Month: May 2023

Minister Joly is concerned over threats to the “rule of law” in Israel: but she should take a closer look at its existing practices

Last March, Canada’s foreign affairs minister Mme Melanie Joly assured Canadians she had pushed Israel to drop its planned reform of the judiciary, underscoring Canada’s support for the “rule of law”. But the case of Shadi Khouri, a 16 year old Palestinian in Jerusalem should raise questions about the ‘rule of law‘in Israel even before the proposed reforms. Read more…

(more…)

Canadian human rights advocates launch “cross sector initiative” to pressure Canadian government to address serious allegations of Israeli apartheid

Faced with the Canadian government’s refusal to take seriously allegations of Israeli apartheid made by a series of international human rights organizations, a Canadian group has launched Canadians Against Apartheid, an initiative aimed at pressuring for a response. Read more….

(more…)

Excellent news! Canada to push for seat on UN Human Rights Council

On May 9th The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced Canada’s candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in 2028. The intention is good, but for Canada to be a credible candidate, it has to be a lot more consistent in its support for human rights both in Canada and around the world. A good place to begin would be to start defending the rights of Palestinians. Read more….

(more…)

Citing Israeli apartheid, think tank journal article calls for end to Canada-Israel free trade agreement

A strong article in “The Monitor” – the flagship journal of a respected Canadian thinktank with offices across Canada and supported by many labour unions, has called for an end to the Canada-Israel free trade agreement (CIFTA). In the article, authors Stuart Trew and Stephan Tristof, cite Israeli apartheid and flouting of international law as the main reasons. Read more.

(more…)