Protecting Humanitarians and Health Workers During Armed Conflicts- A Shared Responsibility

Protecting Humanitarians and Health Workers During Armed Conflicts- A Shared Responsibility

Ottawa, September 17th, 2024 – As part of a panel organized by Doctors of the World Canada, Olivier Vandecasteele, Belgian humanitarian worker and founder of Protect Humanitarians, spoke today at the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa. The objective of the conference was to advance the commitments of the Canadian humanitarian sector in strengthening the protection of humanitarian and health workers who provide care and support to local populations during armed conflicts. In collaboration with the Belgian Embassy and other Canadian humanitarian organizations and coalitions, the panel called attention to the shared responsibilities of States and NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) in improving these protection measures.

Attacks against humanitarian workers are increasing

In 2024, as armed conflicts multiply and intensify, 299.4 million people worldwide are in need of humanitarian aid. To bring vital aid to these populations that are severely affected by conflicts, humanitarian and health personnel must work in increasingly dangerous environments. In 2023, according to the Aid Worker Security Report, it is estimated that 595 humanitarian workers across the world were victims of attacks and violence, of whom 280 were killed, 224 injured, and 91 kidnapped. A grim record, as this number of humanitarian workers killed by violence is the highest ever recorded.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and humanitarian principles form the basis for the protection of humanitarian actions and medical missions. And yet, despite these protections, the challenges to guaranteeing the safety of humanitarians and health professionals working within armed conflicts are growing.

Worldwide, we are witnessing not only an escalation, but also a normalization of the violence that targets humanitarians.

“The situation is critical and compromises our ability to intervene at a time when the needs are greater than ever. We need a concerted approach from all players. States, including Canada, as well as the international community, must also share the responsibilities. Let’s work together to lighten the burden of risk for first responders; this is a priority”, stated Nadja Pollaert, Executive Director of Doctors of the World Canada.

In 2023, Doctors of the World, Humanity & Inclusion, and Action Against Hunger published a report entitled “The risks we face are beyond human comprehension: Advancing the protection of humanitarian and health workers”. This report highlights the main challenges and demands that organizations face in order to ensure the safety of humanitarian and health personnel.

A call for concrete actions and shared responsibility

We call on the parties to the conflicts, but also on States, to take concrete actions to protect humanitarian and health workers from all forms of violence, in particular by condemning these violations and by fighting against their impunity.

The humanitarian system relies on local personnel, who account for 95% of the victims, as they work on the front lines where needs are the greatest. Yet at this moment, these workers are the least protected, equipped and supported. We call on States and international NGOs to share resources and prioritize support for local organizations, so that they may manage their own security.

To ensure the safety of their personnel, organizations must put strategies in place that both prevent and respond to risks. This means, for example, obtaining equipment, training their staff, or assigning people to safety management. We call on aid funders to systematically finance the costs linked to the security management and support of the humanitarians who are targets and victims.

“Without protection for humanitarian personnel, there can be no effective humanitarian aid for civilian populations, who are the first victims of conflicts. We call on States to address the virtually complete impunity of perpetrators of attacks, and to increase legal assistance to survivors and families of victims, so that perpetrators are progressively brought to justice. We ask donors and NGO leaders to invest in mental health support for humanitarian workers, as they are increasingly confronted with traumatic events. Initiatives like Protect Humanitarians aim to give a voice to local humanitarians in global advocacy efforts for the protection of humanitarian aid workers”, explained Olivier Vandecasteele, humanitarian and founder of Protect Humanitarians.

Beyond the toll paid by humanitarian and health workers, this intensification of violence also has a considerable impact on the civilian populations who are trapped by these conflicts. Not only are they the victims of increasingly longer conflicts and more complex emergency situations, they are also sometimes deliberately deprived of vital humanitarian assistance and protection.

Humanitarian and health workers must be better protected, as quickly as possible, so that vital needs and care may continue to be provided to the civilian populations affected by these armed conflicts.

While Parliament Rests for the Summer, Gaza Bleeds: Canadian Humanitarian Agencies Call for Action

While Parliament Rests for the Summer, Gaza Bleeds: Canadian Humanitarian Agencies Call for Action

OTTAWA, 19 June 2024 – As Parliament breaks for summer, Canada’s leading humanitarian agencies held a press conference today on Parliament Hill to call on the Government of Canada to take urgent and decisive actions to press for an end to the war in Gaza and prevent further mass atrocities. 

