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{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = Kenneth "Ken" Watkin | name = Kenneth "Ken" Watkin
| honorific_prefix = ] | honorific_prefix = ]
| honorific_suffix = ], ], ] | honorific_suffix = ], ], ]
| image = | image =
| birth_name = | birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1954}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1954|11|3}}
| birth_place = ], Canada<ref name="forces1">{{cite web|url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/about-notresujet/bio/BGen-Ken-Watkin-eng.asp |title=Brigadier-General Ken Watkin, OMM, CD, QC &#124; National Defence and the Canadian Forces |publisher=Forces.gc.ca |date= |accessdate=June 28, 2010}}</ref> | birth_place = ], Canada<ref name="forces1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/about-notresujet/bio/BGen-Ken-Watkin-eng.asp |title=Brigadier-General Ken Watkin, OMM, CD, QC &#124; National Defence and the Canadian Forces |publisher=Forces.gc.ca |access-date=June 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617050234/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/about-notresujet/bio/BGen-Ken-Watkin-eng.asp |archive-date=June 17, 2010 }}</ref>
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|mf=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) --> | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|mf=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) -->
| death_place = | death_place =
| body_discovered = | body_discovered =
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| resting_place_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|display=inline,title}} --> | resting_place_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|display=inline,title}} -->
| monuments = | monuments =
⚫ | other_names =
| residence = ]<ref name="ottawacitizen1">{{cite web|last=Singer |first=Zev |url=http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/Israel+appoints+Ottawan+Gaza+flotilla+inquiry/3150235/story.html |title=Israel appoints Ottawan to Gaza flotilla inquiry |publisher=Ottawacitizen.com |date=June 14, 2010 |accessdate=June 28, 2010}}</ref>
| nationality = Canadian
| ethnicity =
| citizenship =
⚫ | other_names =
| known_for = Former ] of the ] | known_for = Former ] of the ]
| television = | television =
| education = | education =
| alma_mater =<nowiki></nowiki> | alma_mater =
*] (]; 1976), *] (]; 1976),
*] (]), and *] (]), and
*] (Visiting Fellow at the Human Rights Program) *] (Visiting Fellow at the Human Rights Program)
| employer = | employer =
| organization = | organization =
| notable_works =<nowiki></nowiki> | notable_works =
*, 8 ''Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law'' 3, 2007 *, 8 ''Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law'' 3, 2007
*, 2005 *, 2005
| style = | style =
| influences = | occupation =
| influenced = | years_active =
| agent = | height =
| occupation = | title =
| years_active = | term =
| home_town =
| salary =
| net_worth =
| height =
| weight =
| title =
| term =
| predecessor = Maj.-Gen. ] | predecessor = Maj.-Gen. ]
| successor = Brig.-Gen. B. Blaise Cathcart | successor = Brig.-Gen. B. Blaise Cathcart
| party = | party =
| movement = | movement =
| opponents = | opponents =
| boards = | boards =
| religion = | criminal_charge =
| criminal_charge = | criminal_penalty =
| criminal_penalty = | criminal_status =
| criminal_status =
| spouse = Maureen<ref name="forces1"/> | spouse = Maureen<ref name="forces1"/>
| partner = | partner =
| children = three daughters<ref name="forces1"/> | children = three daughters<ref name="forces1"/>
| parents = | parents =
| relations = | relations =
| callsign = | callsign =
| awards = | awards =
| signature = | signature =
| signature_alt = | signature_alt =
| website = | website =
| footnotes = | footnotes =
| misc =
}} }}
] '''Kenneth "Ken" Watkin''', ], ], ] (born in ], in 1954), was ] (JAG) of the ] from 2006 to 2010.<ref name="forces1"/> He was promoted to ] and appointed JAG effective April&nbsp;14, 2006, for a four-year term.<ref name="marketwire1">{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Appointment-of-New-Judge-Advocate-General-for-the-Canadian-Forces-588689.htm |title=Appointment of New Judge Advocate General for the Canadian Forces |publisher=Marketwire.com |date=April 10, 2006 |accessdate=June 28, 2010}}</ref> In that position he was the top legal advisor to Canada's Governor General, Defence Minister, and the Canadian Forces.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thestar.com/columnists/article/278876 |title=Judge advocate general not Canada's top military judge |publisher=The Toronto Star |date=November 22, 2007 |accessdate=June 28, 2010}}</ref> He is an expert on military law.<ref name="ottawacitizen1"/> ] '''Kenneth "Ken" Watkin''', {{Post-nominals|country=CAN|OMM|CD|KC}} (born 1954) is a ] lawyer, soldier and jurist. Watkin was ] (JAG) of the ] from 2006 to 2010.<ref name="forces1"/> He is an expert on military law.<ref name="ottawacitizen1">{{cite news |last=Singer |first=Zev |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/Israel+appoints+Ottawan+Gaza+flotilla+inquiry/3150235/story.html |title=Israel appoints Ottawan to Gaza flotilla inquiry |publisher=Ottawa Citizen |date=June 14, 2010 |access-date=June 28, 2010 |archive-date=March 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324102709/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/Israel+appoints+Ottawan+Gaza+flotilla+inquiry/3150235/story.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="pqarchiver1994">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/512408991.html?dids=512408991:512408991&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun+04%2C+1994&author=&pub=The+Spectator&desc=Rules+of+war+joked+about%2C+inquiry+told&pqatl=google |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102184450/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/512408991.html?dids=512408991:512408991&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun+04,+1994&author=&pub=The+Spectator&desc=Rules+of+war+joked+about,+inquiry+told&pqatl=google |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 2, 2012 |title=Rules of war joked about, inquiry told |publisher=The Toronto Star |date= June 4, 1994|access-date=June 28, 2010}}</ref>


