Canada votes in favour of United Nations General Assembly resolution on “Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues”

November 20, 2024

Canada voted in support of this resolution today to signal our deep concerns over the direct attacks against UNRWA, its mandate and its staff over the last year. We changed this vote today to clearly express Canada’s unwavering support to the Palestinian refugees that are in dire need of our assistance.

However, this does not change Canada’s position that this resolution continues to contain some language that could be seen to pre-judge the outcome of final status negotiations between the parties. Additionally, there are too many resolutions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and we oppose initiatives at the United Nations and in other multilateral forums that unfairly single out Israel for criticism. ‎These issues need to be addressed.

Canada believes that a just solution to the refugee issue has always been and remains central to a settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Throughout the current crisis, which began with Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, UNRWA has been the backbone of the critical and lifesaving humanitarian response in Gaza, in addition to its UN General Assembly mandate to support Palestinian refugees in the occupied Palestinian Territories and neighbouring countries.

Canada has condemned the legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset on October 28, which threatens to prevent UNRWA’s vital work in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. In the days prior to the legislation’s passing, Canada, as a last plea, led on a joint-statement with our international partners that urged the Government of Israel not to go down this path. We continue to press Israel not to implement this legislation, and to enable the continuation of UNRWA’s activities in education, health services, and to work constructively to enable its crucial role in delivery of humanitarian assistance.

We have taken note of UNRWA’s efforts to address allegations against its staff and its willingness to pursue and implement reform of internal processes in line with the independent review of April 2024, led by Ms. Catherine Colonna, on UNRWA neutrality. We call on UNRWA to continue its path of reform as a priority, demonstrating its commitment to the principle of neutrality, and ensure that its activities remain entirely in line with its mandate. We will continue to actively monitor and support this process.

We are currently in the middle of a catastrophic crisis and the work of UNRWA is critical to address the urgent needs of Palestinians.  This includes addressing the fate of Palestinian refugees, for whom UNRWA’s operations are irreplaceable.

Until such a lasting resolution to the conflict is found, UNRWA must be able to fulfill its crucial role in providing basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees.

Canada feels that it is critical to counter negative momentum created by recent actions, and reaffirm Canada’s support for Palestinian refugees. It is for these reasons that Canada has returned to a position of support on this resolution today.