Denouncing Canada's Failure to Support International Criminal Court (ICJ) in Landmark Genocide Case Against Israel​

Today’s statement by the Prime Minister and comments from the Foreign Affairs Minister, contradict everything Canada claims to stand for regarding human rights and the rule of law. The ICJ is an internationally recognized institution with universal jurisdiction. As a founding member of the UN, Canada must exemplify respect for UN agencies and allow them to follow due process without interference or attempts to block accountability for crimes against humanity. 

Israel’s average daily kill rate is 247 Palestinians and 117 children. As documented by credible human rights organizations, the nature of Israel’s aggression is undoubtedly indiscriminate and genocidal, leading to over 23,000 Palestinians killed. Hospitals, homes, universities and other vital civilian infrastructure have been reduced to rubble. Families are digging through bombardment debris to find their loved ones while facing starvation. Millions more have been forcefully displaced from their homes. 

“Palestinians are in dire need of international efforts to bring about an unconditional, immediate and permanent ceasefire. The Canadian government has undermined the ICJ’s efforts despite compelling evidence,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada. “From an ethical and moral perspective, Canada must stand with the ICJ and respect its due process as a top UN court,” added Ghayyur. 

As a signatory of the Genocide Convention, Canada bears the responsibility to prevent genocide. Endorsing the ICJ’s case is a concrete measure of fulfilling this obligation. Canada, a nation consistently emphasizing the importance of respecting international law, has taken steps contrary to this principle. 

Regretfully, Canada has given tacit license for Israel to continue genocidal violence against Palestinians in Gaza, where more than half of the population comprises children. By holding back its support, Canada has also chosen not to contribute to the prevention of impunity for Israeli atrocities. Our nation's opposition to justice risks further endangering innocent Palestinian life.

The current position of Canadian leadership on this matter further insults the credibility of the ICJ. It makes Canada complicit in actions that go against core values historically championed on the international stage, including at the ICJ. 

Justice For All Canada is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly to reconsider Canada's position and promptly support the genocide case against Israel.