Published by Senator Roméo Dallaire on 19 August 2008
I was very disappointed to see that my honourable colleague, Conservative Senator Consiglio DiNino, has mistaken a question of statesmanship and fundamental rights for a partisan political squabble (Re: Dallaire's outrage in Khadr case "selective," Aug. 7).
My colleague says I insult the intelligence of Canadians when I ask that a former child soldier be treated in accordance with international law. In fact, I am doing the opposite. I am trusting Canadians to see beyond the superficial aspects of Omar Khadr's case and to recognize that his treatment violates international law and sets a precedent that will endanger thousands of child soldiers around the world.
Both Canada and the United States have signed the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, which prohibits the recruitment of children by armed groups, and provides for their reintegration and rehabilitation, not prosecution.
Instead of dwelling on the personal failings of Omar Khadr's parents, brothers and sisters, I have tried to remind Canadians that this is a question of child rights, not politics. It is easy to harbour reservations about the Khadr family. It is politically convenient not to move beyond a gut reaction to their most objectionable beliefs.
In cases such as this, it requires intelligence, compassion, and a true willingness to see the "big picture" to remember that all children have inalienable rights, even if their families, or they themselves, have done things we disapprove of.
In a speech on my motion in the Senate on May 27, Senator DiNino told me he cares about the rights of child soldiers and understands why I have taken up this pressing international issue. Two months later, he claims my position on Omar Khadr is "selective and convenient" and designed to "score cheap political points."
It is saddening to see that my honourable colleague is unable or unwilling to recognize that Guantánamo is home to an illegal process. I ask the government to respect Canada's international obligations and adhere to their own commitments on the use of children in armed conflicts instead of confusing the issue with ill-judged partisan attacks.