As a consequence of a book documenting the political situation in his country, he was imprisoned by the government authorities and subjected to cruel treatment including ingestion of poisonous materials which came close to killing him. As a consequence, he required medical treatment and support in Canada. Canada has recognized the need for this by contributing to the international fund for victims of torture which finances, among others, the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture. Unfortunately, Canada's sensitivity to the special needs of victims of torture stops there. Mohammed had to proceed to landed immigrant status in order to have his wife and child join him in Canada.
Family separation is particularly inappropriate for a victim of torture.
Protracted and uncertain procedures coupled with family separation cause recurring symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder. Re-traumatizing a torture victim is equivalent of keeping their wound open. ICCR believes that to knowingly cause this situation would constitute cruel or inhuman or degrading treatment - prohibited under international human rights obligations. On June 27,1997 Mohammed applied for landed status and for his wife and child to join him. Yet he was worried.