Reinstate funding for UNRWA - save lives in Gaza

7,029 actions

goal: 10,000

Canada has suspended funding for UNRWA, the UN agency providing humanitarian aid to the majority of Palestinians in Gaza.¹

On Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that it is “plausible” that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and ordered the Israeli government to take interim measures to prevent genocidal acts. The ICJ said this should include the provision of urgently needed humanitarian aid and basic services.²

As a signatory to the Genocide Convention, Canada has a duty to uphold international law and prevent genocide. Instead, the Canadian government has paused its funding for UNRWA, based on Israel’s allegations that 12 UNRWA employees participated in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The accused were immediately fired and a thorough investigation has been launched.³

On January 30th, Canada announced new funding to other aid organizations — but the vital work UNRWA does cannot be replaced. ^4,5

Will you send a message to Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly now and demand Canada reinstate funding to UNRWA?

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Subject

Dear Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen and Foreign Minister Melanie Joly,

I write to you urging you to immediately reinstate funding to UNRWA that will allow them to continue providing life-saving aid in Gaza. It is insufficient to direct funding elsewhere, due to the irreplaceable role UNRWA plays in coordinating and distributing aid in Gaza.

There has been swift action since the allegations against 12 UNRWA staff have come to light for alleged participation in the October 7th Hamas attacks - the contracts of the individuals have been terminated and an investigation is ongoing.

Pausing funding amounts to collective punishment against the innocent Palestinian people of Gaza who rely on the agency for food, shelter and medical supplies that are desperately needed.

As a signatory of the Genocide Convention of 1948, Canada has an obligation to do everything possible to prevent genocide. The ICJ delivered a ruling that Israel’s actions in Gaza could plausibly be genocidal, and providing humanitarian aid is a critical obligation that Canada must uphold.

I continue to be gravely concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, and I urge you to reverse the pause for UNRWA funding immediately and protect the basic human rights of Palestinian civilians.

Sincerely,

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
International Affairs Minister Ahmed Hussen
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly

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Reinstate funding for UNRWA - save lives in Gaza

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