Welcome to the CBA International Law Section!
The CBA International Law Section’s mandate covers all aspects of international law. We deal with issues in both private and public international law and how they relate to Canada. Our members get access to the latest resources, submissions, programs and articles. Watch for more details on our brown bag lunch series, including a March 1 session on the intersection of free trade agreements.
Canadian legal perspectives on the Rohingya refugee crisis
This September, the Canadian federal government expressed deep concern about the violence and displacement of more than 375,000 people in Myanmar since August 2017 and announced $2.55 million in urgent funding to UN agencies working in Myanmar and Bangladesh. About 60% of the refugees from Myanmar are children according to UNICEF Bangladesh.
Between 2006 and 2010, Canada resettled over 300 Rohingya refugees in B.C., Ont. and Que. However, in 2017, resettlement of Rohingya refugees in Canada remains low despite being one of the most persecuted groups in the world and other countries increasing their intake.
Myanmar is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, which creates the International Criminal Court. Some lawyers are suggesting that Aung San Suu Kyi’s honourary Canadian citizenship be reviewed and that her conduct could give rise to prosecution under the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, S.C. 2000, c. 24.
Is there an advocacy or other role for the national International Law Section or the CBA generally on this topic? Share your views.
Join our committees
We are looking for committee members and other volunteers. We value diversity and encourage young lawyers and members from a variety of practice settings, including in-house counsel, to join our committees:
- Public International Law and Private International Committees: Identify new and emerging topics of interest to NSIL members, develop and lead professional development programs and liaise with experts in related fields. Being a member of one of these committees allows you to set the agenda, make new professional connections, and plan events across Canada. Both committees involve participation in submissions to legislative and regulatory bodies on issues of current interest and reviewing, analyzing and commenting on proposed legislation, regulations and policy developments.
- Communications and Outreach Committee: Participate in developing strategies to engage NSIL’s members and create and disseminate international law content and event information.
Please contact the CBA International Law Section to join a committee.
Canadian International Lawyer (CIL)
We are currently seeking contributions to CIL Vol. 12(2), fall 2018, and later issues. CIL includes in-depth feature articles, case comments, up-to-date information on legal developments, and treaties of concern to Canadian lawyers, practice notes, opinions on controversial international legal issues, and book reviews. Next issue: February 2018.
Other news:
Call for Volunteers – CBA International Initiatives Project in East Africa
The CBA International Initiatives Supporting Inclusive Resource Development in East Africa (SIRD) project is seeking professionals with experience.
CCCA-ACCJE In-House Counsel World Summit
Beyond Borders: Business and Law in the Global Village Apr. 29 - May 1, 2018 Toronto.
The International Law Section Executive and I look forward to hearing from you.
Noemi Gal-Or
Chair, International Law Section