Embedded Files
October 15, 2023
We, the members of the Carleton University Human Rights Society, express our unwavering solidarity with the innocent victims caught in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. As champions of human rights and social justice, we firmly denounce all forms of violence, the loss of innocent civilian lives, and the violations of international human rights law. On October 8, a day after Hamas launched its offensive on Israel, it was reported that a total of 482 individuals lost their lives in both Israel and Palestine. On October 14, only six days after the escalation of this decades-long war, the following was reported:
2,215 Palestinians have been killed.
720 Palestinian children have been killed.
8,714 Palestinians have been wounded.
1,300 Israelis have been killed.
447 Israeli children have been killed.
3,000 Israelis have been wounded.
With deep concern, we address the unfolding events of the past few weeks. However, it is imperative to place these recent occurrences within the broader context of decades-long colonial violence, an entrenched apartheid system, and oppressive conditions that have persistently characterized this region. As guests residing on unceded Indigenous territory, we must confront the stark reality that the prospect of lasting peace under settler colonialism remains elusive.
We also recognize and strongly condemn the alarming rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia that often accompanies such conflicts. Regrettably, each new flare-up in the Israel-Palestine crisis brings with it a concerning surge in these forms of discrimination. It is critical to understand that anti-Semitism and Islamophobia should never be conflated with the actions of governments or political organizations.
It is crucial to separate Jews from the Israeli government and to separate Palestinians from Hamas. Individuals should not be held responsible for the actions of the governments or organizations with which they may be associated. We emphasize that prejudice and discrimination have no place in our society and should be firmly opposed.
We strongly condemn Israel's orders for over a million Palestinians in Northern Gaza to evacuate to the south within an infeasible timeframe, an action the United Nations rightfully deems impossible and dangerous. With this, we oppose Israel's repeated calls to evacuate 22 hospitals in Northern Gaza, endangering the lives of over 2,000 inpatients and violating humanitarian principles.
We firmly believe in the universal principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which both Israel and Canada have ratified. These rights extend to every human being, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, nationality, or race, and include the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and personal security. We call upon the Canadian government to take a leading role in advocating for an immediate ceasefire and diplomatic efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
The Carleton University Human Rights Society stands ready to provide support to the student community who are directly or indirectly affected by this ongoing violence. We have curated resources to facilitate a deeper understanding of the ongoing conflict, its historical underpinnings, and personal support resources for those in need.
In unity, we strive to uphold the values of human rights, justice, and peace in this turbulent time.
“We can not fight for our rights and our history as well as [our] future until we are armed with weapons of criticism and dedicated consciousness.”
(Edward W. Said)
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