Question Period Note: Amnesty International Report on Israel

On 1 February 2022, Amnesty International released a report accusing Israel of maintaining a system which amounts to the crime against humanity of apartheid under international law.

• Canada remains firmly committed to the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel.
• We reject the view that Israel's actions constitute apartheid.
• Canada believes that all parties must fully respect international human rights and humanitarian law which are key to ensuring the protection of civilians, and can contribute to the creation of a climate conducive to achieving peace.
• The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral aspect of Canadian efforts abroad in all countries.

On February 1, 2022, Amnesty International released a report titled "Israel's Apartheid against Palestinians: Cruel System of Domination and Crime against Humanity". The report surveys Israeli government practices and policies directed towards Palestinians living within the occupied territories as well as in Israel. The report concludes that "Israel enforces a system of oppression and domination against the Palestinian people wherever it has control over their rights." The report is strongly critical of Israel, accusing it of maintaining a system which amounts to apartheid under international law.

The report outlines wide-ranging recommendations to be taken by Israel; the Palestinian Authority; the United Nations; the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court; other government and regional actors; businesses; as well as national and international humanitarian and development organizations.

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