OTTAWA, November 3, 2005 - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Anne McLellan, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler, and the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Joe Volpe, today released the Eighth Annual Report on Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes. The report details the progress of Canada's War Crimes Program from April 1, 2004, to March 31, 2005, in bringing those involved in war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide to justice.
"Canada's no safe haven policy means that persons involved in crimes against humanity or war crimes are not welcome in Canada," said Minister McLellan. "Canada continues to play a leading international role in taking action against persons responsible for atrocities, and our coordinated program is a successful model of interdepartmental cooperation in the battle against impunity."
"It is only right that Canada, which was at the forefront of the effort to establish the International Criminal Court - and which enacted the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act - play a leadership role in the fight against impunity," said Minister Cotler. "Through our War Crimes Program, we will vigorously support international efforts to bring war criminals to justice, and help build an international criminal justice system in the 21st century."
"Visa officers working at Canadian missions abroad are the first line of defense in preventing war criminals from reaching Canada," said Minister Volpe.
In fiscal year 2004-2005, the Program prevented 385 potential war criminals and individuals involved in crimes against humanity from reaching Canada, ensured that 79 people did not get refugee protection, and removed 42 people from Canada because of their involvement in war crimes or crimes against humanity.
Canada's War Crimes Program investigates potential cases of war crimes and crimes against humanity. It has recourse to a number of remedies to deal with persons involved in atrocities, whether World War II cases or modern war crimes. These measures include denial of visas to such persons seeking to enter Canada, denial of refugee protection to those who do reach Canada, revocation of citizenship, deportation, criminal prosecution, extradition or surrender to an international tribunal.
Apprehending and dealing appropriately with individuals who have committed such crimes are international problems that require international cooperation and solutions. Canada is a leader among countries that have supported the work of international organizations including the International Criminal Court, the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. By sharing information and expertise, Canada can contribute to the success of other nations' war crimes programs and the international struggle against impunity.
Canada's War Crimes Program is a joint initiative of the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Department of Justice and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. These organizations work together to support Canada's efforts to deny safe haven to war criminals and perpetrators of crimes against humanity and genocide.
The Annual Report on Canada's War Crimes Program provides information on the program's activities during the past fiscal year. The 2004-2005 Annual Report is available on the Internet at www.cbsa.gc.ca. Previous Annual Reports can also be found on the Canada Border Services Agency site.
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See Also:
Fact Sheet: 2004-2005 Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Annual Report
Eighth Annual Report: 2004-2005
For media information
Marc Chalifoux
Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Justice
(613) 992-4621
Media Relations
Department of Justice
(613) 957-4207
Alex Swann
Office of the Deputy Prime MinisterMinister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
(613) 991-2863
Media Relations
Canada Border Services Agency
(613) 957-6500
Stephen Heckbert
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 954-1064
Greg Scott
Media Relations
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 941-7028
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
"A" Division (Ottawa), (613) 993-8820 -
or National Public Affairs and Communication Services, (613) 993-2999
