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 [email protected].
TAKE ACTION:
Step 1 : Send an email to Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, using the following link to Amnesty’s web action:
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