Anne open letter to the Liberal Party of Canada
by Anne Thompson
4324 innocent children not deliberately targeted and dead all the same. “Ceasefire now!” say Médecins Sans Frontières
Dear Liberal Party of Canada,
Thank you for responding to my outreach expressing my concerns about The Liberal Party of Canada’s influence on Canada’s responses to the ongoing conflict in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.
I hope this letter finds everyone there well. I am writing to you today to express my concern about your response to the current events occurring in the Middle East. I believe that your position is not fully informed and that it fails to take into account all the complexities of the situation, especially since the war of 1967.
As Lester Pearson once said, “How can there be peace without people understanding each other, and how can this be if they don’t know each other?” I believe that your response to the situation in the Middle East fails to consider the importance of mutual understanding because your focus ignores the deeper issues of hopelessness and despair driving the conflict, ongoing since the 1967 Six-Day War.
Canadians waking up on October 7 to horrifying images coming out of Israel after the terrorist organization Hamas launched an attack of unspeakable brutality was predictable, and has been predicted since the first whispers of abuse of humans and non-compliance with international laws and obligations began secreting themselves out to the greater world. Our hearts are always with the families and loved ones of those who have been killed or injured in any horrific terror attack or abuse of power, such as collective punishment. All law-abiding, compassionate and peace-loving Canadians unequivocally condemn this attack. All violence must end, and captives, including the entire population of Gaza, must be released to their own choice in freedom of movement with assurances of future security.
“Unilateral actions that prejudge the outcome of direct negotiations and further jeopardize the prospects for a two-state solution must be avoided.” And while this statement emphasizes the importance of avoiding unilateral actions that could jeopardize the prospects for a two-state solution, it is crucial to remember that we, as a federal Liberal government, are not only dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the lives of all Canadians, and committed to democratic governance, and federalism: we are also committed to the rule of law at home and with our global neighbours.
Although Canada has pushed multiple times for a pause in the fighting in order to allow humanitarian assistance, Canada’s vote for a ceasefire seems to hang on whether language condemning Hamas as the instigator of the violence is included. Under the circumstances and given the complex history of the region, this condition implicitly and undiplomatically absolves any occupying state of the consequences of failing to honour their obligations under international law and the Geneva Convention.
When the Liberal Party of Canada’s Leader, the Right Honourable Prime Minister Trudeau was speaking with leaders from across the region on the release of the Canadian hostages and all hostages, the provision of humanitarian assistance, the safety of Canadians, and on peace and stability in the region, did he say anything about ‘peace’ not meaning the status quo of a ‘peace’ that is naught more than miserable occupation? Has our Leader the capacity to understand the deep harm of deprivation endured by Palestinians over the decades since 1967 as a global issue?
In Israel, Gaza, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as elsewhere, international law, including humanitarian law, must be upheld by all. The best choice of action for the protection of civilians currently in the Gaza Strip is with concrete actions, including moving a motion for a ceasefire at the United Nations, unencumbered with finger-pointing prerequisites . The attack on civilians, civilian infrastructure and civilian shelters, the targeted attacks on journalists and on medical personnel are contrary to international law. Canada calling for imperative unimpeded humanitarian access and a humanitarian corridor, so that essential aid like food, fuel and water, can be delivered to civilians in Gaza is, in the least of what we ought to do.
While it’s stated that “the safety of Canadians is our absolute top priority,” and that “Canada is committed to meeting the basic needs of the poorest and most vulnerable among this population,” it’s clear that there are instances where this commitment falls short. One such example is the case of a catastrophically injured volunteer emergency service personnel, who despite their service, struggles to meet basic needs in one of the poorest regions in Canada. This situation underscores the need for a more comprehensive understanding and approach to addressing these issues.
What kind of stable and secure neighbour is Israel showing itself to be to Canada and the rest of Israel’s neighbours on Earth when we are witnessing international humanitarian organisations as they call out transgressions?
In accordance with international law, Israel has the right to defend itself and must not strike civilians and civilian infrastructure, as is being done and reported by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell to the UN Security Council on Humanitarian Situation in Gaza on October 30, 2023. According to the statement released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 3, 2023, sixty-seven percent (67%) of the casualties in this conflict are children and mothers. How can 4,000 dead children be at all held to blame for the events of October 7th?
I would like to draw your attention again to the Report by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. This report highlights the human rights abuses that are taking place right now in the region and the urgent need for action to address these issues.
Reports from the area by Save the Children have also highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on children and families in the region. The Geneva Convention provides clear guidelines for the protection of civilians in times of war, and it is important that we uphold these principles. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Conventions and their Protocols stipulate that all States have an international legal obligation not only to avoid encouraging international humanitarian law violations committed by others, but also to take measures to put an end to on-going violations and to actively prevent their occurrence.
I would like to remind you of the legacy of Tommy Douglas, who was named The Greatest Canadian of All time by voters across Canada. His words remind us to look behind the conflict. “Fascism begins the moment a ruling class, fearing the people may use their political democracy to gain economic democracy, begins to destroy political democracy in order to retain its power of exploitation and special privilege.” His commitment to social justice and equality is an inspiration to us all. We must work together to build a world that is free from violence and oppression.
I would also like to draw your attention to the work of Jimmy Carter, who has been a tireless advocate for peace in the region. His efforts have shown that it is possible to find common ground and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the Liberal Party of Canada’s statements of their Values and Principles, especially with regard to the rule of law. As Liberal Party of Canada Members, we have a responsibility to uphold these values and to work towards a more just and peaceful world.
The Canadian identity, shaped by the belief in building an enlightened society where every individual is free to choose his or her own path in life, and where traditional values and rights as enshrined in the Charter are protected, is indeed a beacon of hope and a model for many nations around the world.
However, it is important to note that this identity also carries with it a responsibility to work at upholding these values not only within our borders but also on the global stage. The recent events and the lack of a more active role in seeking a ceasefire seem incongruous with the principles that define us as Canadians.
Lester Pearson, a former Prime Minister of Canada and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, once said, “Of all our dreams today, there is none more important – or so hard to realize – than that of peace in the world.” Pearson was instrumental in the creation of the United Nations peacekeeping force, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to global peace and security.
In light of Pearson’s legacy, the current situation calls for a re-evaluation of our actions and commitments. As a nation that prides itself on being a good neighbour and a champion of human rights, it is crucial that we take a stand against any form of violence or injustice, especially when it results in the loss of innocent lives. I urge you to advocate for Canada to foster stronger international peacekeeping efforts and promote a ceasefire as a crucial initial step into peaceful conflict resolution. Canada, with its history of peacekeeping, can play a more significantly active role in these efforts.
In conclusion, while we respect the complexities of international relations and the challenges involved in conflict resolution, it is essential that we strive to align our actions with the values that define us as a political party. This includes taking a more proactive role in advocating for a clean ceasefire, a peace that brings prosperous, socially just, united and environmentally healthy communities, and for justice and the protection of human rights worldwide by enforcing the rule of law.
I hope that you will take the time to consider my perspective and to reflect on the issues that I have raised. I urge the Liberal Party of Canada to reconsider its stance. I believe that our Party can work together to build a better future for all people in the Middle East.
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