Program Communications 1,469.26 Total 6200 - Refugee Program Operation 1,469.26 Total International Operation-Refugee Program 11,075.71 Domestic Operation 7000 Domestic Operation Expenses 0.00 7002 Web and Digital Tools 2,732.45 7003 Shipping and Postage 21.47 7007 Bank Fee 34.65 7008 Donation Processing Fee 1,255.40 7010 Annual Return and Filing Fees 220.00 7011 Legal Fee 532.50 7012 Accounting and Audit Fee 420.25 7013 Travel and Transportation 15.00 7015 Memberships 46.08 Total 7000 - Domestic Operation Expenses 5,277.80 Total Domestic Operation 5,277.80 Domestic Public Outreach and Meetings 8000 Public Event and Fundraising 0.00 8003 Online/Printed Marketing Materials 18.14 Total 8000 - Public Event and Fundraising 18.14 8100 Meetings 0.00 8101 AGM 1,237.40 8102 Board Meeting 423.55 8103 General Meeting 746.14 Total 8100 - Meetings 2,407.09 Total Domestic Public Outreach and Meetings 2,425.23 Salaries and Wages 9100 Employee Salaries 0.00 9101 Full Time Staff Net Salary 16,495.92 9103 Employee CPP Deduction 901.04 9104 Employee EI Deduction 324.00 9105 Employee Tax Deduction 2,279.04 Total 9100 - Employee Salaries 20,000.00 9200 Employer Contributions 0.00

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9201 Employer CPP Contribution 901.04 9202 Employer EI Contribution 453.60 Total 9200 - Employer Contributions 1,354.64 Total Salaries and Wages 21,354.64 Total Expense 40,206.09 Net Income (Loss) 3,710.61

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IRQR Donors

IRQR is deeply grateful for the contributions made by the dedicated and passionate donors from all around the world invested in supporting its achievements. In recognition of this, IRQR is committed to recognizing all donors in regular publications, such as the annual reports. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to all our contributors for their donations.

The success of our organization would not be possible without your support. We are honoured to provide your donations to queer asylum seekers/refugees who are in need of basic support.

Our Leadership

IRQR is charitable organization governed by a Board of Directors who bring a broad range of experience from the public and private sectors and civil society. The Board of Directors is composed of three to nine individuals who are elected by the organization membership and sit for a term of two years. The day-to- day operations of IRQR, and the face of the organization is the Executive Director, Arsham Parsi, a passionate and respected LGBT activist based in , Canada.

EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Stefanija Savic, Treasurer of the Board DIRECTOR Stuart Bustard, President of the Board Arsham Parsi Samaneh Riazi, General Board Member Robert Sabuda, Secretary of the Board Marc Berthold, General Board Member Mo Riazi, Treasurer of the Board Tad Munnings, General Board Member Borga Dorter, General Board Member

Contact, Like and Follow Visit our website: www.IRQR.ca Send us an email: [email protected] Like us on Facebook: www.fb.com/IRQRLGBT Follow us on Twitter: @IRQRLGBT Follow us on Instagram: IRQRLGBT