NEWS RELEASES

August 14, 2000 (5:00 p.m. EDT) No. 201

CANADA SUPPORTS CREATION OF SPECIAL COURT

FOR SIERRA LEONE

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed Canadian support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 1315, which authorizes the UN Secretary-General to negotiate with the Government of Sierra Leone the establishment of a special court to bring to justice those who commit crimes against humanity, war crimes and other serious violations of international humanitarian and Sierra Leonean law.

"Canada is committed to ensuring accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law, as evidenced by our ongoing support for the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda and our leadership role in the establishment of the International Criminal Court," said Mr. Axworthy. "Atrocities committed against civilians in Sierra Leone must not go unpunished. We would like to see the creation of a court that would promote a rapid delivery of justice and provide long-term capacity building potential for the judicial system in Sierra Leone."

The Minister also noted that bringing to justice those guilty of such crimes would go a long way in promoting national reconciliation and healing in Sierra Leone.

In a letter he sent to Secretary-General Kofi Annan on June 12 of this year, Sierra Leonean President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah requested UN participation in the creation of a special court to bring to justice those responsible for committing crimes against the people of Sierra Leone and for the taking of UN peacekeepers as hostages.

The Secretary-General will present a report in 30 days, outlining the results of his negotiations with the Government of Sierra Leone and providing recommendations on details such as where the court will sit if the security situation deteriorates in that country; how the appeals chamber will work; and what kind of participation, support and technical assistance will be required from the international community.

The court will be financed through voluntary contributions of funds, equipment, services and expert personnel from countries around the world.

Canada stands ready to support the court and will be consulting with the UN and the Government of Sierra Leone to determine how we can be of assistance.

The eight-year civil war in Sierra Leone reignited in early May when rebel elements attacked and seized UN personnel and resumed hostilities against the Government of Sierra Leone. This brought an end to ten months of relative calm following the signature of the Lomé Peace Agreement on July 7, 1999. The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), which was mandated to assist in the implementation of the Agreement, is now engaging in robust peacekeeping with a view to reasserting government control over the territory of Sierra Leone.

Since 1999, Canada has contributed over $19 million to the restoration of a durable peace in Sierra Leone, through the provision of food aid, medical assistance and shelter, and support for demobilization, disarmament and reintegration, as well as various peacebuilding activities. The main beneficiaries of Canadian assistance have been refugees, internally displaced people and war-affected children, including amputees.

Canada is also providing support for civil-society sponsored activities aimed at building a culture of peace in a democratic society. Five Canadian military observers are currently in Sierra Leone with UNAMSIL. In addition, Canada is making a significant contribution to military training by providing, for example, assistance in the form of non-lethal equipment, and in facilitating the deployment of UN forces.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874