Police Training On Dealing With Mental Health Issues, Canada Prevents "Asylum-Shopping", Protests In Sudan's Capital

Hosted by Ahmad Moujtahed

Stories by Ahmad Moujtahed

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LOCAL

In Montreal, mental health issues were found to be a factor in more than half of all the cases involving the use of deadly police force as stated by CBC.

Consequently, the Montreal police service will train all its patrol officers to use tools that will help them deal with those suffering from mental health issues. Patrol officers will take a one-day training session to learn how to de-escalate tense situations and improve their conflict resolution skills.

According to documents presented at the city’s public security committee, the training will include both theoretical discussions and real-life examples. Officers will also be trained on how to use verbal skills to create a non-threatening environment for those who are suicidal or in crisis.

Several people who attended the meeting said they were skeptical that a one-day course could really change police culture.

A co-ordinator of the Ligue des droits et libertés said “One day of training is not enough, and police need more training so that their weapon is not their first option.”

NATIONAL

The Trudeau government is proposing to prevent asylum seekers from making refugee claims in Canada if they have made similar claims in certain other countries, including the US, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

The move comes as thousands of asylum seekers have crossed the Canadian border after their claims were rejected in the US. Border Security Minister Bill Blair said the measure aims to prevent “asylum-shopping”.

Lawyers and advocates who work with refugees are sounding the alarm about the legal changes, saying they would strip human-rights protections from vulnerable asylum-seekers.

INTERNATIONAL

Demonstrations in Sudan’s capital have been gaining intensity in recent days.

According to activists involved in the demonstration, security forces killed at least 14 people on April 9. At least eight others have been killed since last week.

Sudan has been the site of protests since late December, when a protest began over the price of bread. The economic concerns have become political demands, and protesters want an end to the 30-year-rule of President Omar al-Bashir. Women in particular have played a striking role in the Khartoum protests.

The U.S., Britain and Norway released a joint statement that called on Sudan's government to respond to protesters' demands and deliver "a credible plan" for political transition.