Since October, we have witnessed the death of tens of thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza, including a record number of targeted attacks on humanitarian workers. Palestinians, including our own teams and partners, face attacks, relentless bombing and continual forced displacement. Those who survive risk dying from hunger, dehydration, and sickness due to the denial of clean water, fuel, healthcare and food. Under the threat of imminent famine, children are dying of malnutrition, with numbers only projected to grow, due to the intentional obstruction of humanitarian aid by Israeli authorities. 

The deliberate blocking of aid, coupled with the ongoing indiscriminate violence and targeted attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure — clear violations of international humanitarian law — have culminated in an unprecedented and fully preventable humanitarian catastrophe, which can and must come to an end. 

In the last 8 months, we have seen the Government of Canada demonstrate their ability to take effective positive action on several instances, including its vote in favor of a ceasefire on December 6th at the UN General Assembly and the motion adopted on March 18th to stop arms transfers to Israel. Now again, as Parliament rises for the summer, is the time for Canada to take further decisive actions that match statements in support of international law. 

Today, our 13 organizations called on the Canadian government to urgently: 

  • Ensure the complete halt of all arms transfers to Israel, including those already agreed to prior to January 8, 2024; 
  • Adopt robust diplomatic measures to pressure Israel to abide by the International Court of Justice order to stop the obstruction of humanitarian assistance; 
  • Join third-state efforts to press all parties to this conflict to accept and immediately implement the ceasefire resolution adopted by the UN Security Council on June 10, and ensure no new occupation or territorial modification of Gaza; 
  • Concretely support, through robust funding and firm public statements, support for humanitarian access and assistance, with UNRWA as its cornerstone.

Right now, while Parliament and Canadians prepare for their summer break, this human-made humanitarian crisis deteriorates exponentially. Our teams on the ground continue to do everything in their capacities to assist civilians desperately in need of protection and aid. We urge our Canadian government to do the same. 

Quotes from the press conference speakers:

Danny Glenwright, Save the Children’s President and CEO said: “It is appalling that children are dying because of malnutrition, dehydration and disease – deaths that sufficient humanitarian access would have prevented. Their deaths are the result of aid restrictions, ongoing fighting, and insufficient action from the international community to enforce international humanitarian law. Save the Children calls for an immediate and definitive ceasefire, it is the only way to save lives in Gaza. There is no alternative.”

Béatrice Vaugrante, Oxfam-Québec Executive Director, said: “It is unacceptable that we are collectively letting famine set in across Gaza, and allowing humanitarian action to be made nearly impossible by persisting bombings, aid access denials, and targeting of humanitarian facilities and personnel. Every red line in the respect for basic principles of human dignity has been crossed. Third states cannot give up their efforts to prevent further catastrophe, including long-lasting obstacles to a sustainable solution. Canada and other UN members must make clear that Israel’s occupation of the whole of Gaza must come to an end under the proposed ceasefire deal, as well as the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.” 

Darryl Loewn, Executive Director Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba: “Can you help us help?” This was the call we received in October from partners in Gaza in response to the emerging humanitarian crisis and devastating violence. Since then, they have not stopped responding, nor have they stopped asking us to act to end violence and increase the impact of their work. We also witness concern from Canadians of faith and their desire to see everyone, in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, living in peace and dignity. This is a fully preventable catastrophe. As Mennonites, to call for peace and justice is a part of our work. We urge the Canadian government to help us help by doing everything in their power to act for an end to violence, including pushing for a ceasefire and full delivery of aid, and halting arms transfers.”

Anne, Delorme, Executive Director of Humanity & Inclusion Canada, “We call on the Government of Canada to put pressure on all Parties to the conflict to reach a ceasefire. The use of explosive weapons in populated areas has led to 37,000 deaths and 85,000 severely injured. These injuries include loss of limbs and brain trauma that will lead to long term disabilities for a generation of Palestinians.   The use of explosive weapons in Gaza also threatens the lives of humanitarian aid workers, impeding their ability to respond adequately and quickly to the vast and growing needs of civilians.”