He was promoted to ] and appointed JAG effective April 2006, for a four-year term.<ref name="marketwire1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Appointment-of-New-Judge-Advocate-General-for-the-Canadian-Forces-588689.htm |title=Appointment of New Judge Advocate General for the Canadian Forces |publisher=Marketwire.com |date=April 10, 2006 |access-date=June 28, 2010}}</ref>
⚫ On June 13, 2010, the Israeli government appointed Watkin to be one of two international observers serving on an Israeli commission of inquiry looking into the events surrounding an Israeli raid on the '']''.<ref>Barak Ravid, Haaretz, PMO officially announces internal Gaza flotilla raid probe panel, 14 June 2010 (accessed online).</ref>

⚫ In June 2010, the Israeli government appointed Watkin to be one of two international observers serving on an Israeli commission of inquiry looking into the events surrounding an Israeli raid on the '']''.<ref>Barak Ravid, ''Haaretz'', PMO officially announces internal Gaza flotilla raid probe panel, 14 June 2010 (accessed online).</ref>


==Early life and education== ==Early life and education==
Watkin is a non-identical triplet, along with a brother (Kerry) and sister (Kathy).<ref name="thewhig1">{{cite web|url=http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2622927 |title=Kingston man asked to join inquiry – The Whig Standard – Ontario, CA |publisher=Thewhig.com |date= |accessdate=June 28, 2010}}</ref> He and his siblings attended Loyalist Collegiate.<ref name="thewhig1"/> Watkin was born in ], a non-identical triplet, along with a brother (Kerry) and sister (Kathy); he also has an older brother (Robert).<ref name="thewhig1">{{cite news |url=http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2622927 |title=Kingston man asked to join inquiry |publisher=The Whig Standard |access-date=June 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617042116/http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2622927 |archive-date=June 17, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He and his siblings attended ].<ref name="thewhig1"/>


Watkin is a graduate of the ] (B.A., 1976) and ] Law School in ], where he received ] and ] degrees. From 2002 to 2003, Watkin was a Visiting Fellow at the Human Rights Program of ].<ref>{{cite web | title = Biography of Brigadier-General Ken Watkin | publisher = Government of Canada Department of National Defence | date = March 12, 2010 | url = http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/about-notresujet/bio/BGen-Ken-Watkin-eng.asp | accessdate = June 14, 2010}}</ref> Watkin is a graduate of the ] (B.A., 1976) and ] Law School in ], where he received ] and ] degrees. From 2002 to 2003, Watkin was a visiting fellow at the Human Rights Program of ].<ref>{{Cite web | title = Biography of Brigadier-General Ken Watkin | publisher = Government of Canada Department of National Defence | date = March 12, 2010 | url = http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/about-notresujet/bio/BGen-Ken-Watkin-eng.asp | access-date = June 14, 2010 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100617050234/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/about-notresujet/bio/BGen-Ken-Watkin-eng.asp | archive-date = June 17, 2010 }}</ref>


==Career== ==Career==
]]]

