Commissioner’s statement regarding the RCMP’s support in the prosecution of war crimes by Russia in Ukraine

March 29, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario

Statement

The RCMP, through its participation in Canada's Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program, is exploring options to support criminal accountability for allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The RCMP has long supported Canada's commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate allegations of crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide around the world. Under the framework of the Canadian Police Arrangement, the RCMP currently has personnel deployed to investigative teams with the ICC, and is preparing to increase our deployment of police officers and civilian analysts to the court following a request from the ICC.

Separately, the RCMP will advance its mandate as part of Canada's Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program (War Crimes Program) to investigate allegations of war crimes and/or crimes against humanity with respect to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in cooperation with our partners at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, and Justice Canada.

The RCMP has a long and proud tradition of supporting international policing efforts. In our role as managers of the Canadian Police Arrangement, the RCMP has deployed Canadian police officers to Ukraine since 2015 including the Canadian Police Mission in Ukraine (CPMU), which has been in place since 2016. Due to the Russian invasion, CPMU operations have been suspended.

Brenda Lucki
Commissioner

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