Usama Khan, CEO of Islamic Relief Canada said, “Palestinians in Gaza do not have the luxury to take a break or step away from what is happening to them. Aid organizations have been tirelessly underscoring the urgency of this situation and just how catastrophic each passing day has been. Enduring over 250 days of forced starvation, dehydration and incessant bombing, Palestinians face an intolerable reality. They can not bear to witness another day of this, let alone another few months. The Canadian Government needs to take clear, concrete and urgent action now. “

Paul Farran, Cooperation Canada’s Director of Policy and Advocacy said: “Coming out of the G7 held last week, Canada and other G7 countries deplored all losses of civilian lives equally, and noted with great concern the unacceptable number of civilian casualties especially women and children. These words must be followed up on with concrete actions to ensure the consistent respect of human life and dignity. No party to any conflict bears the right to systematically and repeatedly violate international law.”

Quotes from endorsing organizations calling for decisive action:

“As signatories to this urgent call for action, IDRF stands firm in demanding decisive measures from Canada to translate its statements into meaningful actions. The time for rhetoric alone has passed; it’s now about tangible, life-saving actions.” – Mahmood Qasim, CEO, IDRF

“We refuse to be silent witnesses while Israël is intentionally killing tens of thousands people with bombs and denial of life-saving assistance including vital health care. It is time for Canada to move beyond words, and concretely do everything in its power to stop the mass killing of civilians and other grave international humanitarian law violations we are witnessing on a daily basis.” – Nadja Pollaert, Executive Director, Doctors of the World Canada

“How many innocent Palestinians dead, injured, traumatized and in famine will it take for Israel to stop this collective punishment? When will Israel’s allies say, ‘enough is enough,’ and that international law must be respected and applied? Our partners are risking life and limb to deliver precious food, water and medicine to people who have nowhere left to run. In their name, we say that the blockades and bombings must stop now! It is Canada’s responsibility to press for a permanent ceasefire; to unequivocally support the ICJ and ICC; and to help build a just peace plan under which Israel and Palestine can coexist in dignity as equals.” – Carl Hétu, Executive Director, Development and Peace – Caritas Canada 

“Canada must step up its efforts to end the violence and ensure Canadian humanitarian relief charities can safely deliver aid to those in desperate need. We cannot afford to be silent or passive; our actions today will determine the fate of countless innocent lives. We urge the Canadian government to uphold its commitments to international law and human rights by taking bold and immediate steps to alleviate this crisis.” – Mahmuda Khan, CEO, Human Concern International

“Israel’s deliberate destruction and blocking of aid has made it impossible for humanitarian agencies like Oxfam to provide life-saving assistance in Gaza. The withholding of aid from civilians and the targeting of aid workers is in direct violation of International Humanitarian Law. Canada must demonstrate its commitment to human rights and justice by demanding an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian aid can reach those in need.” – Lauren Ravon, Executive Director, Oxfam Canada.

“Children are always the innocent victims in any conflict and suffer the most. Every child has the right to live without violence and fear, a right that the global community must protect. Right now, there is nowhere safe for civilians inside Gaza. Plan International Canada condemns all violence and calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire from all parties involved. Canada must urgently intervene to halt the grave violations of international humanitarian law occurring in Gaza.” – Lindsay Glassco, President and CEO, Plan International Canada

“The blockade of aid into Gaza resulting from the ongoing conflict in the region has deprived Palestinians of their basic human rights and caused unimaginable suffering – particularly on women and children. We cannot stand by while millions of lives hang in the balance. The Government of Canada needs to take decisive actions to ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and an immediate ceasefire,” – Barbara Grantham, ICD.D, President and CEO, CARE Canada

CARE Canada 

Development and Peace – Caritas Canada

Doctors of the World Canada

Humanity and Inclusion

Human Concern International

Islamic Relief Canada

Mennonite Central Committee Canada

Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba 

Oxfam Canada

Oxfam-Québec

Plan International Canada 

Save the Children
The International Development and Relief Foundation 

For all media queries, please contact:

Doctors of the World Canada: Mélissa Cabana, 514-799-8985, [email protected]

Humanity & Inclusion: Fatou Thiam, [email protected] 

