2002-34

CANADA'S WAR CRIMES PROGRAM SUCCESSFULLY TARGETS WAR CRIMINALS

OTTAWA, October 11, 2002 -- The Honourable Denis Coderre, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, along with the Honourable Martin Cauchon, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today released the Government of Canada's fifth Annual Report on Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes. The report details the progress of Canada's War Crimes Program from April 1, 2001, to March 31, 2002, in bringing to justice war criminals and those who have committed crimes against humanity.

"The fifth annual report illustrates our commitment to the Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes Program while demonstrating our resolve to ensure Canada is not a safe haven for war criminals," said Minister Coderre. "Actions are being taken to prevent suspected war criminals from entering Canada, and to ensure that such individuals who are detected in Canada are removed in a timely manner."

"Canada was the first country to enact comprehensive legislation to implement the International Criminal Court with the Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes Act," said Minister Cauchon. "This Act will facilitate the criminal prosecution of individuals who are suspected of having committed reprehensible acts during times of conflict anywhere in the world. The fifth annual report highlights our continuing commitment to work jointly with international and domestic partners to ensure that individuals who have committed such crimes are brought to justice."

Canada has undertaken significant measures to break the cycle of impunity enjoyed by people who have committed crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide. Apprehending and dealing appropriately with individuals who have committed such crimes are international matters that require international cooperation and solutions. Canada is among the leading countries that have supported the creation of new international organizations, such as the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, and it continues to work closely with its partners throughout the international community.

The Canadian government has made a commitment that Canada will not be a safe haven for war criminals or individuals who have committed crimes against humanity or other reprehensible acts. Procedures are in place to prevent suspected war criminals from entering the country, and to ensure that such individuals who are detected in Canada do not benefit from our protection and are removed in a timely manner. Alternatively, in appropriate circumstances, the government may consider revocation of citizenship and subsequent deportation due to misrepresentation when immigrating to Canada. Extradition may be considered if a request is made by another country or one of the international tribunals. Finally, criminal prosecutions in Canada may be initiated if there is sufficient evidence.

This past fiscal year, 445 individuals were denied entry to Canada because there were reasonable grounds to believe they had committed war crimes or crimes against humanity or because they were senior members of regimes that engaged in terrorism or gross human rights violations. Canada has removed 46 such individuals this past year under the Immigration Act.

The 18th revocation and deportation case, concerning an individual alleged to have committed war crimes during World War II, was commenced during the past year. In addition, there are ongoing investigations into possible criminal prosecutions under the Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes Act.

Canada will continue to work effectively with the international community in a concerted effort to bring perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity to justice.

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For more information

The fifth annual report of the War Crimes Program can be found on the Internet at
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pub/war2002/index.html

For a copy of the fifth annual report of the War Crimes Program, call Citizenship and Immigration Canada at (613) 954-9019 or the Department of Justice Canada at (613) 957-4222.

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