Canadian and Palestinian Students Hold Press Conference Addressing University Encampments on Parliament Hill
MEDIA NOTE: Participation in the question and answer portion of this event is in person or via Zoom, and is for accredited members of the Press Gallery only. Media who are not members of the Press Gallery may contact [email protected] for temporary access.
May 28th, 2024
Justice For All Canada, a nonprofit human rights advocacy organization, is hosting a press conference on Wednesday, May 29th, at 11 am EST at Parliament Hill to amplify the voices of Canadian students and activists advocating for university and college divestment from Israeli entities involved in human rights violations in Palestine. This press conference aims to shed light on the crucial role of student activism in promoting ethical investments, advocating for a ceasefire, ensuring accountability for atrocities, and fostering dialogue on lasting peace for Palestinians.
Date of Press Conference: Wednesday, May 29th, 2024
Time: 11 am EST, 9 am MDT
Location: Room 135-B, West Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON
Speakers:
The ongoing Israeli-led crimes against humanity in Occupied Palestine, particularly the recent escalation since October 7th, have spurred a grassroots movement among Canadian students and activists. The latest death toll stands at 36,615 Palestinians since October 7, including more than 15,000 children killed. Encampments and divestment initiatives across university campuses seek accountability and ethical investment practices. Student activists have urged schools to take a stronger stance against complicity in human rights violations, particularly in light of the ongoing genocide against Palestinians, a matter highlighted by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). However, Canadian universities' responses to divestment from Israeli institutions have been inadequate. Press conference speakers will explain the importance of ethical investment practices that align with principles of justice and accountability, urging universities to prioritize human rights over financial interests.
Justice For All Canada and students call on Canada’s government to take immediate actions:
Justice For All Canada, a nonprofit human rights advocacy organization, is hosting a press conference on Wednesday, May 29th, at 11 am EST at Parliament Hill to amplify the voices of Canadian students and activists advocating for university and college divestment from Israeli entities involved in human rights violations in Palestine. This press conference aims to shed light on the crucial role of student activism in promoting ethical investments, advocating for a ceasefire, ensuring accountability for atrocities, and fostering dialogue on lasting peace for Palestinians.
Date of Press Conference: Wednesday, May 29th, 2024
Time: 11 am EST, 9 am MDT
Location: Room 135-B, West Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON
Speakers:
- Mohamed-Obay Alshaer, Student, BASc Software Engineering, University of Ottawa
- Ganiyat Sadiq, Ottawa-based Advocacy Officer, Justice For All Canada
- Katy Anderson, Student, University of Calgary
- Salam Kafri, Student, University of Calgary
The ongoing Israeli-led crimes against humanity in Occupied Palestine, particularly the recent escalation since October 7th, have spurred a grassroots movement among Canadian students and activists. The latest death toll stands at 36,615 Palestinians since October 7, including more than 15,000 children killed. Encampments and divestment initiatives across university campuses seek accountability and ethical investment practices. Student activists have urged schools to take a stronger stance against complicity in human rights violations, particularly in light of the ongoing genocide against Palestinians, a matter highlighted by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). However, Canadian universities' responses to divestment from Israeli institutions have been inadequate. Press conference speakers will explain the importance of ethical investment practices that align with principles of justice and accountability, urging universities to prioritize human rights over financial interests.
Justice For All Canada and students call on Canada’s government to take immediate actions:
- Acknowledge human rights violations and war crimes committed against Palestinians;
- Support divestment initiatives at Canadian schools from Israeli entities complicit in violations;
- Support international legal cases at the ICJ and ICC that seek accountability for indiscriminate killings of civilians, advocate implementation of ceasefire and an end to the siege on Gaza;
- End provisions of Canadian resources, including arms and funds, that contribute to the oppression and killing of Palestinians.