Statement of the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims on the Amendment of International Rules Following Six Years of Advocacy efforts.

The safety investigation into the downing of Flight PS752 on January 8, 2020, in Tehran was relegated to the Islamic Regime in Iran. International regulations that had, for decades, served as the framework for responding to aviation disasters appeared inadequate and ineffective in addressing this crime. Under Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention, responsibility for leading the safety investigation rested with the State in which the tragedy occurred. As a result, while international organizations such as ICAO remained largely silent, the investigation into a mass murder was effectively placed in the hands of those responsible for it.

Now, after six and a half years of persistent efforts by the Association through extensive meetings with decision-makers and through the advocacy of the Government of Canada in international forums such as ICAO, international rules and Annex 13 will be amended.

According to a letter received by the Association from the Honourable Minister of Transport:

“The newly approved amendment highlights the importance of conducting a safety
investigation following an aircraft downing or similar act of unlawful interference. This is
important as there have been cases where a State opts not to proceed with a safety
investigation following an unlawful act.
Crucially, the amendment also explains the conflict-of-interest issues a State faces
following an aircraft downing and the steps they may take to protect the safety
investigation from said issues. For example, delegating the safety investigation to
another State and providing timely, verified factual information to the public. In doing so,
these amendments will help to ensure safety investigations are more credible and
transparent following an aircraft downing.

The amendment will come into effect for States in November 2028. This timeline
allows States time to align their domestic mechanisms with these changes.”

In the same letter to the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims, the Honourable Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon, acknowledged the families’ significant role in this achievement, stating:

“Thank you for your ongoing advocacy in response to Iran’s downing of Flight PS752.
This successful change to Annex 13 is another testament to your tireless efforts in
memory of your loved ones. They will never be forgotten.”

We believe that the Islamic Republic comits crimes with full awareness of such deficiencies in international law, and we are heartened by the fact that these corrective amendments will help prevent similar atrocities from being repeated in the future.

Our mission is not limited to seeking justice for our loved ones. It also includes ensuring the safety of human life in the future. Until truth and justice are achieved, we will neither forget, nor forgive the killers of our loved ones.