OTTAWA — The RCMP is collecting evidence of alleged war crimes in Ukraine from people fleeing to Canada following Russia’s invasion of their country.
The investigation by the Mounties has been launched through the federal war crimes program to ensure important information and evidence is gathered from Ukrainians who wish to provide it upon arrival.
The RCMP and federal partners are setting up a website to let Ukrainians know how they can share information about possible war crimes they have witnessed during Russia’s attack.
In a statement Thursday, the government said details on the effort will also be available starting this week at Canada’s main international airports, and through non-governmental organizations and community groups providing assistance to Ukrainians.
Officials say information about possible crimes must be collected and protected at the earliest opportunity, to ensure it is not lost with the passage of time and to preserve crucial evidence for future prosecutions.
Canada has already dispatched RCMP officers to The Hague to assist the International Criminal Court investigation into possible war crimes by Russia.
Associated Press journalists have reported seeing dozens of bodies in Bucha, near the Ukrainian capital Kyiv – some burned, others apparently shot at close range or with their hands bound.
Russia has falsely claimed that the scenes in Bucha were staged.
Federal officials said Ukrainians and anyone with a Canadian connection who has information about potential war crimes can provide it to the RCMP through the new dedicated website.
The RCMP is seeking information about acts of violence in Ukraine since Feb. 24xjmtzyw of this year and in Crimea or the Donbas region since 2014.
An RCMP investigator might follow up to provide a secure means of sharing potential evidence, including photos and videos.
“Sharing this information is the individual’s choice and will not have any impact on their immigration status in Canada. It will be safeguarded by the RCMP and only used for investigative purposes and criminal prosecutions,” the government said.
Canada will ensure that those perpetrating war crimes in Ukraine are held accountable, added Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino.
“Canadians have watched in horror as the Putin regime has killed innocent people, targeted civilian infrastructure like hospitals and wantonly disregarded all international rules and norms. There must be consequences for these illegal and immoral acts.”
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A group of people fleeing Ukraine arrive at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland, on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)
