Press Release – IBON International The dire human rights situation in the Philippines under the Duterte administration calls for stronger international solidarity and support and the establishment of a United Nations-led probe on state-perpetrated rights violations, according to a …
The dire human rights situation in the Philippines under the Duterte administration calls for stronger international solidarity and support and the establishment of a United Nations-led probe on state-perpetrated rights violations, according to a recent virtual Roundtable Discussion with concerned members of the international community. Led by Philippine-based international non-government organisation IBON International, the gathering convened more than 50 representatives of people’s organisations, international civil society organisations (CSOs), lawyers, embassy representatives and international institutions.
On Canada s Foreign Policy: Interview with Minister of Foreign Affairs Marc Garneau
06.May.2021 9:00 AM . 7 min read
Following the arbitrary detention of two Canadians in China, Canada has advocated strongly for the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations. Can you detail the progress that has been made in fighting arbitrary detention? What work remains to be done?
The Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations is a Canadian-led initiative that aims to put an end to the practice of using foreign citizens as bargaining chips for diplomatic leverage. Canada denounces this illegal and immoral practice in the strongest possible terms. It needs to stop.
Lawmakers push for a framework for mandatory value chain due diligence.
On 2 April 2021, a legislative proposal entitled “Proposition de loi instaurant un devoir de vigilance et un devoir de responsabilité à charge des entreprises tout au long de leurs chaînes de valeur” or “Wetsvoorstel houdende de instelling van een zorg- en verantwoordingsplicht voor de ondernemingen, over hun hele waardeketen heen” was introduced by members of various political parties before the Belgian Chamber of Representatives (the Belgian Vigilance Proposal). The Chamber of Representatives voted in favour of considering this legislative proposal on 22 April 2021, a few weeks ahead of the 10th anniversary of the unanimous endorsement by the United Nations Human Rights Council of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
The 2001 World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, also known as Durban I after the South African city in which it was held, was disrupted by walkouts staged by national delegations offended by anti-Israel sentiments.
Canada sent a delegation but then-foreign minister John Manley stayed behind and voiced concerns about the draft communique and a push by some countries to argue that Israel was founded on racist principles.
In the end, Canada issued a statement of reservation on its final declaration, which included a statement of concern for the plight of Palestinian people under foreign occupation. The document stopped short of directly condemning Israel.