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September 25th, 2018

NDP Calls on Liberals to Disavow Trump’sRetreat fromMultilateralism

Hélène Laverdière, NDP Foreign Affairs Critic, issued the following statement :

"Today in an address to the UN General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump defended isolationism and attacked multilateral cooperation and governance. The rhetoric in this speech and the subjects he raised represent another dangerous turn away from multilateralism.

The Trump administration has pulled out of many important multilateral agreements and organizations, including ones that are crucial for international peace, justice and security. These include the Iran nuclear deal, the Paris Accord, ending funding to UNRWA and rebuking the International Criminal Court. Trump has proposed denying humanitarian and development assistance to the populations of countries that do not cooperate with the U.S., and has threatened and violated the fundamental human rights of migrants and refugees.

More than ever, Canada must increase its foreign assistance to meet international targets, and stand firm with our global partners in order to protect international law and human rights. Our commitment must go beyond lip service and include funding for the International Criminal Court and humanitarian and development assistance to populations in greatest need.

The Liberal government has made many lofty promises on foreign assistance and international human rights, but remains a laggard on many crucial international files. In these turbulent times, the government must work with other likeminded countries to actively respond to the rapidly receding role of the United States in preserving international law and human rights."