The
Canadian Centre for International Justice works with survivors of genocide,
torture and other atrocities to seek redress and bring perpetrators to
justice. We also assist people with
close relationships to victims who died as a result of human rights violations
or who are unable to contact us on their own.
In particular, working
through appropriate domestic, foreign and international courts, and other
mechanisms, the CCIJ's mandate is to help ensure that individuals with a strong
connection to Canada who experienced serious human rights violations are able
to pursue justice against those who may have been responsible. This includes survivors of atrocities as well
as family or those with close relationships to victims.
The CCIJ seeks to ensure
that individuals present in Canada who are accused of responsibility for serious
human rights violations are held accountable and their victims recognized,
supported and compensated.
The CCIJ carries out this
work in close cooperation with, and for the benefit of, affected communities
and individuals in Canada and abroad, and endeavours to contribute to the
success of the international justice system as a whole. The CCIJ also works collaboratively with
domestic and international organizations and experts from a variety of fields
in the fulfillment of its goals.
The CCIJ has the following
primary objectives:
1) Providing information,
assistance and direction to survivors of human rights abuses and family and
friends of victims, carrying out or facilitating research and investigations of
such cases, and compiling cases to be brought to the attention of the Canadian
Government or other authorities;
2) Providing support to
government initiatives leading to the prosecution in Canada of torturers, war
criminals and perpetrators of other severe human rights abuses, and providing
support for other appropriate remedies;
3) Providing education
and training for legal professionals, civil society groups and the general
public in Canada about impunity as a critical human rights issue;
4) Serving as a resource
centre for anti-impunity initiatives launched across the country, including
access to Canadian and international jurisprudence and information regarding
Canadian law, policy and practice;
5) Providing support
for on-going law reform efforts aimed at strengthening the legal remedies available
in Canada for the victims of serious human rights abuses.
