Kidnap and Torture on the High Seas: The Flotilla, the Law, and Accountability

The past year has seen an intensification of the civilian flotilla movement to break Israel’s siege on Gaza. Humanitarian aid flotillas are direct actions in response to governments’ failure to meet their international legal obligations to prevent and punish genocide. Israel has responded by illegally intercepting and attacking flotilla vessels, unlawfully detaining the participants on board, blocking their access to consular services, and subjecting them to torture and inhuman and degrading treatment, including acts of sexual violence.

This webinar examines these violations in the context of both international and Canadian law. Key topics to be explored include the Canadian government’s responsibilities and options for accountability under international and domestic mechanisms. Speakers will include Prof. Heidi Matthews (Osgoode Hall Law School), Ehab Lotayef (Canada Boat to Gaza), Safa Chebbi (Global Sumud Canada), and others.