Thank you very much for the question. I'll start and others may have something they want to add.
I think it's absolutely critical to begin by underlining the principle that security and human rights are inextricably linked; that it isn't one or the other; that when it comes to our national security, we best ensure, enhance, and protect security by ensuring that we are at all times fully complying with human rights obligations; that it's not a separate goal and a separate objective. I think that needs to be our starting point.
Be it here in Canada, south of the border, or anywhere in the world where laws, policies, and practices have been or are being adopted in the name of security, in the name of countering terrorism, and that give a nod to torture or turn a blind eye to arbitrary detention or facilitate discrimination, those laws and policies are of course not only causing injustice, but they're also increasing insecurity.
When it comes to a particular case, obviously if there are concerns, if there's evidence, if there are allegations, no one here is suggesting that the government shouldn't take action. The action should be through the lawful processes that we expect of governments when there is a concern that someone's involved in criminality or terrorism, and that is almost always going to be through the criminal law process--charges, a fair trial, leading to conviction. That's the best way to ensure that human rights are protected. It's also the best way to ensure security is protected.
Deportation often is just setting a person free. Be it in Canada or elsewhere around the world, we've documented for years a far too common practice that suspected terrorists or individuals suspected of committing serious human rights abuses of another description are simply being deported, and then walking away scot-free at the other end of the plane. There is no justice and the security risk continues.