MIDEAST CRISIS ON DFAIT AGENDA FOR HUMAN RIGHTS TALKS

B’nai Brith Canada urges review of Palestinian Authority abuses

February 27, 2001

For Immediate Release

Ottawa, February 27, 2001.. .As violence and tension continue to undermine peace in the Middle East, B’nai Brith Canada presented a statement on the crisis to the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade during its annual consultations with human rights NGO's. The tone of this year's consultations reflected the tremendous reversal of the hopes for peace that seemed within reach just last summer.

Dr. Lawrence Hart, President of B'nai Brith Canada, summed up the organization's position: “We have grave misgivings about the long-term intentions of the Palestinian Authority as a peace partner, and its willingness and/or ability to honour its commitments. The Palestinian Authority negotiates for peace while at the same time continuing to allow, encourage or even participate in orchestrated violence. We implore the Canadian government to condemn this violence and urge a return to the negotiating table.”

Rochelle Wilner, Senior Vice-President of B'nai Brith Canada and the Chair of its Institute for International Affairs, added: “The Palestinian Authority's ongoing violations of the human rights of its own people reflect its disregard for any of its commitments. Instead of addressing these issues, the United Nations, its Human Rights Commission and other UN agencies only focus on continual condemnation of Israel. We urge the Canadian Government to consider the serious concerns expressed in our statement when shaping its policies and preparing its voting positions at these international fora.”

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B’nai Brith Canada, active since 1875, is the country's senior volunteer and advocacy organization. Its Institute for International Affairs was established to monitor human rights issues around the world.

For the full text of the statement or for further comment
contact Rochelle Wilner or Ruth Klein at 416 633 6224