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Torture in Iraq

Resolution number
13
Whereas
  1. The news about torture, murders and disappearance of prisoners in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay by American and coalition forces has shocked the conscience of the world and has led to widespread reaction in the USA and elsewhere.
  2. An Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, dealing with the mandate of the UN Committee against Torture to enter and monitor conditions in places of detention, has been adopted by the UN General Assembly and is ready for accession.
Therefore be it resolved

That the CCR write to the Prime Minister of Canada demanding that Canada:

  1. Make a public condemnation of torture in Iraq and Afghanistan by US and coalition forces, and ask for the US administration to:
    a) Adhere to the international legal instruments against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
    b) Train US military personnel and other enforcement official to adhere to these human rights standards.
    c) Allow outside inspection of US-controlled jails, detention centres and other facilities where persons are detained.
    d) Designate an independent ombudsperson to receive complains about torture and other human rights abuses.
  2. Accede to the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and encourage other countries – including and especially the USA – to do the same.
Working Group
Overseas Protection and Resettlement