===Pre-JAG=== ===Pre-JAG===
⚫ Watkin served as a Canadian Forces legal officer, starting in 1982, for 24 years prior to his appointment to JAG. He was trial counsel at ] and appellate counsel before the Canadian Court Martial Appeal Court.<ref name="marketwire1"/><ref name="forces1"/> From 1993 on, he specialized in the field of operational law. He was counsel for a number of national and international investigations arising from the 1994 ] Genocide, and gave legal advice to Canadian commanders in ] and to the Canadian Navy during a ] dispute with Spain.<ref name="marketwire1"/><ref name="forces1"/> He has published widely on operational law, the ], discipline, and ].<ref name="marketwire1"/>


Ken Watkin started his career as an infantry officer in the Royal Canadian Regiment. His first tour of duty after graduating from The Royal Military College was with the Royal Canadian Regiment battalion in Gagetown New Brunswick.
⚫ ====Somalia shooting inquiry ====


⚫ Watkin served as a Canadian Forces legal officer, starting in 1982, for 24 years prior to his appointment to JAG. He was trial counsel at ] and appellate counsel before the ].<ref name="forces1"/><ref name="marketwire1"/> He worked as legal counsel on several investigations into the 1994 ], and counselled Canadian naval commanders in ] and during a fisheries dispute with Spain.<ref name="forces1"/><ref name="marketwire1"/> He has written papers on the topics of ], ], and military operational law.<ref name="marketwire1"/>
⚫ In the summer of 1994 when he was a Lieutenant-Colonel he wrote a legal review in which he said said there was reason to question the investigation by Canadian Airborne Regiment Battle Group Col. Serge Labbe of a March 4, 1993, shooting by his men of two Somalis who were shot in the back as they ran away from the Canadian compound in ].<ref name="pqarchiver1997">{{cite news|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/16823533.html?dids=16823533:16823533&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+07%2C+1997&author=By+Allan+Thompson+Toronto+Star&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Commander+may+have+tried+coverup%3A+memo&pqatl=google |title=Commander may have tried coverup: memo |publisher=The Toronto Star |date= |accessdate=June 28, 2010}}</ref> He also questioned Labbe's "openness in reporting to higher headquarters."<ref name="pqarchiver1997"/> Watkin's memo was later used in an inquiry regarding allegations that Labbe and others in the chain of command tried to obscure or downplay the shooting. One Somali died, and the other was injured.<ref name="pqarchiver1997"/>


⚫ ====Somalia shooting inquiry====
===As Judge Advocate General===
⚫ In the summer of 1994 when he was a Lieutenant-Colonel he wrote a legal review in which he questioned the conclusions of an investigation by ] Battle Group Col. Serge Labbe of an incident later known as the ], where two Somalis were shot while fleeing from the Canadian compound in ] on March 4, 1993. One of the men died.<ref name="pqarchiver1997">{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/16823533.html?Watkin%27s%20dids=16823533:16823533&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+07%2C+1997&author=By+Allan+Thompson+Toronto+Star&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Commander+may+have+tried+coverup%3A+memo&pqatl=google|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411172336/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/16823533.html?Watkin%27s%20dids=16823533:16823533&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+07%2C+1997&author=By+Allan+Thompson+Toronto+Star&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Commander+may+have+tried+coverup%3A+memo&pqatl=google|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 11, 2013|title=Commander may have tried coverup: memo |publisher=The Toronto Star |date= February 7, 1997|access-date=June 28, 2010}}</ref> He also questioned Labbe's "openness in reporting to higher headquarters."<ref name="pqarchiver1997"/> Watkin's paper, which concluded that the Canadian military had attempted a cover-up, was considered during the inquiry into the events of that day.<ref name="pqarchiver1997"/> Watkin testified that he was disturbed by comments made by Lt.-Col. Carol Mathieu, who was charged with negligent performance of duty for allegedly ordering soldiers to fire on looters. Watkin had been asked to brief the soldiers on the ]. He testified that Mathieu said, "All that doesn't matter, you just throw down some loose rounds".<ref name="pqarchiver1994"/>
The Judge Advocate General is the principal legal advisor to the Governor General, the Minister of National Defence, the Canadian Forces, and the Department of National Defence on military law matters.<ref name="marketwire1"/> The JAG also his responsible for the administration of military justice.<ref name="marketwire1"/> The JAG also has command over all Canadian legal officers who provide legal services, other than military judges.<ref name="marketwire1"/>


