Canada has recently pledged to provide assistance to Palestinian victims of sexual violence, a move that has angered the Israeli envoy.
The Canadian government has announced its commitment to supporting Palestinian victims of sexual crimes, a decision that has sparked controversy and backlash from the Israeli ambassador.
The announcement was made by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marc Garneau, during a virtual meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Monday. Garneau stated that Canada will be providing $5 million in funding to support the efforts of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in addressing sexual and gender-based violence in Palestinian communities.
This decision has been met with criticism from the Israeli ambassador to Canada, Galit Baram. In a statement, Baram expressed her disappointment and frustration with Canada’s decision, stating that it is “unfortunate that Canada has chosen to allocate funds to UNRWA, an organization that has a long history of anti-Israel bias and has been accused of perpetuating the conflict.”
Baram also accused UNRWA of promoting “anti-Semitic and anti-Israel propaganda” and called on Canada to reconsider its decision.
However, Garneau defended Canada’s decision, stating that the funding will go towards providing much-needed support to Palestinian victims of sexual violence. He also emphasized that Canada remains committed to promoting peace and stability in the region.
The decision to provide assistance to Palestinian victims of sexual violence comes at a time when the issue has been brought to the forefront of international attention. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of sexual violence and harassment against Palestinian women and girls, particularly in refugee camps.
The UNRWA has been working to address this issue through various programs and initiatives, including providing medical and psychological support to survivors, as well as promoting awareness and education on gender-based violence.
Canada’s pledge of support has been welcomed by many human rights organizations and activists, who see it as a crucial step towards addressing the issue of sexual violence in Palestinian communities.
In a statement, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, expressed his gratitude to Canada for its commitment to supporting the agency’s efforts. He also stressed the importance of addressing sexual violence in the region, stating that “the impact of sexual and gender-based violence on Palestinian women and girls is devastating and must be addressed urgently.”
This move by Canada has also been praised by Palestinian officials, who see it as a sign of solidarity and support for their cause. Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, stated that Canada’s decision is a “positive step towards addressing the ongoing human rights violations against Palestinians.”
Canada’s pledge of support for Palestinian victims of sexual violence is a significant move that highlights the country’s commitment to promoting human rights and addressing issues of gender-based violence. While it may have sparked controversy and criticism from some, it is a step in the right direction towards promoting peace and stability in the region.
