Letter of the Hon. Flora MacDonald, WFC President, to the Prime Minister

Right Hon. Jean Chrétien,
Prime Minister of Canada
October 11, 2001

Dear Prime Minister Chrétien,

The World Federalists of Canada is a non-governmental, membership organization, which has for fifty years concerned itself with issues of peace, international law, justice and global governance.

In response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, we have called publicly for a continuing determined effort on the part of the international community to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

We would further emphasize that national responses to this crime must be fully consistent with states' obligations under international law, including especially, but not limited to, the Charter of the United Nations and the laws and customs applicable in international armed conflict (i.e. the "Laws of War"). We support the current military campaign insofar as it represents a measured effort to root out terrorists and their state sponsors and is carried out in conformity with international legal norms (i.e. respecting targeting of civilians in times of armed conflict).

We are particularly concerned with two important dimensions of the current crisis, one humanitarian, the other legal.

(1) HUMANITARIAN DIMENSION

The U.S.-led international coalition's response to the September 11 attacks promises a humanitarian component, including delivery of aid. If we are to avoid a situation where the Afghan people are to pay the price for crimes reportedly committed by their political leaders and the al Qaeda terrorist networks, the humanitarian dimension is of critical importance. It must be effective, and in Afghanistan, that is not an easy task.

In the short term, there is a pressing need for a massive effort to help hundreds of thousands of hungry and displaced Afghan citizens survive the winter. NGOs must play an essential role. We urge the Government of Canada to play a leadership role in relieving the increasingly desperate conditions
for internally displaced persons and in neighboring refugee camps. To do this, the government and the corporate and private sectors must substantially increase their contributions to these relief operations.

In the long term, there is an obvious need for careful consideration of the modalities of post-conflict reconstruction. Political reconstruction in Afghanistan should include the possibility of a United Nations trusteeship role. A sustained commitment to community development is essential. Once again, NGOs can and should play an essential role.

(2) INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL LAW

The terrible crimes of September 11 - crimes against humanity - demonstrate the need for a more thorough international response to terrorism. One important element in future efforts to address terrorist threats should include a fundamentally strengthened system of international criminal justice. In this context, we commend Canada's continued support for the early establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC). We are reinforced in our resolve as a nongovernmental organization to continue our longstanding efforts toward this goal.

The Rome Statute for an ICC codifies international law, thereby contributing to this much needed emerging global system of international justice. Furthermore, "ICC crimes" (genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity) are also being incorporated in national legislation in a growing number of states, as well as a variety of UN-created ad hoc tribunals with national or regional jurisdiction. This evolution of an international criminal jurisdiction will be an important part of the world's long term response to non-state threats to international security such as the September 11 terrorist attack.

Creative applications of law and diplomacy can lead to circumstances where the perpetrators of the September 11 attacks would be tried before an appropriate international tribunal. Such a tribunal may be a creation of the UN Security Council, an ad hoc chamber of the International Court of Justice, or some other appropriately mandated body. We urge that high priority be given to the continued exploration of such legal remedies.

Finally, we are mindful that times such as these call for increased efforts to promote inter-racial tolerance and understanding, in Canada and the world. We appreciate the efforts that have been made in this regard and suggest that this be made an ongoing government priority.

World Federalists of Canada will continue to strive for institutions of global justice and democracy that can respond to diverse voices in our world community. These are vital tools in creating the necessary conditions of social and economic justice, thereby addressing many of the root causes of terrorism and armed conflict.

We would welcome your response to these comments.

Sincerely,

Hon. Flora MacDonald
National President
World Federalists of Canada
 

See also: WFC and the ICC