Peace and the Middle East

This week, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, waded into the issue of Israel-Palestine relations by choosing to lecture only one of the two sides about how it must be the one to change, and then about the error in a unilateral approach. It is hard to imagine a worse approach to building peace or a more hypocritical position for Canada.

The Middle East conflict is perhaps one of the most challenging international issues facing the world today. I am firmly committed to ensuring that the context for peace in the Middle East is established, so that the parties can move forward together. I believe Canada can and should play a role in helping that happen.

There is a process that leads to solutions. It just isn’t the approach practiced by the Harper government.

Over the course of my campaign for leadership of the New Democratic Party, I have spoken often of my approach to bringing people together. If parties can come to the table with respect, listening attentively to what is said, and search for solutions based in the common ground that exists – rather than focusing on what divides them – then they can and will make progress. There is reason for hope.

First, there must be a trusted and secure environment for dialogue.

International law provides that environment. Regrettably, in the Middle East, the principles of international law are violated daily.

As a practitioner in the field, I am entirely committed to international law and to the rule of law more broadly. I demonstrated that commitment and learned a great deal about how to make the process work through twenty-three years of negotiations on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

My own history as a member of a colonized people has taught me that respect for the rule of law is a condition that must be self-imposed if it is to be expected of others. Above all, that means a commitment to peace. In situations where ongoing violence has continually interrupted the peace process, a firm commitment to non-violent negotiation is a minimum requirement for progress.

Second, the rights of all peoples to self-determination and self-government must be respected.

This is the way to overcome colonialism and promote human rights and economic progress. Self-determination and self-government are the conditions needed for peace to bloom. Combined, they are a right and expectation that belongs to all peoples.

I know something about colonialism and its effects on a community. Such suffering and subjugation should not be wished upon any people. This is why I believe we must oppose colonialism no matter where or by whom it is practiced.

As long as people are unable to build their own economies and fully exercise their rights of self-determination, the establishment of expectations regarding governance is constrained, and the possibility of nation-to-nation dialogue is limited.

Third, settlements in the West Bank and the ongoing blockade of Gaza worsen political, economic and humanitarian conditions that must be overcome in order to create an environment for peace.

Settlements have been established in the West Bank contrary to international law. United Nations resolutions condemn these developments. Yet it appears that they continue. This is contrary to constructive dialogue and will not help bring about a lasting peace.

We know that the blockade interferes with residents’ basic medical needs, as well as their supply of healthy food and other nutrition. These current, pressing humanitarian challenges stand in the way of progress.

The United Nations has taken positions against the blockade on Gaza and further settlements in Palestinian territory. The current Canadian government is at odds with the will of the UN. In 2009, the international body’s Human Rights Council voted to condemn the blockade in Gaza: thirty-three countries voted in favour of the resolution, while Canada was the only country to vote against it. Last year at a committee of the UN General Assembly, Canada voted “No” to a resolution condemning illegal Israeli settlements. In the past, Canada has supported similar resolutions.

As with so many international issues, Canada is currently out of step with the global community. This nation is now an ineffective voice for a peaceful resolution in the Middle East.

Fourth, parties must commit to arriving at a solution together, recognizing that this is not a contest that either side can win, but a challenge that must be overcome together. And then, they must engage for as long as it takes to get there.

For there to be peace, the parties must practice peace. This can be done. I would be proud to lead Canada’s efforts in mediating such a solution.

I have seen patient and persistent commitment to the process of international law and treaty-making pay dividends for everyone concerned.

We must be clear about our values. We cannot claim to stand for peace and so easily opt for war. We cannot claim to prize humanity and allow so much suffering. We must understand our connection to others on this planet in a more direct and personal way.

Their future is our future. Their failure is the failure of us all.