Human Concern International: [email protected]

Islamic Relief Canada: Mashaal Saaed, 647-919-1580, [email protected] 

Mennonite Central Committee: Laura Kalmar, [email protected] 

Oxfam Canada: Laveza Khan, External Affairs Specialist, 613-240-4157, [email protected] 

Oxfam-Québec: Elisabeth Simard, 514 265-0119 [email protected] 

Plan International Canada: [email protected] 

Save the Children: Julie Marshall, Senior Manager, Media, 905 818 2664 [email protected]

Canadian Response to the Multidimensional Crisis in Haiti

Canadian Response to the Multidimensional Crisis in Haiti

More than 40 organizations joined AQOCI, Cooperation Canada and Concertation pour Haïti in calling on Canada to respond to the multidimensional crisis in Haiti.

Our recommendations stem from a consultation meeting with several representatives from the Haitian civil society, and aim to make a resolute, constructive and lasting contribution to resolving the crisis in Haiti. 

We have sent the following letter to Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, and Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development of Canada. 

***** 

Subject: Canadian response to the multidimensional crisis in Haiti

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau ,
Minister Joly, 
Minister Hussen, 

Following a special meeting organized on April 15, 2024, by the Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI), the Concertation pour Haïti (CPH) and Cooperation Canada, to consult with representatives of the Haitian civil society, our three networks wish to relay to the Canadian government the major issues heard and present recommendations for a resolute, constructive and lasting contribution to resolving the crisis in Haiti. 

More than 70 participants in this virtual meeting, including some twenty speakers representing several sectors (women’s rights, human rights, health, education, environment, agriculture) directly from Haiti and a few members of the Haitian diaspora in Canada, expressed their dismay at this ongoing crisis, whose escalation since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021 has led the country into chaos, with  80% of Port-au-Prince under the control of armed gangs today, according to the United Nations. The political crisis has given rise to a culture of violence, sexual aggression, food insecurity and socio-economic stagnation. 

Faced with this untenable situation for millions of Haitians held hostage, we call on Canada to intervene on three fronts, notably by supporting the political transition process, taking a stand against arms trafficking into Haiti, and deploying appropriate humanitarian aid. 

1. Support the political transition process

Canada should recognize and support the recently sworn-in Transitional Presidential Council so that it can implement the “Political Accord for a Peaceful and Orderly Transition” as quickly as possible. This agreement, despite its imperfections, offers the opportunity to restore constitutional normalcy, the proper functioning of institutions and legal order for Haitians. 

Canada should insist on the broad and effective representation of all segments of society, particularly women, youth and the diaspora, within the transitional bodies provided for in the Political Accord. The participants deplored the fact that only one of the nine appointed members of the Presidential Council was a woman (without a deliberative voice). Furthermore, to enable Haitians to take their destiny back into their own hands, Canada should help recall the place and role of the diplomatic corps in Haiti, whose sometimes excessive interference in national affairs offends national dignity. 

Canada should take note of past mistakes and exercise increased vigilance to restore integrity and honesty in governance while preventing the violation of human rights in Haiti. 

2. Take a stand against arms trafficking to Haiti

Canada should engage in courageous and uncompromising advocacy with the United States to stop arms trafficking to Haiti, based on the recent report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 

Canada must encourage international responses guided by the will of the Transitional Presidential Council and the institutions of the Political Agreement for a Peaceful and Orderly Transition to restore security, promote law enforcement and support Haiti’s coastal defense. This requires providing the security forces (police and army) with logistical and financial support, without which the situation will remain precarious, hampering any progress towards democracy. For its part, Canada must be transparent and consider legal proceedings or the imposition of sanctions (seizure of funds or travel ban) against those involved in the transport. 

3. Deploy appropriate humanitarian aid

Any sustainable solution for the well-being of Haitians requires a paradigm shift. Canada must reconsider the current project-based approach to humanitarian aid, which too often fails to reach the most vulnerable people and the most affected territories. Together with civil society organizations, Canada should initiate a new way of coordinating humanitarian and development actions to support local economies, promote local expertise and respect the dignity of populations. To this end, Canada should implement the triple nexus approach, combining interventions structured in the humanitarian, development and peace (including social cohesion) fields. 

