International commission looks to ease fears over unmarked graves contract – CBC

Mar 15, 2023

UN Indigenous rights expert heard ‘numerous concerns’ about deal during official visit

The top official at the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) wants to ease concerns the organization’s contract with the federal government could compromise its independence as it works with Indigenous communities in Canada.

“I don’t have those concerns,” said Kathryne Bomberger, director-general of the Netherlands-based organization, told CBC News earlier this month.

Canada is paying the commission $2 million to offer Indigenous communities advice on unmarked burial sites tied to former residential schools, a deal some Indigenous leaders say they didn’t know about until it was announced.

Last week, United Nations Indigenous rights rapporteur José Francisco Calí Tzay said he heard “numerous concerns” about the arrangement during his 10-day official visit to Canada that ended March 10.

Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/icmp-un-concerns-unmarked-burials-1.6778594