Canada acts against Iranian regime"s actions on Sept. 15, 2024
- The Government of Canada has expanded measures against the Iranian regime due to its involvement in terrorism and human rights violations.
- Senior officials of the Iranian government are now inadmissible to Canada if they served from June 23, 2003, onwards, following the case of Zahra Kazemi.
- Canada remains committed to human rights and will not allow individuals responsible for abuses to find refuge within its borders.
On September 15, 2024, the Government of Canada announced expanded measures to hold the Islamic Republic of Iran accountable for its actions. This follows a history of the Iranian regime's involvement in terrorism and severe human rights violations, which prompted Canada to designate it as such under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in November 2022. The designation now includes any senior official who served in the Iranian government from June 23, 2003, onwards, marking a significant shift in Canada's approach to Iranian officials seeking entry into the country. The decision to amend the designation date was influenced by the case of Zahra Kazemi, an Iranian-Canadian photojournalist who was tortured and killed in custody in 2003. This change reflects Canada's commitment to ensuring that individuals responsible for human rights abuses will not find refuge within its borders. The Government of Canada has been taking incremental actions against Iran since 2010, including severing diplomatic relations and implementing sanctions. In June 2024, Canada further escalated its stance by listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is tasked with examining individuals seeking entry to Canada and investigating foreign nationals for admissibility. Those found inadmissible due to their association with the Iranian regime may face removal from Canada. The Canadian government emphasizes its unwavering commitment to human rights and justice for victims of terrorism. By reinforcing these measures, Canada aims to send a clear message that it will not tolerate the actions of the Iranian regime and will continue to work with international partners to hold it accountable for its violations of humanitarian and international law.