A conference entitled “Bridging Human Rights and National Security” was held at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law on October 17, 2003, co-sponsored by the Canadian Section of the International Commission of Jurists.

The conference was the result of a student-led initiative at the Faculty of Law. Over the last few months, several student members of the Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR) began working on a project designed to be a dialogue between Canadian and American law students on issues pertaining to the International Criminal Court, Human Rights, and Security. The conference focussed on two central questions: 1) Are our domestic and international responses to terrorism safeguarding national security and human rights in an effective manner? and 2) Can a bridge be established between human rights and national security, resulting in true human security?

The conference featured two moderated panel discussions and a keynote address by Mr. Alan Borovoy of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. The morning meeting focused on domestic issues and whether national security and human rights can be reconciled within the concept of human security. Speakers on this panel included ICJ Council member, Professor Errol Mendes (University of Ottawa), Mr. Ziyaad Mia (Muslim Lawyer’s Association), Ms. Hadar Harris (American University), Ms. Shirley Heafey (Commission for Complaints Against the RCMP) and Mr. Alex Neve (Amnesty International).

The afternoon discussion approached the subject from an international perspective, focusing specifically on whether multinational bodies such as the United Nations and the International Criminal Court have dealt effectively with the concept of human security. Speakers on this panel included Dean Claudio Grossman (American University), Mr. Jean-Louis Roy (International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development), Ms. Necla Tschirgi (International Peace Academy), Ms. Peggy Mason (Norman Patterson School of International Affairs), and Mr. Darryl Robinson (Department of Foreign Affairs).

ICJ Canada is supportive of CLAIHR, which has objectives similar to ours. This report was provided by Heather Watts and Amy Groothius, who are members of CLAIHR and ICJ Canada. Law students are encouraged to support both organizations.