Senators urge transparency on UN peace mission
Senators urged the federal government to seek Parliament’s approval before sending troops and resources to United Nations peace operations.
Members of the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence released a report on Monday, November 28, 2016 called UN Deployment: Prioritizing commitments at home and abroad. The report examined the government’s plan to re-engage in UN peace operations.
“The committee took careful note of a letter sent by the Dutch Government to their Parliament in 2013 outlining key aspects of their planned deployment to Mali,” committee chair Senator Daniel Lang told a press conference.
“The letter … was revealing for its clarity and transparency. This is a model we should emulate.”
To that end, the committee recommended the government table a Statement of Justification in both Houses of Parliament outlining the key features of any UN deployment, including the goals, risks and withdrawal plan.
Read the ReportView the Infographic
Deputy chair Senator Mobina Jaffer said the committee is recommending that more women become involved in peace processes, in line with a UN Resolution to that effect.
“Resolution 1325 and other sister resolutions recognize the unique contributions women can make to the peace process,” Senator Jaffer said. “As of now, only 4% of women of uniformed personnel taking part in peace operations are women.”
Committee member Senator Jean-Guy Dagenais noted the UN is searching for francophones to participate in missions to parts of French-speaking Africa.
“In our view, the government cannot ask francophone soldiers to shoulder most of the risks,” Senator Dagenais said.
In the summer, the government promised to commit 600 troops, 150 police officers and $350 million over three years to a UN peace support mission that remained unidentified Monday.
*Please note that as of July 31, 2022, the name of the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence was changed to the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs. More information about this change can be found here.
Related articles
Tags
Committee news
Senators urge transparency on UN peace mission
Senators urged the federal government to seek Parliament’s approval before sending troops and resources to United Nations peace operations.
Members of the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence released a report on Monday, November 28, 2016 called UN Deployment: Prioritizing commitments at home and abroad. The report examined the government’s plan to re-engage in UN peace operations.
“The committee took careful note of a letter sent by the Dutch Government to their Parliament in 2013 outlining key aspects of their planned deployment to Mali,” committee chair Senator Daniel Lang told a press conference.
“The letter … was revealing for its clarity and transparency. This is a model we should emulate.”
To that end, the committee recommended the government table a Statement of Justification in both Houses of Parliament outlining the key features of any UN deployment, including the goals, risks and withdrawal plan.
Read the ReportView the Infographic
Deputy chair Senator Mobina Jaffer said the committee is recommending that more women become involved in peace processes, in line with a UN Resolution to that effect.
“Resolution 1325 and other sister resolutions recognize the unique contributions women can make to the peace process,” Senator Jaffer said. “As of now, only 4% of women of uniformed personnel taking part in peace operations are women.”
Committee member Senator Jean-Guy Dagenais noted the UN is searching for francophones to participate in missions to parts of French-speaking Africa.
“In our view, the government cannot ask francophone soldiers to shoulder most of the risks,” Senator Dagenais said.
In the summer, the government promised to commit 600 troops, 150 police officers and $350 million over three years to a UN peace support mission that remained unidentified Monday.
*Please note that as of July 31, 2022, the name of the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence was changed to the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs. More information about this change can be found here.