The Human Cost in the Israel-Hamas War

WFM-Canada’s membership is deeply concerned about the escalating violence in the Israel-Hamas/Hezbollah conflict, which has resulted in significant loss of life and suffering for Palestinian and Israeli civilians, many of whom are children. We stand firmly united in defence of human rights, we condemn all acts of violence and strenuously object to the disregard for international law.

The recent actions and statements are deeply troubling. The order by Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for a complete siege of the Gaza Strip will affect millions of civilians and is a grave violation of international humanitarian law. Likewise, Hamas' massacre of civilians and taking of hostages constitute war crimes. It is imperative that all parties be reminded of the gravity of their actions and of the consequences of defying international legal standards in conflict zones. Deliberate killings of civilians, hostage-taking, and collective punishment are inexcusable crimes that demand justice.

The historical lack of accountability for crimes against civilians has contributed to the current crisis. Impunity for such acts undermines the foundations of international law and sets a dangerous precedent. We call on all parties to cooperate with investigations into war crimes, and we reiterate our support for the ongoing efforts of the International Criminal Court to address these serious violations. The February 2021 ruling that the ICC had jurisdiction over human rights abuse allegations in Palestine has brought some hope that the perpetrators will be held accountable and that the victims will one day see justice delivered in this conflict.

It is crucial to acknowledge that the civilian population in Gaza has been trapped in an untenable situation, with unresolvable obstacles to normalcy. The blockade imposed in 2007 has only exacerbated long years of suffering for the Palestinian people in the region. 

As advocates for human rights and the rule of law, WFM-Canada emphasizes the need for a swift and impartial investigation into all reported crimes. We call on the international community of nation-states, including the United Nations itself to address the underlying causes of this conflict and work towards a just and lasting resolution.

We urge all parties of influence to prioritize the protection of civilian lives and to seek peaceful avenues for resolution. The continued escalation of violence only deepens the human suffering and hinders the prospects for a sustainable peace.

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The Montreal Branch presents Dr. Khalid Medani on the Situation in Sudan

📅 When: Sunday, Oct 26, 2023 at 7:00PM (Eastern Time)

Join us for an insightful discussion on "Sudan: Coups, Conflict, and Upheaval" featuring Dr. Khalid Mustafa Medani, an esteemed Associate Professor of Political Science and Islamic Studies at McGill University. He also holds the positions of Director of the Institute of Islamic Studies and Chair of the African Studies Program. With a profound focus on globalization and the political economy of Islamist and ethnic politics in Africa and the Middle East, Dr. Medani brings a wealth of expertise to the table. His extensive research, particularly on Sudan, Egypt, and Somalia, provides invaluable insights into the region's complex dynamics.

REGISTER FOR THIS FREE ZOOM EVENT

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🌍 Join us in the conversation about The Climate Crisis and World Federalism! 🌿

📅 When: Sunday, Nov 12, 2023 at 2:00PM (Eastern Time)

This hybrid meeting hosted by the Toronto Branch of the World Federalist Movement - Canada will delve into the crucial question: What steps should World Federalists in Toronto take regarding the Climate Crisis? 

We'll kickstart the discussion with the 9th lecture from the One World Democracy and Justice Lecture series on the climate crisis. This video reveals the global governance barriers to solving this pressing issue.

📍 In-Person:
The Centre For Social Innovation, 720 Bathurst Street (Just 2 blocks south of Bloor), Toronto. Space is limited, so grab your FREE ticket at EventBrite now! If it's sold out, you can still join the live meeting via Zoom after registering.

🔗 On Zoom: Register here to receive the meeting link

Let's come together to discuss and strategize for a sustainable future! 🌱🌎

 CLIMATE CRISIS DISCUSSION VIDEO

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2022 Sees Record Cluster Munition Casualties Amid Ukraine Conflict

1,172 people were killed and injured by cluster munitions last year

These were the findings of a report published on September 20th by the Cluster Munition Monitor. It marked the highest number of victims recorded since the report's inception in 2010. This unprecedented figure was primarily attributed to the repeated use of these weapons in Ukraine.

A week prior to the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (Oslo Convention), which occurred from September 11 to 14 in Geneva, Switzerland, Humanity & Inclusion Canada had called on the Canadian government to condemn the use of cluster munitions and to hold the responsible countries accountable for their deployment.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE 

READ THE REPORT

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Mobilizing an Earth Governance Alliance (MEGA): Strengthening Global Environmental Governance 

The World Federalist Movement's Institute for Global Policy (WFM-IGP) is partnering with Citizens for Global Solutions (CGS) and the Climate Governance Commission (CGC) to establish the Mobilising an Earth Governance Alliance (MEGA). This ambitious coalition of civil society organizations, in collaboration with like-minded States, aims to fortify existing environmental governance mechanisms and institutions, while also advocating for the creation of new ones.

In an era where poorly regulated economic development and international competition are leading to the destruction of Earth's ecosystems, global environmental governance is paramount. It aims to transcend narrow national interests, working towards safeguarding our planet's ecosystems for present and future generations. While various organizations and networks focus on addressing specific aspects of environmental degradation, there has been a crucial missing piece — a comprehensive platform for holistic governance to combat these crises effectively. MEGA steps in to fill this void. It will serve as an extensive repository of reports, proposals, and campaigns, providing the essential frameworks for environmental governance that humanity and our planet urgently require.

The public launch of MEGA is scheduled for January 2024, following the release of the Climate Governance Commission's Report in November 2023. This report, along with its recommendations, will be a central component of the MEGA platform. Many of these environmental governance proposals will be deliberated at COP28 in December. WFM-IGP, CGS, and CGC are actively engaging with other environmental organizations, inviting them to participate as co-sponsors or collaborating entities within the MEGA initiative.

As the public launch approaches, MEGA you can learn more detailed information from the MEGA flier and visit the WFM-IGP Environmental Governance program, Climate Governance Commission website, and Citizens for Global Solutions environment advocacy page. Together, let's fortify global environmental governance for a sustainable future.

MEGA FLYER

Professor Walter Dorn's recent publication offers an insightful analysis of the shifting dynamics of peacekeeping operations. In his article, he provides a comprehensive overview of the changing role of peacekeepers in today's global context.

The article examines the transformation of UN peacekeeping, which has evolved from a traditional observer role to one that increasingly involves the use of force. Professor Dorn draws attention to the significant historical event, the Battle of Medak Pocket, where Canadian forces engaged in combat during a UN peacekeeping mission. This marked a paradigm shift in the approach to peacekeeping, challenging the conventional notion that peacekeepers should refrain from combat.

As an organization deeply committed to the ideals of peace and effective conflict resolution, we encourage our community to read Professor Dorn's article. It not only provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of peacekeeping but also sparks essential discussions on the future of Canada's involvement in international interventions in conflict zones.

READ THE ARTICLE