Families of Slain Embassy Guards Seek Justice from Canada
Victims and their families appeal to Minister of Foreign Affairs for support
OTTAWA, June 20, 2018 /CNW/ - The families of Canada's 20 Embassy Guards killed or injured in a 2016 suicide bomb attack are appealing to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for help.
Exactly two years ago, on June 20, 2016, a bus carrying Canada's Embassy security team was struck by a suicide bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. Fifteen guards were killed and six guards and the driver were seriously injured. Only a fraction of insurance monies have been paid to the families.
"Canada has a duty to these brave guards and their families," said Joe Fiorante QC, a lawyer representing the families. "They wore the uniform. They wore the Canadian flag. But when they were killed and wounded in defense of our country, we turned our back on these people and their families."
Canada's Embassy Guards in Kabul were made up of former Gurkha (Nepalese) soldiers who are renowned for their training, bravery, selflessness and discipline, and have a long history serving in the British Army since the 19th century. It is common practice by embassies in conflict zones around the world to contract with companies that use Gurkha guards for security operations.
Canada is a signatory to the Montreux Document, which outlines the duties and responsibilities of governments to private security contractors and personnel. Unfortunately, Canada has not lived up to its international obligations, or its duty to the survivors and families of those that were killed.
"We were [the Canadian Embassy staff's] right hands...but when we were dying, they did not even bother to see us once," said Chet Sherchan, a Gurkha Guard that survived the terrorist attack.
"These guards protected Canadians from harm in one of the most dangerous places in the world," said Jamie Thornback, another lawyer working on behalf of the families. "We know that Canadians would want their government to do the right thing by ensuring Canada lives up to the promises made to these victims and their families."
In addition to the request to meet with the Minister, a lawsuit has been filed to protect the legal rights of victims and their families.
"It is our hope that the Canadian government will live up to its commitments with the same honour and resolve these guards did in defending its Embassy in Afghanistan," said Fiorante.
Canadians interested in learning more about Canada's Embassy Guards can visit these Facebook and Twitter accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/JusticeForCanadasGurkhas/
https://twitter.com/Justice4Gurkhas
SOURCE Campbell Strategies
News published on and distributed by:
