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

J. CONCLUSION

War in Iraq will undoubtedly overshadow the proceedings of the UNCHR, but if the Commission is to play a significant role in unfolding events in the Gulf and the aftermath of the conflict, reform and revitalization is essential. We urge Canada to lead the charge to bring this reform about. Resolution 2002/19 of the 58^th session mandates the UNCHR High Commissioner “to solicit ideas and proposals on enhancing the effectiveness of the working methods of the Commission”. We hope the Canadian delegation will integrate the relevant recommendations contained in this Submission into its own proposals for UNCHR reform.

Since Canada has an important role to play, we trust that every effort will be made to ensure the renewal of its membership at the UNCHR, which expires this year. There are many challenges ahead on which we ask Canada to be active and vocal, both at this year’s session and in the future, in terms of countering the systemic bias against Israel, insisting human right issues that are routinely ignored or marginalized receive public scrutiny, and ensuring that the rights of all religious and ethnic groups are respected and protected.

Last year, a resolution entitled “Promotion of the enjoyment of the cultural rights of everyone and respect for different cultural identities”^xli stated some important principles. This resolution confirmed that the Commission:

“Affirms that each culture has a dignity and value which must be respected and preserved and that every people has the right and duty to develop its culture;

Re-affirms that all peoples have the right to self-determination, by virtue of which they freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development;”

It is our contention that Israel is excluded from these protections within the setting of the United Nations, and particularly at its Commission on Human Rights. It is denied full participation at the UN, as its struggle for WEOG membership and the limitations on that membership illustrate. The most basic right of the Jewish people to self-determination in their ancestral homeland is routinely called into question, even though this right is enshrined for all other peoples of the world. In addition, the dignity and value of Jewish culture systematically comes under attack, while the tenets of its religion are maligned.

We ask that Canada — through the Department of Foreign Affairs and its delegation at the UNCHR — use every opportunity to oppose this unacceptable treatment of a UN member state and a sister democracy. We urge our representatives to counter the prevailing racism that comes into play whenever issues relating to the culture, religion and historical or contemporary experiences of the Jewish people are addressed at the Commission.

At the domestic NGO Consultations arranged by the Department in preparation for the 59^th session of the UNCHR, certain groups criticized the Canadian delegation for “going against the will of majority” and “ being too politicized” in failing to support certain initiatives. On the contrary, B’nai Brith’s Institute for International Affairs would like to state unequivocally that Canada’s willingness to speak up, even when its voice represents an unpopular minority viewpoint at the Commission, should be a cause for considerable pride. We appreciate that this is no small achievement given a working atmosphere which is more representative of tyranny than of democracy. We encourage our delegation to continue to operate in this fashion in the future, and urge it to redouble its efforts to stem the tide of vilification and de-legitimization of Israel.

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