**** RCMP Media Release
Canada’s investigation into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine
The RCMP is the only police force in Canada that can investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity. If you have come to Canada from Ukraine and have information about such crimes, the RCMP needs your help to secure evidence for future prosecutions.
Canada is aware of the serious allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This is a matter of grave concern, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has opened a national investigation into these allegations.
If you were a victim of or witness to possible war crimes, or crimes against humanity
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is aware that many Ukrainians coming to Canada or already in Canada may have witnessed or experienced potential war crimes and crimes against humanity while in Ukraine. If this applies to you, the RCMP wants to hear your account of what happened. Your information could contribute to future criminal cases against those responsible for such reprehensible acts.
War crimes and crimes against humanity include some of the most heinous acts committed across the globe. The RCMP takes all allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity very seriously. We are committed to investigating such allegations to the fullest extent of the law, and to holding those involved in such crimes accountable for their actions.
What we’ll do with your information
Rest assured that sharing information is your choice. The information will be safeguarded by the RCMP and only used for investigative purposes and criminal prosecutions.
Sharing information and potential evidence will not have any impact on your immigration status in Canada.
If you choose to share your information, the RCMP will review and analyze it carefully, and may contact you at a later date for follow-up.
The response to the conflict in Ukraine
Canada is collaborating with international partners, including the International Criminal Court, to further our common goal to seek accountability for these serious crimes. There is an international effort underway to collect information and preserve evidence of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Ukraine conflict, for potential future criminal prosecutions. As part of this effort, Canada has launched a national investigation into these allegations.
Role of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Royal Canadian Mounte Police (RCMP), through its participation in the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program, is the sole law enforcement entity in Canada responsible for investigating allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity with a Canadian connection. Recognizing that it takes time for perpetrators of the serious crimes in conflict situations to be identified, and the fact that the passage of time adds additional challenges to collecting evidence and gathering statements, the RCMP works diligently to capture information about conflict situations as early as possible, and to safeguard this information for future criminal investigations.
How to contribute to this national investigation
Please provide the following information: