Justice for All Canada: Advocating for Greater Justice in Response to Adopted NDP Motion on Palestine​

Since October 7th, 2023, Canada’s government has failed to sufficiently condemn or take action against Israel’s assault against an innocent civil society. While the motion was adopted with some amendments, we maintain that human rights should transcend political divides. We thank action-takers nationwide for raising awareness among their local Members of Parliament. We also thank the NDP for bringing forth this motion, as well as the MPs who supported it.

We also call on the Federal Government to swiftly implement the motion and its amendments, which include an immediate ceasefire, an arms trade suspension, UNRWA funding for Palestinian humanitarian needs, sanctioning Israeli settlers and supporting the ICC and ICJ in addressing human rights violations and justice for Palestinians.

The NDP motion, including newer amendments proposed by the Liberal Party, outlined crucial points for Canada to do its part in preventing genocide and ensuring accountability in the region. However, it is disappointing that the government did not agree to the immediate, unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, as this would have been a significant step towards addressing long-standing issues of sovereignty and self-determination for the Palestinian people. Recognition of the State of Palestine is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a crucial step towards upholding human rights and ending clear discrimination normalized against the Palestinian people.

Their inherent right to self-determination is affirmed by the United Nations Charter, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.

It aligns with Canada's official foreign policy stance supporting the creation of a sovereign, independent, viable, democratic, and territorially contiguous Palestinian state, consistent with the 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States.

During the debate, it was unfortunate to witness an important humanitarian issue met with partisan resistance from Parliamentarians across all major parties. In response to Minister Mélanie Joly's position that an opposition motion cannot change Canada's foreign policy, we emphasize that human rights atrocities, such as the ones taking place in Gaza, demand immediate action irrespective of political considerations. Regardless of how the issue is presented to MPs, Parliament is still responsible for developing and advancing policies guided by principles of justice and humanitarianism and prioritizing the protection of vulnerable populations under attack like Palestinians.

Regarding MP Michael Chong's support for a two-state solution through negotiations, it is crucial for the Conservative Party to recognize that ongoing human rights violations and humanitarian crises cannot be indefinitely deferred to political negotiations alone, particularly when there is a considerable power imbalance. Proactive measures are essential to alleviate the killings and suffering of Palestinians, promote Israeli accountability, and work towards a just resolution that includes the voices and involvement of Palestinians.

Israel’s ongoing military assault on Gaza demands immediate attention and action. Innocent civilians, including children, are experiencing starvation from indiscriminate violence and the devastating effects of a blockade.

Today, Canada succeeded in its moral obligation to unify and act against the bloodshed.

Background: Un-Ending Atrocities Against Palestinians Since October 2023

• Since October 2023, the United Nations has urged the need to end the "carnage" in Gaza, where over 100,000 people have been indiscriminately killed or wounded, with approximately one in every 20 children, women, and men now dead or injured.
• At least 17,000 children have been orphaned or separated from their families, and the total number of people killed has exceeded 30,000. Tens of thousands are missing, many presumed buried under the rubble of their homes.
• Thousands of tonnes of munitions have been dropped by Israel on Gaza, leading to unimaginable suffering. The blockade and siege imposed on Gaza have been recognized as collective punishment.
• Occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has seen a sharp increase in violence, with lethal results, including the killings of children. Israeli forces have engaged in arbitrary detention and unlawful killings, raising severe concerns about impunity and accountability.

For a legal policy analysis on the Israeli genocide of Gaza, access our latest report: https://www.justiceforallcanada.org/pal-genocide.html