“There is no greater responsibility of citizens in a democracy than to self-govern.  This includes becoming informed on critical issues and engaged in demanding of governments that they act honourably.  Human rights, at home and abroad, should be at the top of all of our policy lists, and this important series of public discussions is a call to action.”
Stephen Owen, Vice-President, External & Community Relations, University of British Columbia.

Transferring to Torture: Canada, Human Rights, and Detainees
Saturday, April 19th, 2008
Professor Byers will analyze the role of the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan within the context of applicable Canadian and international law including the Geneva Conventions, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Crimes against Humanities and War Crimes Act.  Dr. Byers will examine whether the Canadian practice of transferring people detained in Afghanistan to the custody of U.S. and/or Afghan authorities, thereby exposing them to the risk of torture, denial of due process or other abuses, violates these laws. Dr. Michael Byers holds the Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law at the University of British Columbia. Prior to 2005, he was Professor of Law and Director of Canadian Studies at Duke University; from 1996-1999 he was a Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford University. Professor Byers writes and teaches on issues of military force, terrorism, human rights, international law, and Canada U.S. relations. He is the author of War Law: Understanding International Law and Armed Conflict (Douglas & McIntyre), Custom, Power and the Power of Rules (Cambridge University Press) and Intent for a Nation: What is Canada For? (Douglas & McIntyre, June 2007). He is the editor of The Role of Law in International Politics (Oxford University Press) and United States Hegemony and the Foundations of International Law (Cambridge University Press). Dr. Byers is a regular contributor to the London Review of Books, Globe and Mail, and Toronto Star.

Security Integration and Rights Disintegration in the War on Terror

After 9/11, the United States pressured other states to integrate their police, intelligence and military with US security systems and policy. Canada has been in the forefront of complying states.  Maureen Webb will examine how measures such as Project AO Canada (which left Maher Arar and other Canadians exposed to torture), the Anti-terrorism Act, the Smart Border Agreement, the Security and Prosperity Partnership, the Safe Third Country Agreement, the Security Certificates system, global surveillance initiatives and the military mission in Afghanistan have resulted in Canada violating international legal obligations to refugees, immigrants, criminal suspects, prisoners of war and Canadian citizens. Ms Webb will discuss consequences for Canadians and the cost to democracy. 

Bush's War on the Rule of Law
Since 11 September 2001, the Bush administration has used the “war on terror” as an excuse for the illegal invasion other countries, torture, illegal spying on Americans, summary executions and willful killing, the Guantánamo Gulag and refusal to execute the law. Professor Cohn will analyze the six major ways the Bush gang has violated U.S. and international law. Professor Cohn will also discuss political responses and explain legal remedies

Marjorie Cohn lectures throughout the world and provides legal and political commentary on human rights and U.S. foreign policy.  She is president of the National Lawyers Guild and a professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law.  Professor Cohn’s books include Cowboy Republic: Six Ways the Bush Gang Has Defied the Law and Cameras in the Courtroom: Television and the Pursuit of Justice.  She is a contributing editor to Jurist, Guild Practitioner and MWC News, and a frequent columnist for AlterNet, HuffingtonPost, Counterpunch, CommonDreams, GlobalResearch, OpedNews, AtlanticFreePress, AfterDowningStreet, Buzzflash and ZNet.  Professor Cohn was named one of San Diego's top attorneys in academics for 2005 and 2006, and was awarded the 2007 Bernard E. Witkin, Esq. Award for Excellence in the Teaching of the Law. She has participated in delegations to Iran, Cuba, China, and Yugoslavia.

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The Development of International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law
Mme Claire L’Heureux-Dubé will trace the development of international human rights and humanitarian law from the early days of the League of Nations, to the formation of the United Nations and the historic signing of the UN Charter, to the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and on to the creation of the major human rights instruments and their incorporation into domestic legal systems around the world. She will relate the vision and legacy of those who strove through these law reforms, to create a better world based on peace and justice. 

The Honourable Claire L'Heureux-Dubé is an eminently distinguished Canadian jurist and an internationally respected lecturer on human rights.  Throughout her career, she has advocated for equality and justice. Mme L’Heureux-Dubé was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada in 1987, after having served for 14 years as a judge in the Quebec Superior and Appeal courts. Mme L’Heureux-Dubé’s contributions to Canadian jurisprudence and legal debate have been acknowledged by honorary doctoral degrees from 11 Canadian universites and many awards, including the Order of Canada and the National Order of Quebec. Since her retirement from the Supreme Court of Canada in 2002, she has been active in many human rights organizations and intiatives around the world.

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