Systemic Barriers Continue to Plague African Asylum Seekers in GTA

A grim new report reveals the daunting realities faced by African asylum seekers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). From exorbitant housing costs to workplace discrimination and the pervasive shadow of anti-Black racism, the findings paint a stark picture of systemic barriers hindering their efforts to rebuild their lives.

The African Refugee Crisis: A Summer of Despair

The crisis came to a head in spring 2023, as hundreds of asylum seekers, predominantly from Eastern Africa, flooded into the GTA with no shelter or support. Many were left to sleep on the pavement outside Toronto’s Central Intake site, desperately hoping for a spot in a city-run shelter.

Controversy Over Shelter Policies

The situation worsened when the City of Toronto controversially decided to deny African refugees access to emergency shelters, redirecting them instead to federal programs. This decision drew sharp criticism from Ombudsman Toronto, who contended that the city’s actions were unjust and harmful.

Voices of the Asylum Seekers

Among the affected is Tatiana, a Congolese asylum seeker. Finding herself homeless in 2024, she expressed feelings of being 'overwhelmed' and 'traumatized,' made worse by language barriers as she struggled to communicate in English.

Support from Local Organizations

In a bid to address the ongoing crisis, the United Way of Greater Toronto has been documenting the experiences of affected individuals for two years. Their report, sharing the stories of 29 asylum seekers and insights from service providers, aims to highlight urgent needs and propose concrete solutions.

Investing in Change

To alleviate the situation, the United Way has pledged an initial investment of $400,000 to support two community initiatives focused on assisting African asylum seekers—aiming to secure stable housing for at least 50 individuals.

Community Support Makes a Difference

Tatiana found hope through Passerelle – I.D.E., a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Black and racialized newcomers. Thanks to their support, she is slowly finding stability in Canada, saying, 'I am so happy to live here because I can express myself.'

City’s Commitment Under Scrutiny

The City of Toronto claims to be committed to treating all refuge seekers with dignity. They have reported providing emergency shelters and wrap-around services to over 3,700 refugee claimants, but critics argue that systemic barriers remain deeply entrenched.

A Call for Collective Action

Despite efforts, officials stress that a coordinated response from all levels of government is essential to effectively tackle the challenges faced by African asylum seekers. The report calls for sustainable funding, policy changes, and accountability mechanisms to prevent future crises.

The Road Ahead

As institutional barriers remain a significant hurdle, community advocacy and strategic investments are crucial. The hope is to forge a path toward equality and lasting support for those seeking refuge from dire circumstances.