Copyright 2008, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Originally published in Blakes Bulletin on International Trade, July 2008
The Canadian government has announced new restrictions on its relationship with Zimbabwe in response to the recent election in that country. Citing the findings of regional election observers, particularly those in a report by the Pan African Parliament Election Observation Mission, the government has condemned the actions in association with the recent election, which included violence towards, and intimidation of, the populace. The government describes these actions as illegal, finds that the election results are not credible, and views the Mugabe regime as illegitimate. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, David Emerson, describes the events surrounding the recent election as a "grave violation of human rights and democratic principles," and the election itself as neither free nor fair as a result.
On June 29, 2008, the government announced several immediate restrictions. The restrictions announced so far include:
- No aircraft registered in Zimbabwe is allowed to land in
or fly over Canada
- Travel, work, and study restrictions are to be placed
upon senior Zimbabwean officials, including government,
military, and police officials, and their families
- The ambassador to Zimbabwe is being summoned to convey
messages to her home government
- The prohibition against exporting military goods to
Zimbabwe is re-confirmed.
The government is calling on Canadian companies for support in the condemnation of the Mugabe regime, encouraging a voluntary divestment from Zimbabwe.
Canada has signalled that it intends to continue providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Zimbabwe. The government has stated that it intends to work with the other G8 nations in developing an integrated international response, and will be calling upon the UN Security Council, as well as the African Union, to condemn the election and respond accordingly. The UN Secretary-General has already decried the election as illegitimate. The U.S., which is expected to announce new sanctions against Zimbabwe, has also committed to pushing the Security Council to adopt further sanctions including an arms embargo and travel ban.
Depending on the Zimbabwe government's response to these international calls for action, the restrictions announced may be just the beginning. Importantly, these restrictions are described as "initial," thereby implying that additional measures may be implemented at a later date. The situation should be monitored closely as the Canadian and international responses develop.
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