Faced with a multifaceted crisis and immense humanitarian needs, Canada should also increase and diversify its funding to reach more of the sectors affected (agriculture, health, protection of civilians, hygiene and sanitation, shelter, education, economic support, etc.), while considering the question of access to the services offered. At a time when the population has witnessed the airlift of diplomats being evacuated and given that almost 50% of the population is at risk of acute food insecurity by June 2024 (IPC, 2024), it is essential to ensure that access to aid is facilitated throughout the country. 

Being Haiti’s 2nd biggest donor is not enough. The above recommendations are part of an overall call for greater coherence in Canada’s foreign policy towards Haiti. Canada can once again demonstrate its values and feminist approach to promoting peace and security in the world by becoming a champion of Haiti’s cause in the international community. 

We remain at your disposal to further discuss the points raised and to possibly organize a meeting with Canadian and Haitian civil society. Yours sincerely, 

Michèle Asselin
Directrice générale
Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI)

Marc-Édouard Joubert
Comité de coordination
Concertation pour Haïti (CPH)

Kate Higgins
Directrice générale
Coopération Canada

Canadian signatory organizations:

  • Acted Canada
  • Action-Haïti
  • Amitié Gatineau-Monde
  • Architecture sans frontières Québec
  • Bureau international des droits des enfants (IBCR)
  • Carrefour de solidarité internationale
  • Centre d’étude et de coopération internationale (CECI)
  • Centre interdisciplinaire de développement internationale en santé – CIDIS de l’Université de Sherbrooke
  • Centre international de solidarité ouvrière (CISO)
  • Collaboration santé internationale
  • Comité de solidarité/Trois-Rivières (CSTR)
  • Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN)
  • Conseil régional FTQ Montréal métropolitain
  • Développement et paix – Caritas Canada
  • Développement international Desjardins
  • Développement, expertise et solidarité internationale (DESI)
  • Église unie
  • Fédération interprofessionnelle de la santé du Québec (FIQ)
  • Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie (FPGL)
  • Fonds Solidarité Sud
  • Humanité & inclusion Canada
  • Ingénieurs sans frontières Québec
  • Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund
  • Santé monde
  • Société pour le reboisement d’Haïti (SRH)
  • SOCODEVI
  • Solidarité-Haïti en Estrie
  • SUCO – Solidarité, Union, Coopération
  • Terre sans frontières
  • UPA Développement international

Signatory organizations in Haiti:

  • Centre d’animation paysagère et d’action communautaire (CAPAC)
  • Centre de formation pour l’entraide et le développement communautaire (CFEDEC)
  • Commission épiscopale nationale Justice et paix
  • Fanm Deside
  • Institut culturel Karl Lévêque (ICKL)
  • Kri Fanm Ayiti (KRIFA)
  • Union pour le développement et le respect des femmes haïtiennes (UDREFH-Centre)
  • Université épiscopale d’Haïti
  • Kay Fanm
Canadian Aid Sector Welcomes Budget Boost for Humanitarian Needs

Canadian Aid Sector Welcomes Budget Boost for Humanitarian Needs

Ottawa, April 16, 2024  A coalition of Canadian international cooperation organizations welcomes new funding for humanitarian programs committed as part of Federal Budget 2024. The coalition recognizes that this new investment comes in a complex economic environment for Canada and emphasizes the need for the government to continue to play its part on the global stage. 

With today’s announcement of $350 million over two years in additional humanitarian aid, the government is taking an important step toward addressing some of the most pressing global needs. This additional funding to the International Assistance Envelope (IAE) has the potential to go towards addressing some of the world’s most devastating crises, including the war in the Middle East, internal chaos in Haiti, civil unrest in Sudan, and crises in Yemen and the Sahel. 

As the international community grapples with unprecedented challenges, the Canadian aid sector remains steadfast in its commitment to alleviating suffering and advancing progress across the globe. The coalition, led by the Bigger Than Our Borders campaign, Cooperation Canada, Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH) and other advocacy groups, pledges to continue advocating for a robust commitment to international assistance as Canada is slated to host the Group of Seven (G7) countries next year. We encourage the government to use the upcoming G7 Presidency to further demonstrate its leadership by engaging other nations towards reversing the global decline in official development assistance. 

