The Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council (CMPAC) is deeply concerned about Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly’s recent announcement on September 10, 2024 regarding Canada’s arms embargo on Israel. Minister Joly’s claims of halting Canadian-made weapons from reaching Gaza are grossly inadequate and fail to address Canada’s complicity in the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and genocide in Gaza. CMPAC demands immediate, substantial actions to rectify this failure and halt Canadian arms transfers to Israel that continue to exacerbate the crisis.
Minister Joly’s announcement reveals significant gaps between stated policy and effective action. Notably, the announcement acknowledges that Canadian-made weapons (or components of weapons) have indeed contributed to the conflict in Gaza, where the International Court of Justice has warned of a “real and imminent risk” of genocide. Despite this alarming situation, the government’s recent suspension of certain arms permits represents an unacceptable delay in addressing the crisis, indicating a troubling level of complicity in continuing arms flows that fuel the humanitarian disaster.
Moreover, the government’s awareness of specific companies involved in these arms deals further highlights its failure to act decisively. The vague suspension of 30 permits lacks clarity on whether these permits could be reissued or under what conditions they are suspended, leaving open the potential for Canadian arms to still reach Gaza through indirect routes. As such, halting direct shipments to Gaza does not address the issue of Canadian-made components potentially ending up in the conflict zone via third-party countries, such as the U.S. For example, the recent cancellation of an ongoing $61.1 million deal for Quebec-made ammunition underscores a stark contradiction with the government’s stated position and illustrates the inadequacy of the current measures.
To address these issues comprehensively, CMPAC demands the following:
- Uphold the Arms Trade Treaty: Canada must fully comply with its obligations under the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which mandates that arms exports must not be used in violations of international law or in the commission of war crimes. Despite reports from the International Court of Justice, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the UN Human Rights Office documenting continued Israeli violations of international law and potential war crimes, Canada’s response has been inadequate. Furthermore, the continued export of arms directly or indirectly through routes such as the US suggests a failure to uphold ATT commitments, as these actions have contributed to the ongoing humanitarian crisis and war crimes in Gaza.
- Complete Transparency: The Canadian government must provide a full and transparent account of all military exports to Israel. This includes detailed records of every shipment, both historical and current, and projections for future military exports. Transparency must cover the volume, value, types of arms, and military components involved. This is essential for public accountability and ensuring that Canadian arms are not implicated in the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- Full Arms Embargo: Canada must implement an immediate, comprehensive two-way arms embargo on Israel. This embargo should include all forms of military support – arms, ammunition, military components, and technology – covering all past, present, and future exports. Canada must also terminate any arms manufacturing collaboration with third-party nations, such as the United States, that might facilitate the transfer of arms to Israel. Strict oversight mechanisms must be instituted to prevent any circumvention of the embargo through third-party countries or indirect routes.
- End Evasive Practices: The Canadian government must cease its use of vague and evasive language regarding arms exports and their impact. Clear, actionable measures are needed to ensure that Canadian-made arms do not contribute to violence in Gaza or other Palestinian territories. This includes a definitive halt to all permits or licenses that could allow Canadian arms to be used in the conflict, with specific criteria and conditions for any suspension. The government must also provide detailed reports on the status and impact of all permits, ensuring no ambiguity in its policies and actions.
- Respond to International Calls: The UN Human Rights Council and independent UN experts have urgently called for an immediate halt to arms transfers to Israel to avoid complicity in war crimes and genocide. Minister Joly’s announcement fails to meet these international expectations and does not align with the gravity of the situation.
Minister Joly’s announcement falls woefully short of addressing Canada’s role in the Gaza genocide. CMPAC strongly criticizes this superficial approach and demands immediate implementation of a comprehensive two-way arms embargo on Israel, full transparency of all military exports, and an end to evasive practices. Anything less is inadequate and fails to meet Canada’s obligations under international human rights standards and the Arms Trade Treaty.
