Petitions to be presented to parliament in upcoming session

Two petitions to the Government of Canada initiated by Just Peace Advocates and other partners have now closed. These await presentation by their MP sponsors to the Canadian parliament as it resumes post the throne speech.

E-2565

Regarding Canada’s accountability in regard to Palestine, including Canada’s dismal voting record at the United Nations, and Canada’s complity in not taking steps towards lifting the blockade on Gaza.

Thanks to the 2,696 individuals who signed this petition, and thanks to sponsor, Paul Manly.

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:

• The Palestinian people in Gaza have been under blockade for 13 years;
• This has resulted in accelerated de-development, and led the United Nations to indicate that Gaza would be unlivable by 2020;
• COVID-19 has grave potential for human catastrophe in this most densely populated area of the world;
• Article 56 of the Fourth Geneva Convention specifically provides that an occupier has the duty of ensuring and maintaining the measures necessary to combat the spread of contagious diseases and epidemics; and
• Under Article 1 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, all high signatories, of which Canada is one, are required to take actions to ensure that violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention do not occur under any circumstance.

We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to request that Israel immediately lift the blockade on Gaza to enable medical and humanitarian aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, and insist that Israel permanently end its blockade of Gaza; and vote at the UN General Assembly in alignment with the majority of the international community taking a stance in line with international law and human rights for Palestinians.

E-2607 Kashmir

Regarding Canada’s accountability related to Indian colonization of Kashmir.

Thanks to the 1,845 people who signed and to sponsor Scott Duvall.

Petition to the Government of Canada

Whereas:

• Jammu and Kashmir is internationally-recognized disputed territory;
• On March 31, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian government introduced the new domicile law. This law is aimed at demographic change, and at taking the land and resources from the indigenous population of Jammu and Kashmir;
• This law is counter to the United Nations Security Council resolutions 47 (1948), 91(1951), 96(1951), 98(1952), 122(1957) and 126(1957) that call for a plebiscite to determine the future of the disputed territory;
• Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention states “the occupying power shall not transfer its own civilian population into territory it occupies;” and under Article 1 all High Contracting Parties, which includes Canada, are required to take action to ensure respect for the Convention “in all circumstances”; and
• The overall situation has dangerously worsened as India continues to withhold 4G internet access denying fundamental rights to expression, communication, and information, with even health professionals unable to access urgently required information as they respond to COVID-19.

We, the undersigned, Citizens and Residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to:1- Condemn the government of India’s Domicile Law, and its settlement-colonization underway in Jammu and Kashmir2- Request that India immediately restore 4G internet access;3- With urgency given COVID-19, request that India ends preemptive imprisonment and free all political prisoners;4- Insist upon compliance with international legal obligations as part of Canada’s ongoing relationship with India, especially in trade, defense, and counterterrorism; and5- Proactively work with the UN towards implementation of self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.