A newly released report highlights systemic barriers faced by African asylum seekers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including unaffordable housing, employment discrimination, anti-Black racism, and limited access to basic supports. The crisis, which began in spring 2023, saw many sleeping on streets and was exacerbated by a criticized City of Toronto decision. The report, based on experiences of 29 asylum seekers and 9 service providers, recommends strengthening programs, investing in Black-led agencies, and policy changes. United Way Greater Toronto is investing $400,000, and the City of Toronto is developing dedicated refugee shelter systems.
African asylum seekers in the GTA face systemic barriers and need better supports: new report
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A newly released report highlights systemic barriers faced by African asylum seekers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), including unaffordable housing, employment discrimination, anti-Black racism, and limited access to basic supports. The crisis, which began in spring 2023, saw many sleeping on streets and was exacerbated by a criticized City of Toronto decision. The report, based on experiences of 29 asylum seekers and 9 service providers, recommends strengthening programs, investing in Black-led agencies, and policy changes. United Way Greater Toronto is investing $400,000, and the City of Toronto is developing dedicated refugee shelter systems.
Trending- 1 Spring 2023: African refugee crisis emerged, hundreds arrived in GTA with no support.
- 2 Spring 2023: Dozens slept outside Toronto’s Central Intake site.
- 3 Spring 2023: City of Toronto made now-reversed decision to turn away African refugees.
- 4 About two years ago (approx. 2023): United Way of Greater Toronto began tracking experiences.
- 5 2024: Tatiana, an asylum seeker from Congo, landed in Canada and lived on the street.
- 6 Recently: A new report titled 'Understanding the Experiences of African Asylum Seekers in Peel, York Region, and Toronto' was released.
- 7 Recently: United Way Greater Toronto announced an initial $400,000 investment.
- 8 Recently: L’Agapanthe, a transitional home operated by La Passerelle-I.D.É., opened.
- 9 Ongoing: Toronto’s first Black-led and Black-mandated shelter is in development.
- Unaffordable housing
- Employment discrimination
- Systemic anti-Black racism
- Uneven access to basic supports
- Asylum seekers sleeping on pavement
- City of Toronto's criticized decision
- Trauma for French-speaking refugees
- Financial investment by United Way
- Development of Black-led shelter and dedicated refugee shelter system
What: A new report details systemic barriers faced by African asylum seekers in the Greater Toronto Area, including housing, employment discrimination, and anti-Black racism. It addresses the crisis that emerged in spring 2023, the City of Toronto's now-reversed decision to turn away refugees, and ongoing challenges. Recommendations include strengthening support programs, investing in Black-led organizations, and policy changes.
When: Report newly released; crisis emerged in spring 2023; challenges continued into 2024; United Way began tracking experiences about two years ago; City of Toronto's decision was reversed; as of July 6, 2025.
Where: Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Toronto, 129 Peter St., Peel, York Region, Canada.
Why: To understand and address the systemic barriers, lack of support, and anti-Black racism faced by African asylum seekers, prevent recurrence of the 2023 crisis, and improve their settlement and well-being in Canada.
How: Through a report titled 'Understanding the Experiences of African Asylum Seekers in Peel, York Region, and Toronto' by United Way of Greater Toronto, based on stories of 29 asylum seekers and 9 service providers. Recommendations are made, and United Way Greater Toronto is making an initial $400,000 investment. The City of Toronto is also working on dedicated refugee shelter systems and culturally responsive services.