The B’nai Brith Canada Institute for International Affairs has a mandate to protest the abuse of human rights throughout the world and advocate on behalf of worldwide Jewish communities in distress. The Institute has a special focus on pro-Israel advocacy and education.
Rochelle Wilner President	Frank Dimant Chief Executive Officer	Amos Sochaczevski National Chair	Ruth Klein National Director

STATEMENT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

in preparation for the 59th session of the
United Nations Commission on Human Rights

A: INTRODUCTION

The Department of Foreign Affairs Consultations, held every year prior to the annual sessions of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, take place this year against a heightened backdrop of uncertainty and debate. The atrocities of 9/11 and the increased incidence of terrorist attacks against civilians worldwide illustrate a growing threat of violence against democracies, democratic institutions and democratic values. In addition, civil society has been called on to face challenges posed by the war against Iraq that have been unparalleled in recent years.

The Institute for International Affairs of B’nai Brith Canada welcomes this opportunity to present its views to the Department, as well as its recommendations for necessary action on a number of complex and contentious issues. As the Jewish community’s senior human rights organization, active in this country since 1875, B’nai Brith has always appreciated the level of consultation and information-sharing that it has enjoyed with the Department.

At such a volatile and uncertain time, one might reasonably expect to turn to the United Nations and its agencies for moral leadership and direction. The Department of Foreign Affairs has always worked to enhance the UN and sees its role and actions as complementary to Canadian foreign policy. The Department has been particularly active in terms of the UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) and its delegation is at the forefront of many positive initiatives.

The Institute for International Affairs requests that the Canadian delegation review the following Submission to the Department. It attempts to address the systemic flaws in the Commission and offers recommendations that are pertinent not only to discussion of the UNCHR, but also to the Department’s current Dialogue on Foreign Policy.

Table Of Contents | Introduction | The Need For Reform Of The UNCHR | The UNCHR Agenda | The Mandate of The Special Rapporteur
Canada’s Voting Record At The UNCHR | Positions Of The Department Of Foreign Affairs | Terrorism | Racism And Racial Discrimination
Freedom Of Expression | Conclusion | Summary Of Recommendations | Footnotes