Concluding Observations on the Tenth Periodic Report of Canada

Refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant women and girls 

45. The Committee notes with concern that refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant women and girls face intersecting forms of discrimination and disproportionate levels of gender-based violence and that undocumented migrant women and girls are exposed to a high risk of sexual exploitation and recruitment, including by human trafficking networks. The Committee is also concerned about the unequal access of these women and girls to social services, education and employment. 

46. In line with its general recommendations No. 26 (2008) on women migrant workers, and No. 32 (2014) on the gender-related dimensions of refugee status, asylum, nationality and statelessness of women, the Committee recommends that the State party address intersecting forms of discrimination against refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant women and girls, promote their economic empowerment by ensuring their equal access to education and employment and and facilitate their social integration, education and employment, and that it protect them from gender-based violence, including by prosecuting and adequately punishing perpetrators.