RCMP issue statement on Human Rights Watch report

The RCMP will be taking time to review the Human Rights Watch report coming out of Saskatchewan.

The New York-based group wrote a 32-page report detailing 64 cases of alleged violent abuse. The alleged attacks were done by enforcement officers, according to interviewed Indigenous women and social workers.

The report says, “Human Rights Watch found evidence of a fractured relationship between law enforcement and indigenous communities…The legacy of settler colonialism and racist assimilation policies — particularly the residential school system — still overshadow the present-day dynamics between police and indigenous communities.”

In a statement, the RCMP said they are, “committed to participating fully in the implementation of the national reconciliation framework and supporting the Calls to Action resulting from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.”

They used ‘Call to Action 41’ as an example, where they are to provide full service to the Missing Indigenous Women’s Inquiry.

Related: MMIW CONFIRMS INQUIRY WILL CONTINUE THROUGH SUMMER

In the statement, the RCMP detailed ways in which their officers are being trained to include cultural awareness. It’s a wide list that includes expanded Indigenous training, de-escalation training for high pressured situations and appropriate female body searches.

The RCMP ended the statement with a reminder that police misconduct is serious. If you see a case of what you believe to be such an act, report it to either the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or the CRCC directly.

To see the full statement, click here.