====Afghan detainee issue==== ====Afghan detainee issue====
]]]
In the ], Watkin as Judge Advocate General wrote a May 2007 memo to Canadian military brass (then-chief of defence staff Gen. ] and Lt.-Gen. ]) telling them that it would be a crime to ignore allegations of prisoner abuse and not investigate them.<ref name="thestar1">{{cite news|url=http://www.thestar.com/mobile/news/article/771198 |title=Military told to heed abuse claims |publisher=The Toronto Star |date=February 25, 2010 |accessdate=June 28, 2010}}</ref> He advised the Canadian Forces command that they could be "criminally negligent" if they were to transfer detainees to a risk of torture in Afghan hands. Watkin declined to answer questions on the basis of solicitor-client privilege when called to testify in Canada's House of Commons, saying that the privilege owed to the Government of Canada prevented him answering a number of the House's questions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/771661--detainee-affair-won-t-go-away |title=Detainee affair won't go away |publisher=The Toronto Star |date= |accessdate=June 28, 2010}}</ref><ref name="thestar1"/> Craig Scott, an ] professor of international ] law, said: "If there's this paper trail of good legal advice going against what the government is doing, it's even more likely (the federal government violated its obligations under international law)."<ref name="thestar1"/> In the ], Watkin as Judge Advocate General wrote a May 2007 memo to Chief of Defence Staff Gen. ] and Lt.-Gen. ] telling them that it would be a crime to fail to investigate allegations of prisoner abuse.<ref name="thestar1">{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/mobile/news/article/771198 |title=Military told to heed abuse claims |publisher=The Toronto Star |date=February 25, 2010 |access-date=June 28, 2010}}</ref> He advised the Canadian Forces command that they could be "criminally negligent" if they were to transfer detainees to a risk of torture in Afghan hands. Watkin declined to answer questions on the basis of solicitor-client privilege when called to testify in Canada's House of Commons, saying that the privilege owed to the Government of Canada prevented him answering a number of the House's questions.<ref name="thestar1"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/771661--detainee-affair-won-t-go-away |title=Detainee affair won't go away |publisher=The Toronto Star |date= February 26, 2010|access-date=June 28, 2010}}</ref> Craig Scott, an ] professor of international ] law, said: "If there's this paper trail of good legal advice going against what the government is doing, it's even more likely (the federal government violated its obligations under international law)."<ref name="thestar1"/>


===Turkel Commission of Inquiry === ===Turkel Commission of Inquiry===
] (green) and ] (orange)]] ] (green) and ] (orange)]]
{{details|Legal assessments of the Gaza flotilla raid}} {{further|Legal assessments of the Gaza flotilla raid}}
On June 14, 2010, he was appointed as an observer to the Israeli special independent public Turkel Commission of Inquiry into the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Zrahiya |first=Zvi |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israeli-members-of-flotilla-inquiry-panel-meet-for-first-time-1.296644 |title=Israeli members of flotilla inquiry panel meet for first time |publisher=Haaretz |date=June 17, 2010 |accessdate=June 17, 2010}}</ref><ref name="autogeneratedil"/> On June 14, 2010, he was appointed as an observer to the Israeli special independent public ] into the ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Zrahiya |first=Zvi |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israeli-members-of-flotilla-inquiry-panel-meet-for-first-time-1.296644 |title=Israeli members of flotilla inquiry panel meet for first time |publisher=Haaretz |date=June 17, 2010 |access-date=June 17, 2010}}</ref><ref name="autogeneratedil"/>


The Commission will investigate whether Israel's actions in preventing the arrival of ships in Gaza were in accordance with ].<ref name="autogeneratedil"/> It will focus among other things on the security considerations for imposing a ] on the Gaza Strip and the conformity of the naval blockade with the rules of international law; the conformity of the actions during the raid to principles of international law; and the actions taken by those who organized and participated in the flotilla, and their identities.<ref name="autogeneratedil">{{cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2010/Cabinet_to_approve_independent_public_commission_13-Jun-2010.htm |title=Cabinet asked to approve independent public commission |publisher=Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs |date=June 13, 2010 |accessdate=June 17, 2010}}</ref> The Commission investigated whether Israel's actions in preventing the arrival of ships in Gaza were in accordance with ].<ref name="autogeneratedil"/> Its focus was, among other things, on the security considerations for imposing a ] on the Gaza Strip and the conformity of the naval blockade with the rules of international law; the conformity of the actions during the raid to principles of international law; and the actions taken by those who organized and participated in the flotilla, and their identities.<ref name="autogeneratedil">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2010/Cabinet_to_approve_independent_public_commission_13-Jun-2010.htm |title=Cabinet asked to approve independent public commission |publisher=Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs |date=June 13, 2010 |access-date=June 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100622080542/http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2010/Cabinet_to_approve_independent_public_commission_13-Jun-2010.htm |archive-date=June 22, 2010 }}</ref>


