Omar Khadr: Repatriation to Canada is the only option!
Updated: 29 January 2010
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Protesters march to demand the repatriation of Omar Khadr on 26 July 2008.
Copyright Amnesty International
On January 29, 2010, the Supreme Court of Canada unanimously declared that Omar Khadr’s human rights had been violated. The Court found that Canada “actively participated in a process contrary to Canada’s international human rights obligations and contributed to Mr. Khadr’s ongoing detention” in violation of section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Though the Court opted not to suggest a specific remedy – such as seeking Omar Khadr’s repatriation to Canada from Guantánamo Bay – it is nonetheless clear that the Court expects the government to respond in some way. Continued inaction is not an option.
Only 15-years-old at the time of his capture by US forces in Afghanistan in the summer of 2002, Omar Khadr was transferred to Guantánamo Bay shortly afterwards. He is one of the detainees currently designated for transfer to military detention on the US mainland. His military commission trial is scheduled to start in July 2010. Despite reforms announced by the Obama administration in 2009, these military trials still fall far short of international human rights standards.
A request for repatriation continues to be the most effective remedy on the table. The Canadian government has never identified any other equally effective action which would address the past and current human violations in this case.
It is time for Prime Minister Harper to ask President Obama for Omar Khadr’s repatriation to Canada.
Note: If you have signed an earlier version of this action, please adapt the message below and send your email directly to the Prime Minister at pm@pm.gc.ca.
TAKE ACTION:
Step 1 : Send an email to Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada:
Dear Prime Minister Harper,
On January 29, 2010, the Supreme Court of Canada unanimously declared that Omar Khadr’s human rights had been violated under section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. While no specific remedy was put forward, it is clear that continued inaction by the Canadian government is not an option.
Omar Khadr has endured over seven years of unlawful detention and harsh treatment in Guantánamo Bay. He now faces continued military detention and a trial by military commission which, despite some reforms, still falls far short of international human rights standards. Repatriation remains the only effective remedy in this case.
It’s time to bring Omar Khadr back to Canada. For a fair trial if there is sufficient and admissible evidence. For rehabilitation and reintegration into Canadian society. And for the sake of equality and justice for everyone – without exception.
Add your own comment about the need for justice in the case of Omar Khadr:
Step 2: Invite your friends to join you in this appeal for justice