Calling for a Commission of Inquiry into Afghan Detainee Transfers

ICJC Executive Director Janine Lespérance joined 41 prominent Canadians, including former Prime Minister Joe Clark, the former Chair of the Security Intelligence Review Committee Ron Atkey, human rights lawyer (and past winner of the Tarnopolsky Award) Paul Champ, former Ambassador to the United Nations Stephen Lewis, and several other diplomats, academics, and human rights advocates in signing an open letter calling for a Commission of Inquiry into the transfer of hundreds of detainees to Afghan authorities during Canada’s military mission in Afghanistan. Detainees were transferred despite risks of torture, and credible evidence has demonstrated that many transfered detainees were indeed tortured. A public inquiry would help to clarify what happened during this time, and whether Canada flouted its obligations, including those under the UN Convention Against Torture, which Canada ratified in 1987.

Click here to learn more. Click here to read the open letter.