FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2025
Palestinian Canadian Congress Responds to Canada’s Recognition of the State of Palestine
Ottawa, ON – The Palestinian Canadian Congress (PCC) welcomes today’s announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney that Canada will recognize the State of Palestine. This recognition affirms the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination, dignity, and sovereignty—a right that has been denied for far too long.
At the same time, we emphasize that recognition must be full and unconditional. Any attempt to attach conditions strips this decision of its meaning and risks reducing it to an empty gesture. Palestinians deserve nothing less than recognition of their fundamental rights in line with international law.
Canada’s responsibility does not end with recognition. As a state party to international human rights and humanitarian law, Canada has legal and moral obligations to act. This includes:
- Imposing an immediate arms embargo on Israel and ending all military trade that fuels the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
- Adopting targeted sanctions against Israeli officials and institutions responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- Supporting international accountability mechanisms, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Canada must acknowledge what global legal and scholarly bodies have already confirmed: Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people.
Recognition must be followed by concrete measures that advance justice, accountability, and lasting peace. Canada now has an opportunity to demonstrate true leadership by aligning its policies with the principles of international law and universal human rights.
As we look forward, recognition should mark not the end, but the beginning of a path forward—one where Canada stands firmly for equality, justice, and freedom. Palestinians deserve what every nation takes for granted: the right to live free, in safety, and with sovereignty in their homeland.
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Media Contact:
James Kafieh
Vice President
Palestinian Canadian Congress
Email: info@palcancongress.ca
Website: www.palcancongress.ca
