Today’s blog examines the UN’s explicit call for Canada, Iran and others to cease fueling the deadly Yemeni conflict through arms transfers. Then we examine shocking DND plans to potentially partner with Israel in the production of armed drones even as that country is using these weapons for manifestly illegal purposes.
Read about the challenges facing our new Foreign Minister, from a disastrous Saudi arms export review signed off by Freeland just before her departure, to a glimmer of light in Canada’s policy on Palestine and international law, progress on Ukraine and much more!
We welcome Canada’s long overdue accession to the global Arms Trade Treaty. But it will only be meaningful if it is accompanied by concrete action to end our complicity in the suffering of innocent Yemeni civilians by suspending the export of Canadian-made LAVs to Saudi Arabia.
We can make a real difference. Stopping our military exports will impede Saudi Arabia’s military capacity to continue to wreak havoc in Yemen. It would also be a powerful, tangible, positive demonstration of support for human rights and the rule of law, at a time when they are under global attack.
Prime Minister Trudeau has the clear legal authority to cancel the sordid Saudi arms deal in the face of unspeakable human rights abuses. But does he have the moral courage to act?
Canada needs an export permit control system worthy of a country with a proud history of working to strengthen human rights, international law and international peace and security.