Take action for international human rights and against annexation


KAIROS delegation to Palestine in 2019

Our choices define us as people and nations. It is our prayer that Canada will choose to be a nation that does not remain silent in the face of illegal actions but will work alongside other nations to uphold human rights, international law, and human dignity. 

Ecumenical letter to Canadian government on Israel’s Annexation plans, May 15, 2020 

On July 1, 2020 the government of Israel plans to move forward with the annexation of significant parts of the West Bank and all of its settlements, consisting of territory that Israel has been militarily occupying since 1967. Such acts would greatly exacerbate the suffering of the Palestinian people and put prospects for just and sustainable peace in even greater jeopardy.   Furthermore,  these plans constitute a clear violation of International Law concerning forced annexation, of which Canada is a party, 

There has been an international outcry over this planned annexation, including from several European countries. On May 15, 2020 KAIROS joined several member churches and church organizations in signing an ecumenical letter calling on Canada to uphold international law and publicly condemn the annexation.   A similar letter was sent by 58 former Canadian Ambassadors and Ministers to Prime Minister Trudeau.  On June 16, 47 UN special representatives and experts released a statement calling on the international community to ensure accountability for this breach of international law. 

The Canadian government  has essentially remained silent on Israel’s annexation plans  with the exception of a few vague statements of concern, lacking a formal condemnation or promise of future actions.  Canadians need a stronger commitment that international law and Canadian policy will be upheld.   

[Update on July 13: Although the initial deadline of July 1 has passed, the ongoing threat of annexation remains real, particularly in the context of occupation. Your compassion and action are still urgently needed.]

What can you do

Time is running out to take action to address this injustice. You can take urgent action: 

Contact your MP and let them know you are concerned. Ask them to: 

  • publicly condemn the plans of the Government of Israel to annex any and all parts of occupied Palestinian territory 
  • work with like-minded countries to take all diplomatic and political actions, and 
  • protect the human rights and self-determination of Palestinians 

Don’t know who your MP is, or how to contact them? Identify your MP by entering your postal code. 

Share your concerns on social media: Share the joint ecumenical letter and the UN statement; share articles from credible sources – here are two examples, from CBC (Evan Dyer) and the Conversation (Michael Lynk). Don’t forget to tag your MP, the Minister of Foreign Affairs (@FPChampagne) & the Prime Minister (@JustinTrudeau). You can also use the hashtag #cdnpoli .  Also, please tag KAIROS Canada (@kairoscanada). 

Thank you for taking action for justice.  

In solidarity. 


Filed in: Gender Justice/Women of Courage, Middle East

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