“This budget is addressing one of the most urgent situations right now globally: the desperate situation for millions of people suffering from humanitarian crises and conflicts. From Gaza to Sudan, Haiti to Yemen, humanitarian needs are surging and decades of progress on development are perilously under threat. We welcome this investment in humanitarian aid, and look forward to further critical investments in long-term development assistance”, said Kate Higgins, Cooperation Canada’s CEO, representing over 100 Canadian international development and humanitarian organizations. “Aligned with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, this investment will support life-saving programs in communities in crisis, while also supporting global security and prosperity for Canada.” 

The international cooperation sector also welcomes that Budget 2024 makes new commitments to enhance Canadian engagement with international financial institutions to make them more responsive to emerging global threats. The budget also points to future initiatives that will seek to catalyze private and philanthropic sources of funding in support of international assistance. 

“Canadians expect their government to invest in the long-term safety and security of the country. In a world order distorted by conflict and crisis, Canada is being called on to find global pathways to peace. We celebrate today’s investment in humanitarian aid that will reach and support women and children in their most vulnerable moments through high impact interventions that save lives and help children reach their full potential,” said Julia Anderson, CEO of the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health. 

 

About Cooperation Canada 

Since 1968, Cooperation Canada has brought together Canadian civil society organizations working in international development and humanitarian assistance. With over 100 members, we work with partners in Canada and around the world to build a fairer, safer and more sustainable world. 

About Bigger Than Our Borders 

Bigger than our Borders is a compelling campaign backed by NGOs that aims to drive the Canadian government towards a significant boost in foreign aid funding. With our deep commitment since 2018, Bigger than Our Borders unites with a collective of NGOs and philanthropic institutions to advocate for the government’s increased contribution to international assistance, ensuring that it meets its responsibility and increases the current funding levels. 

About the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH) 

The Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH) is a proud membership of more than 100 non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, health professional associations and private sector entities partnering to advance women and children’s health and rights around the globe. 

  

Contact Information: 

Louis Belanger – Bigger Than Our Borders 613-265-4417 / [email protected]  

Gabriel Karasz-Perriau – Cooperation Canada 514-945-0309 / [email protected] 

Megan Aikens – CanWaCH 613-504-2862 / [email protected] 

  

Note: The coalition of aid agencies represents a broad group of organizations working in the fields of advocacy, education, economic development, gender equality and women’s rights, women’s and children’s health, sustainable livelihoods, food and water security, nutrition, human rights and good governance, all who work for a safer, fairer and more sustainable world. 

The group includes:

Cooperation Canada / Coopération Canada
Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health (CanWaCH) / Le Partenariat canadien pour la santé des femmes et des enfants (CanSFE)
Bigger than our Borders / Au-delà de nos frontières
Acted Canada
Action Against Hunger Canada
Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
ADRA Canada
Alberta Council for Global Cooperation
Association québécoise des organismes de coopération international (AQOCI)
Atlantic Council for International Cooperation
CAMFED Canada
Canadian Association for Global Health
Canada International Scientific Exchange Program (CISEPO)
Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM/ACSF)
Canadian Center for Women Empowerment
Canadian Feed The Children
Canadian Foodgrains Bank
Canadian Lutheran World Relief
Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief (CPAR)
Canadian Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases
CARE Canada
CAWST
CDF Canada
Centre D’Étude et de Coopération Internationale (CECI)
Change for Children
ChildCare International
Children Believe
Climate Action Network Canada (CAN-Rac)
Coady Institute
CODE
Collaboration Santé Internationale
Compassion Canada
Crossroads International
Cuso International
Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada
Développement international Desjardins (DID)
Effect Hope (The Leprosy Mission Canada)
End Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Canada Network
Equality Fund
Equitas-International Centre for Human Rights Education
Farm Radio International
Food for the Hungry Canada
Global Citizen
Grandmothers Advocacy Network
Habitat for Humanity Canada
Health Partners International Canada
HelpAge Canada
Hope and Healing International
HOPE International Development Agency
Humanitarian Coalition
Humanity & Inclusion Canada
Hungry For Life International
International Council of AIDS Service Organizations (ICASO)
International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF)
International Development Enterprises (iDE) Canada
Islamic Relief Canada
Jane Goodall Institute of Canada
Journalists for Human Rights (JHR)
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
Kentro Christian Network
Lawyers Without Borders Canada / Avocats sans frontières Canada
Manitoba Council for International Cooperation
Maternal and Infant Health Canada
Maternity Today
Médecins du Monde Canada
Mennonite Central Committee Canada
Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)
Mission inclusion
Never Again International – Canada
Northern Council for Global Cooperation
Nutrition International
ONE Canada
One Drop Foundation
Ontario Council for International Cooperation
Orbis Canada
Oxfam Canada
Oxfam-Québec
Partners In Health Canada
Plan International Canada
Presbyterian World Service & Development
Results Canada
Right To Play International
Salanga
Santé Monde
Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation
Save the Children Canada
SeedChange
Seva Canada
SOCODEVI
SOS Children’s Villages Canada
Trade Facilitation Office (TFO) Canada
UPA Développement international
Veterinarians without Borders Canada
VIDEA
WaterAid Canada
The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF)
The Wellspring Foundation for Education
Women’s Global Health Innovations – Bfree Cup
World Accord International Development Agency
World Renew
World University Service of Canada (WUSC)
World Vision Canada
ZMQ Global