Also on the Commission are former ] Justice ], Bar Ilan University Professor of International Law ], and former ] President ]. In addition, the Commission has two foreign observers, former ] of ] ], and Watkin, who will take part in hearings and discussions, but not vote on the final conclusions.<ref>, BBC</ref><ref>, Haaretz</ref> On the Commission were former ] Justice, ], and former ] President, ], as well as two other members added in July 2010. (], ] Professor of International Law, also served on the Commission from its establishment until his death on 21 September 2010.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/turkel-committee-member-shabtai-rosenne-dies-at-93-1.315062|title = Turkel Committee Member Shabtai Rosenne Dies at 93|newspaper = Haaretz}}</ref>) In addition, the Commission had two foreign observers, Watkin and former ] of ], ], who took part in hearings and discussions, but did not vote on the final conclusions.<ref>, BBC</ref><ref>, Haaretz, June 10, 2010</ref>


==Awards== ==Awards==

⚫ *Maritime Commander's Commendation<ref name="forces1"/>
*Appointed to the ] (2002)<ref name="forces1"/> *Appointed to the ] (2002)<ref name="forces1"/>
*Appointed ] (Q.C.) (2006)<ref name="forces1"/> *Appointed ] (Q.C.) (2006)<ref name="forces1"/>
⚫ *Maritime Commander's Commendation<ref name="forces1"/>
*2017 Francis Lieber Prize, American Society of International Law, Best Book on Law and Armed Conflict, Fighting at the Legal Boundaries: The Use of Force in Contemporary Conflict<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://everitas.rmcclub.ca/11027-ken-watkin-award-winning-author-on-the-international-stage/|title=11027 Ken Watkin award winning author on the international stage}}</ref>
*2008 Lieber Society Military Prize, American Society of International Law, for the article "Assessing Proportionality: Moral Complexity and Legal Rules"


==Select works== ==Select works==

===Books=== ===Books===
* The Law in War: A Concise Overview, Routledge, 2018, {{ISBN|9781138910478}}
⚫ *, Chapter in ''The war in Afghanistan: a legal analysis'', Michael N. Schmitt, Government Printing Office, 2009, ISBN 1884733646
* Fighting at the Legal Boundaries: Controlling the Use of Force in Contemporary Conflict, Oxford University Press, 2016, {{ISBN|9780190457976}}
⚫ *, Chapter in ''International law and armed conflict: exploring the faultlines'', Michael N. Schmitt, Jelena Pejic, Yôrām Dinšṭein, Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 2007, ISBN 9004154280
⚫ *, Chapter in ''The war in Afghanistan: a legal analysis'', Michael N. Schmitt, Government Printing Office, 2009, {{ISBN|1-884733-64-6}}
⚫ *, Kenneth Watkin, Harvard School of Public Health, Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research, 2005
⚫ *, Chapter in ''International law and armed conflict: exploring the faultlines'', Michael N. Schmitt, Jelena Pejic, Yôrām Dinšṭein, Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 2007, {{ISBN|90-04-15428-0}}
⚫ *, Kenneth Watkin, Harvard School of Public Health, Program on Humanitarian Policy and Conflict Research, 2005


