Canada's NDP

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December 21st, 2017

NDP Statement on the vote on Jerusalem at the UN General Assembly today

NDP Foreign Affairs Critic Hélène Laverdière made the following statement in reaction to Canada’s decision to abstain from the vote:

"New Democrats are deeply disappointed in the Trudeau government's decision to abstain from the vote at the UN General Assembly today.

President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel is dangerous and misguided. His decision runs contrary to international law and numerous UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and will undermine attempts for a peace process.

Today's shameful decision by Canada continues a disappointing pattern of votes at the UN by the Trudeau government. A few weeks ago, Canada voted against its own long-standing foreign policy by refusing to condemn illegal settlements. On Tuesday, Canada voted against a UN General Assembly resolution on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. In both votes, Canada was one of only seven countries, alongside the United States, Israel, Palau, Nauru, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands, to vote against. All of our other allies, including European Union states, Australia, and Japan, voted in favour. How can Canada claim to champion a rules-based multilateral order when the Liberal government continues to refuse to uphold international law?

Canada's decision to abstain today, and its recent UN votes, are contrary to Canada's own stated foreign policy on Israel/Palestine. At a time when Canada should be standing up for international law and promoting human rights, Canada is isolating itself. We urge the Trudeau government to uphold their own stated values, condemn illegal settlements, and finally stand up for the rights of the Palestinian people as well as the rights of Israelis. Canada has been silent on these issues for far too long.”