QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs and International Trade
United Nations Resolution Condemning Israel for Occupation of Palestinian Territories
December 11, 2019
Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate.
Leader, at the UN General Assembly on November 19, Canada voted in favour of an anti-Israel resolution co-sponsored by North Korea, Zimbabwe and others. There has been little explanation as to why the Government of Canada chose to support a resolution from countries with no regard for human rights.
North Korea has committed systematic, widespread and grave human rights violations against its own citizens going back many decades. Human rights abuses continue in Zimbabwe with recent violence aimed at opposition party supporters.
Senator Harder, can you tell us why Canada voted yes on this resolution and aligned itself with countries that do not uphold any basic human rights?
I thank the honourable senator for his question.
I want to affirm that Canada has always stood as a steadfast ally and a good friend of Israel, and as a friend of the Palestinian people. The declaration in question was with respect to Palestinian self-determination, and Canada is committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel.
Canada voted in support of this resolution as it addresses a core issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Canada strongly supports the international consensus on a two-state solution so that both sides can be assured of a secure and prosperous future. At the same time, Canada maintains its strong opposition to the singling out of Israel for the criticism of others in the United Nations. This is why Canada overwhelmingly votes against these resolutions, including voting no on over a dozen resolutions so far this year.