===Articles=== ===Articles===
*, Kenneth Watkin, 42 ''NYU Journal of International Law and Politics'' 641, 2010 *, Kenneth Watkin, 42 ''NYU Journal of International Law and Politics'' 641, 2010
*, 8 ''Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law'' 3, 2007 *, 8 ''Yearbook of International Humanitarian Law'' 3, 2007
* Ken Watkin, 8.2 '']'' 66, Summer 2005 *, Ken Watkin, 8.2 '']'' 66, Summer 2005
*, Kenneth Watkin, 15 Duke Journal of Comparative & International Law 281, 2004–05 *, Kenneth Watkin, 15 Duke Journal of Comparative & International Law 281, 2004–05
*, Kenneth Watkin, '']'', 2004<ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=OeFu1nZVMEcC&pg=PA86&dq=Kenneth+watkin&hl=en&ei=lzEoTKizL8T6lwe29YWlCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=Kenneth%20watkin&f=false |title=War crimes and just war – Google Books |publisher=Books.google.com |date= |accessdate=June 28, 2010}}</ref> *, Kenneth Watkin, '']'', 2004<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/warcrimesjustwar0000mayl |url-access=registration |page= |quote=Kenneth watkin. |title=War Crimes and Just War |author=Larry May|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0-521-87114-3|year=2007 |access-date=June 28, 2010}}</ref>
* Kenneth Watkin, 3 ''Le Bulletin de Doctrine et d'Instruction de l'Armee de Terre'' 24, Winter 2000/Spring 2001 *, Kenneth Watkin, 3 ''Le Bulletin de Doctrine et d'Instruction de l'Armee de Terre'' 24, Winter 2000/Spring 2001


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}


== External links == ==External links==
* *
* *


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before=Maj.-Gen. ]| before=Maj.-Gen. ]|
after=Brig.-Gen. B. Blaise Cathcart| after=Brig.-Gen. B. Blaise Cathcart|
years=2006–10}} years=2006–10}}
{{end box}} {{S-end}}
{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 07:08, 28 July 2024

Brigadier GeneralKenneth "Ken" WatkinOMM, CD, KC
Born (1954-11-03) November 3, 1954 (age 70)
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Alma mater
Known forFormer Judge Advocate General of the Canadian Forces
Notable work
PredecessorMaj.-Gen. Jerry Pitzul
SuccessorBrig.-Gen. B. Blaise Cathcart
SpouseMaureen
Childrenthree daughters

Brigadier General Kenneth "Ken" Watkin, OMM CD KC (born 1954) is a Canadian lawyer, soldier and jurist. Watkin was Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Canadian Forces from 2006 to 2010. He is an expert on military law.

He was promoted to brigadier general and appointed JAG effective April 2006, for a four-year term.

In June 2010, the Israeli government appointed Watkin to be one of two international observers serving on an Israeli commission of inquiry looking into the events surrounding an Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara.

Early life and education

Watkin was born in Kingston, Ontario, a non-identical triplet, along with a brother (Kerry) and sister (Kathy); he also has an older brother (Robert). He and his siblings attended Loyalist Collegiate.

Watkin is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada (B.A., 1976) and Queen's University Law School in Kingston, Ontario, where he received Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws degrees. From 2002 to 2003, Watkin was a visiting fellow at the Human Rights Program of Harvard Law School.

Career

Skulls of victims of Rwandan genocide

Pre-JAG

Ken Watkin started his career as an infantry officer in the Royal Canadian Regiment. His first tour of duty after graduating from The Royal Military College was with the Royal Canadian Regiment battalion in Gagetown New Brunswick.

Watkin served as a Canadian Forces legal officer, starting in 1982, for 24 years prior to his appointment to JAG. He was trial counsel at courts-martial and appellate counsel before the Canadian Court Martial Appeal Court. He worked as legal counsel on several investigations into the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and counselled Canadian naval commanders in Bosnia and during a fisheries dispute with Spain. He has written papers on the topics of human rights, international humanitarian law, and military operational law.

Somalia shooting inquiry

In the summer of 1994 when he was a Lieutenant-Colonel he wrote a legal review in which he questioned the conclusions of an investigation by Canadian Airborne Regiment Battle Group Col. Serge Labbe of an incident later known as the Somalia Affair, where two Somalis were shot while fleeing from the Canadian compound in Belet Huen on March 4, 1993. One of the men died. He also questioned Labbe's "openness in reporting to higher headquarters." Watkin's paper, which concluded that the Canadian military had attempted a cover-up, was considered during the inquiry into the events of that day. Watkin testified that he was disturbed by comments made by Lt.-Col. Carol Mathieu, who was charged with negligent performance of duty for allegedly ordering soldiers to fire on looters. Watkin had been asked to brief the soldiers on the rules of war. He testified that Mathieu said, "All that doesn't matter, you just throw down some loose rounds".

