Toronto Joins the World to Stand for International Law
TORONTO, Dec. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - Toronto joins with people across Canada and around and around the world at US consulates to speak out against Trump's unilateral and illegal recognition of Jerusalem. This US decision to name Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and to relocate the US embassy, while in violation to principles of international law, has innumerable serious consequences.
Trump administration's plans run counter to longstanding international consensus. It is a major violation of many United Nations Security Council resolutions) and the principles of international law, which consider all Israeli actions and laws aimed at changing the legal and historical status of East Jerusalem null and void. These resolutions ban the establishment of diplomatic missions, the transfer of embassies or the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
These resolutions consider East Jerusalem as an integral part of the Palestinian territory occupied in 1967. Any recognition of the city of Jerusalem as the capital of the occupying power, the establishment of any diplomatic mission in Jerusalem or its transfer to the city is a violation of International law and the Fourth Geneva Convention
On November 30, 2017, the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly that "any actions taken by Israel, the occupying Power, to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Holy City of Jerusalem are illegal and therefore null and void and have no validity whatsoever." Canada was one of just six countries that voted against this resolution on Jerusalem.
Canadians have clearly spoken that the Canadian government is out of line with public opinion when it comes to Palestine. In a March 2017 EKOS poll, Canadians indicated they believe overwhelmingly that sanctions are a reasonable way for Canada to censure countries violating international law and human rights, and a strong majority of Canadians believe that government sanctions on Israel would be reasonable.
The Canadian government's decision not to follow the US example is not enough. Canada has an obligation to condemn the actions of the US government based on Article 1 of the Geneva Convention which requires that Canada "ensure compliance" with the Geneva Convention by other High Contracting Parties." This makes it essential that the Canadian government issue a clear statement condemning the action of the American government, and to publicly and diplomatically oppose all foreign embassies in Jerusalem.
We will meet outside of the US Embassy (360 University Ave) at 1 pm on Saturday, December 9.
SOURCE Canadian Federation of Students
Karen Rodman, [email protected], 647-393-5494
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