Statement on Canada’s Support for a Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza

Statement on Canada’s Support for a Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza

Cooperation Canada welcomes Canada’s support on 12 December 2023 of a UN General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. We stand alongside other Canadian organizations, including several Cooperation Canada members, who have been calling tirelessly for the protection of civilians and upholding of legal and humanitarian obligations. 

Since the horrific Hamas-perpetrated attacks on 7 October 2023 that claimed the lives of 1,200 largely Israeli civilians and led to the abduction of over two hundred persons, many of whom continue to be held hostage, Cooperation Canada has been observing the escalation of conflict, onslaught on civilians, breakdown of humanitarian systems, and profound disrespect for both international law and international humanitarian law in Gaza, West Bank and Israel. Based on United Nations data from 11 December 2023, there have been over 18,000 casualties in Gaza, with additional reported injuries amounting to nearly 50,000, and almost 1.9 million people, or nearly 85 percent of the population, are estimated to be internally displaced. It is estimated that approximately 70 percent of casualties consist of women and children. There has also been an escalation of violence in the West Bank. 

The change in Canada’s position in favor of a ceasefire sends a strong message to the international community that bilateral relationships cannot and should not supersede international humanitarian law and international human rights law. More importantly, it means a chance at life for women, children, and young people living in catastrophic conditions. While the humanitarian pause of 24-30 November 2023 allowed an increase in the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas and infrastructure resumed quickly thereafter. This resumption of violence strongly suggests that a long-term ceasefire is needed to prevent the continued mass tragedy suffered by the Palestinian civilians.   

To reiterate our statement issued on 13 October 2023, we recognize the Government of Canada’s funding for humanitarian assistance to address urgent needs stemming from the crisis in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Israel and neighbouring areas. While humanitarian organizations can now expect to soon resume their work to rescue, care for, and save human lives, Canada should continue to engage diplomatically to ensure a sustainable ceasefire and lasting peace in Gaza, West Bank and Israel. 

Cooperation Canada’s statement on the crisis in Gaza, West Bank and Israel

Cooperation Canada’s statement on the crisis in Gaza, West Bank and Israel

Cooperation Canada is horrified by the escalating violence and loss of life in Gaza, West Bank and Israel, and sympathizes with the victims and their families. We are deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian crisis and call for an immediate end to the violence. 

Cooperation Canada urges all parties engaged in the conflict to respect International Humanitarian Law and uphold it to its fullest. Civilian safety and well-being must be the top priority. Parties in the conflict must refrain from targeting civilians, as well as schools, hospitals, and other vital civilian infrastructure. 

We applaud the Government of Canada’s announcement of $10 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to address urgent humanitarian needs resulting from the crisis, announced yesterday by the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development. We encourage Canada to play a leading role in advocating for safe, swift, and unobstructed humanitarian access to affected regions, allowing crucial assistance like water, food, fuel, and health supplies to reach the people in dire need. 

Our thoughts are with those affected by this violence and crisis, and we urge leaders to pursue a peaceful resolution that guarantees the safety of all those affected.