Close X
Thursday, November 14, 2024
ADVT 
National

Canada calls for ICC investigation of Russia

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Mar, 2022 10:43 AM
  • Canada calls for ICC investigation of Russia

OTTAWA — Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says Canada wants the International Criminal Court to speed up its investigation into Russia for possible war crimes because of its invasion of Ukraine.

Joly announced Canada's intent in Geneva Tuesday after she and other Western officials walked out in the middle of the address by their Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

On Monday, ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan issued a statement saying he had decided to open an investigation because he found there was a reasonable basis to believe war crimes and alleged crimes against humanity have been committed in Ukraine.

Joly's announcement could speed up the pace of an ICC investigation.

Khan said that because Ukraine is not a party to the Rome Statute that governs the court it "cannot itself refer the situation" to his office. He noted Ukraine has accepted the ICC's jurisdiction in the past "over alleged crimes under the Rome Statute occurring on its territory."

"An alternative route set out in the statute that could further expedite matters would be for an ICC state party to refer the situation to my office, which would allow us to actively and immediately proceed with the office's independent and objective investigations," said Khan.

Canada is a state party and founding member of the ICC and the Rome Statute.

"Today also Canada will petition the International Criminal Court of justice against Russia, for crimes against humanity and war crimes. And it was also important for us to show that we're steadfast in terms of our support," Joly said Tuesday in Geneva.

Joly said she and her fellow diplomats walked out on Lavrov to send a message to Russia over the invasion.

"Minister Lavrov was being broadcast and giving his version, which is false about what is happening in Ukraine," said Joly.

Lavrov, along with Russian President Vladimir Putin, have been sanctioned by Canada and their allies for their role in orchestrating what is described as an illegal attack on a sovereign country.

Joly was leaving Geneva and headed to Poland later Tuesday for meetings with her counterparts there to address the Ukrainian refugee exodus and oversee the delivery of Canadian military aid.

She is expected to travel to Poland's Ukraine border later this week.

MORE National ARTICLES

Attempted robbery in Richmond involves snatching of a senior's purse

Attempted robbery in Richmond involves snatching of a senior's purse
One of the occupants of the SUV tried pulling her inside the vehicle and stealing her purse. The suspect or suspects then fled in this vehicle after their attempt was unsuccessful.

Attempted robbery in Richmond involves snatching of a senior's purse

A look at the Omicron subvariant BA.2

A look at the Omicron subvariant BA.2
BA.2 was detected in Canada as early as December, according to Health Canada data, but a report last week from the B.C. COVID-19 modelling group suggests the newer Omicron strain could be spreading faster in parts of the country than the current dominant version, BA.1.

A look at the Omicron subvariant BA.2

Alberta budget set to rebound on high oil prices

Alberta budget set to rebound on high oil prices
 It's budget day in Alberta, and Premier Jason Kenney says there will be a massive infusion of money for the health-care system. Kenney says the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a system that has too few hospital beds, labs and intensive care spaces.

Alberta budget set to rebound on high oil prices

Trudeau condemns Russia's attack on Ukraine

Trudeau condemns Russia's attack on Ukraine
Trudeau said he would be meeting Thursday with G7 partners and would work quickly with NATO and Canada's allies "to collectively respond to these reckless and dangerous acts, including by imposing significant sanctions in addition to those already announced."

Trudeau condemns Russia's attack on Ukraine

Ottawa approves made-in-Canada COVID vaccine

Ottawa approves made-in-Canada COVID vaccine
Health Canada says its effectiveness and safety in those under 18 and over 64 have "not yet been established." Clinical trials suggested the vaccine was 71 per cent effective in protecting against COVID-19 one week after the second dose. The dosing schedule is 21 days apart.

Ottawa approves made-in-Canada COVID vaccine

Joly calls Russian envoy on carpet over Ukraine

Joly calls Russian envoy on carpet over Ukraine
The meeting at the Lester B. Pearson Building in Ottawa took place as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was meeting virtually Thursday with G7 partners to discuss a response. Trudeau said before the meeting that Russia’s actions will be met with severe consequences.

Joly calls Russian envoy on carpet over Ukraine