PRESS RELEASE
February 29th 2024
In a time when global accountability and the rule of law are more crucial than ever, it has become increasingly apparent that Canada’s commitment to enforcing its War Crimes Act is severely underfunded. This lack of support undermines not only Canada's role on the international stage but also the global fight against impunity for the most serious crimes.
No survivor of a war crime should have to witness war criminals freely walking the streets of Canada. Survivors of war crimes deserve justice and accountability.
As survivors of genocide, we, the Alliance of Genocide Victim Communities, understand the immense pain and suffering caused by war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. We have experienced the devastating consequences firsthand, and it is on behalf of all survivors that we make this urgent call.
The War Crimes Act should embody our nation's commitment to prosecuting and preventing grave offenses, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It represents a cornerstone of Canada’s dedication to international law and human rights. However, without adequate funding and resources, the Act cannot be implemented effectively, leaving perpetrators unchallenged and victims without justice.
We are deeply concerned that the current funding levels allocated for the investigation and prosecution of war crimes within Canada are insufficient. The financial neglect we witness hampers the ability of law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to carry out their duties under the Act. It restricts Canada’s capacity to contribute to international justice mechanisms and to hold those responsible for egregious crimes accountable.
The Alliance of Genocide Victim Communities also calls for a comprehensive review of the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act. It is distressing to our communities that this act has not been used to prosecute war criminals in ten years. We urge the Canadian Government to undertake a review of how the department is run and how the budget is allocated.
Survivors like us deserve justice, and it is with great urgency that we, the Alliance of Genocide Victim Communities, along with our partners in human rights advocacy, call upon the Government of Canada to significantly increase the funding and resources dedicated to the enforcement of the War Crimes Act. It is imperative that Canada strengthens its legal framework to ensure that it can effectively address and prevent war crimes and related violations.
Enhanced funding would enable:
The expansion of investigations into war crimes and related offenses, ensuring that Canada does not become a haven for perpetrators.
Increased support for victims and witnesses, providing them with the necessary protection and assistance to participate in the justice process.
Strengthened international cooperation, allowing Canada to work more effectively with other nations and international bodies to prosecute war crimes.
We believe that Canada's commitment to justice should be reflected in the effective use of the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, not just for deportation or refusal of entry, but for prosecution. The fact that the War Crimes Unit, responsible for prosecutions under the Act, has not received a budget increase since their establishment, not even to keep pace with inflation, is confounding.
As survivors, we have carried the burden of our past experiences for far too long. In the spirit of upholding human rights and international law, we urge the Canadian government to reaffirm its commitment to the War Crimes Act by providing it with the financial resources it desperately needs. Doing so will not only reinforce Canada’s stance against impunity but will also contribute to the global effort to ensure justice for the victims of the most heinous crimes.
Urgent Call for Enhanced Funding and Support for Canada’s War Crimes Act Enforcement On Behalf of Survivors of Genocide
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For further information, please contact:
Joanne M Hodges 416.827.7823, joanne.m.hodges@gmail.com
Further reading:
Why has Canada’s war criminal unit not published a report in over 8 years? Global News https://globalnews.ca/news/10309399/canada-war-crimes-program-status/
AGVC Petition:
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