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Report on – 33rd IC Resolution 4: Restoring Family Links while respecting privacy, including as it relates to personal data protection (33IC/19/R4) – Government of Canada

Has your State/National Society/Institution incorporated the commitments contained in this resolution into the relevant strategic or operational plans?

Yes

The commitments are incorporated into:
Policy
Operational plan

At the International, National level

Explanation:

Canada is a strong supporter of the ICRC’s mandate to help reconnect separated families and address the issue of missing persons, including through the Central Tracing Agency. Canada also works closely with the Canadian Red Cross and the Movement more broadly, employing the Family Links Network to unite family members. 

Canada is a donor to the International Commission on Missing Persons, whose mandate is to work with governments, civil society organizations, justice institutions, international organizations and families throughout the world to address the issue of persons missing as a result of armed conflict, human rights abuses, disasters, migration and other causes. 

Canada has also endorsed the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers, currently supported by over 100 states. One of its commitments is that “Children should have the right to maintain contact with their family through correspondence and visitors, except in exceptional circumstances.” 

Has your State/National Society/Institution been working with other partners to implement the commitments contained in this resolution?

Yes

Partner with:
National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in your country
ICRC/IFRC
Other National Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies

Examples of cooperation:

The Government of Canada has worked with the ICRC and CRC to expand RFL general eligibility/acceptance criteria to address enquiries about Canadian citizens detained or unaccounted for in the context of armed conflict (including family members allegedly arrested/detained in connection to the armed conflict), provided there is an ICRC Delegation or National Society in the country concerned delivering RFL services. 

Have you encountered any challenges in implementing the commitments contained in this resolution?

No

Have the commitments contained in this resolution had an impact on the work and direction of your State/National Society/Institution?

Yes

Type of Impact:
Cooperation between Government/public authorities and National Society has been strengthened

Details about the impact:

As noted above, the Government of Canada has worked with the ICRC and CRC to expand RFL general eligibility/acceptance criteria to address enquiries about Canadian citizens detained or unaccounted for in the context of armed conflict (including family members allegedly arrested/detained in connection to the armed conflict), provided there is an ICRC Delegation or National Society in the country concerned delivering RFL services. 

Have the commitments contained in this resolution had an impact on the communities that your State/National Society/Institution serves?

No