Afghan detainee issue

General Rick Hillier

In the Canadian Afghan detainee issue, Watkin as Judge Advocate General wrote a May 2007 memo to Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Rick Hillier and Lt.-Gen. Michel Gauthier telling them that it would be a crime to fail to investigate allegations of prisoner abuse. He advised the Canadian Forces command that they could be "criminally negligent" if they were to transfer detainees to a risk of torture in Afghan hands. Watkin declined to answer questions on the basis of solicitor-client privilege when called to testify in Canada's House of Commons, saying that the privilege owed to the Government of Canada prevented him answering a number of the House's questions. Craig Scott, an Osgoode Hall Law School professor of international human rights law, said: "If there's this paper trail of good legal advice going against what the government is doing, it's even more likely (the federal government violated its obligations under international law)."

Turkel Commission of Inquiry

Routes of Gaza-bound flotilla (green) and Israeli Navy (orange)
Further information: Legal assessments of the Gaza flotilla raid

On June 14, 2010, he was appointed as an observer to the Israeli special independent public Turkel Commission of Inquiry into the Gaza flotilla raid.

The Commission investigated whether Israel's actions in preventing the arrival of ships in Gaza were in accordance with international law. Its focus was, among other things, on the security considerations for imposing a naval blockade on the Gaza Strip and the conformity of the naval blockade with the rules of international law; the conformity of the actions during the raid to principles of international law; and the actions taken by those who organized and participated in the flotilla, and their identities.

On the Commission were former Israeli Supreme Court Justice, Jacob Turkel, and former Technion University President, Amos Horev, as well as two other members added in July 2010. (Shabtai Rosenne, Bar Ilan University Professor of International Law, also served on the Commission from its establishment until his death on 21 September 2010.) In addition, the Commission had two foreign observers, Watkin and former First Minister of Northern Ireland, David Trimble, who took part in hearings and discussions, but did not vote on the final conclusions.

Awards

  • Appointed to the Order of Military Merit (2002)
  • Appointed Queen's Counsel (Q.C.) (2006)
  • Maritime Commander's Commendation
  • 2017 Francis Lieber Prize, American Society of International Law, Best Book on Law and Armed Conflict, Fighting at the Legal Boundaries: The Use of Force in Contemporary Conflict
  • 2008 Lieber Society Military Prize, American Society of International Law, for the article "Assessing Proportionality: Moral Complexity and Legal Rules"

Select works

Books

Articles

References

  1. ^ "Brigadier-General Ken Watkin, OMM, CD, QC | National Defence and the Canadian Forces". Forces.gc.ca. Archived from the original on June 17, 2010. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  2. Singer, Zev (June 14, 2010). "Israel appoints Ottawan to Gaza flotilla inquiry". Ottawa Citizen. Archived from the original on March 24, 2020. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  3. ^ "Rules of war joked about, inquiry told". The Toronto Star. June 4, 1994. Archived from the original on November 2, 2012. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  4. ^ "Appointment of New Judge Advocate General for the Canadian Forces". Marketwire.com. April 10, 2006. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  5. Barak Ravid, Haaretz, PMO officially announces internal Gaza flotilla raid probe panel, 14 June 2010 (accessed online).
  6. ^ "Kingston man asked to join inquiry". The Whig Standard. Archived from the original on June 17, 2010. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  7. "Biography of Brigadier-General Ken Watkin". Government of Canada Department of National Defence. March 12, 2010. Archived from the original on June 17, 2010. Retrieved June 14, 2010.
  8. ^ "Commander may have tried coverup: memo". The Toronto Star. February 7, 1997. Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  9. ^ "Military told to heed abuse claims". The Toronto Star. February 25, 2010. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  10. "Detainee affair won't go away". The Toronto Star. February 26, 2010. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  11. Zrahiya, Zvi (June 17, 2010). "Israeli members of flotilla inquiry panel meet for first time". Haaretz. Retrieved June 17, 2010.
  12. ^ "Cabinet asked to approve independent public commission". Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. June 13, 2010. Archived from the original on June 22, 2010. Retrieved June 17, 2010.
  13. "Turkel Committee Member Shabtai Rosenne Dies at 93". Haaretz.
  14. "Gaza flotilla inquiry panel members", BBC
  15. "Who's who on Israel's committee on the Gaza flotilla raid", Haaretz, June 10, 2010
  16. "11027 Ken Watkin award winning author on the international stage".
  17. Larry May (2007). War Crimes and Just War. Cambridge University Press. p. 86. ISBN 978-0-521-87114-3. Retrieved June 28, 2010. Kenneth watkin.

External links

Military offices
Preceded byMaj.-Gen. Jerry Pitzul Judge Advocate General
2006–10 		Succeeded byBrig.-Gen. B. Blaise Cathcart
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