Second anniversary of Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations

February 15, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement to mark the second anniversary of the launch of the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations:

“Two years ago today, Canada launched the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations as part of an international effort to deter and put an end to the practice of arbitrary arrest, detention and sentencing of individuals for leverage over another state. 

“Canada is deeply grateful for the support of our partners, who share our commitment to upholding international human rights.  To date, 69 countries and the European Union have endorsed the declaration and stand together against this practice. However, there is still work to do.  On this, the second anniversary of the declaration, Canada calls on all countries that have not yet endorsed the declaration to consider doing so.

“Anyone, including people with dual citizenship, could become a victim of this cruel and unjust practice. The impacts on the lives of the victims and their families are extreme and long-lasting.

“We must continue to build our united front, reaffirming that arbitrary detention for leverage in state-to-state relations will not be tolerated anywhere in the world.  By working together, we can shine a light on and eventually end this unacceptable practice worldwide.”

Quick facts

• To date, 69 countries and the European Union have endorsed Canada’s declaration.
• The declaration is also supported by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, as well as by member states of the UN Human Rights Council, by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and by the G7.
• The declaration reaffirms established principles of human rights, the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
• Canada developed the Partnership Action Plan in May 2021 to extend the initiative beyond the declaration.
• The plan proposes a range of voluntary actions that states, organizations and members of civil society can take to deter arbitrary arrest, detention and sentencing in state-to-state relations and sustain momentum against those practices.

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