About Canada’s Statement on the Building of Settlements in East Jerusalem

The National Council on Canada-Arab Relations (NCCAR) welcomes the statement by Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon that the building of settlements by Israel in occupied East Jerusalem is “contrary to international law and therefore condemn it.” We hope that this indicates a new position by this government based on international law rather than based on the taking of sides. This statement aligns Canada with the rest of the international community in condemning the building of illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Canadians have traditionally been proud of a Canada that is a strong supporter of universal human rights and international law and as such they expect their government to apply these principles equally to Israelis and Palestinians. Applying the same standards to all will reinforce the rule of law and universal human rights. Conversely, treating any one party with unqualified support – regardless of violations – will undermine the rule of law and universal human rights.

The ongoing dispossession of Palestinians of their homes and land by Israeli settlements is not only illegal under international law, but also an obstacle to real peace. Given Canada’s strong relationship with both the U.S. and Israel, it can play an important role in ensuring the reversal of illegal building in East Jerusalem, which will foster the trust required to achieve a genuine and just peace for all people in the region. It is in Canada’s interest to help achieve a stable, peaceful and prosperous Middle East region.

Posted on March 23, 2010