News & Analysis
The time has come to think about what comes after the war in Gaza
Israel’s three-phase proposal for Middle East peace, announced on May 31 by U.S. President Joe Biden, is an important step forward and deserves widespread support. The plan, however, leaves important questions unanswered concerning who “governs” Gaza post-hostilities.
Putting migrants in federal prisons is unjustified and unjust
Lloyd Axworthy and Allan Rock write in The Globe and Mail that the Canadian federal government’s decision to expand immigration detention into federal prisons is a violation of international human rights standards, and a betrayal of Canada’s proud reputation as a safe haven for migrants and refugees.
Canada can help establish an international protective force in Gaza
The killing of aid workers in Gaza highlights the need to protect the supply and distribution of humanitarian assistance. Supplying aid is one thing, but making sure it reaches the people in need is a separate challenge. We believe that Canada can make a meaningful difference in meeting that challenge, write Lloyd Axworthy and Allan Rock.
Council Member Jayne Fleming named a top lawyer for pro bono refugee protection work
WRMC Council Member and head of Reed Smith’s international refugee protection programs Jayne Fleming was named to Forbes’ first annual list of America’s Top 200 Lawyers for 2024.
New initiative to protect refugee women survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Mexico
On International Women’s Day, WRMC, Reed Smith LLP and the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture announce a new initiative with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to resettle up to 100 refugee women survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) from Mexico to Canada.
Canada’s plan to require visas from some Mexicans is a dangerous overreaction
Lloyd Axworthy, Rafael Fernandez de Castro and Fen Hampson write that It was clearly tempting for Ottawa to reach once again for this kill switch, especially amid public pressure from Quebec and the United States. But, they note, it should not have taken such drastic action.
Restore UNRWA funding, create Protective Mission to address humanitarian crisis in Gaza
To address the dire humanitarian crisis facing more than 2 million people who have been displaced in Gaza, the WRMC calls for funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to be restored immediately. The Council also calls for the creation of a Protective Mission to protect aid workers accompanied by a new Humanitarian and Reconstruction Contact Group for Gaza.
The G7 can prove its commitment to Ukraine by seizing Russian assets
WRMC’s Lloyd Axworthy and Fen Hampson write in the Globe and Mail that G7 leaders must stop dragging their feet and take Russia’s money now and redirect it to Ukraine.
The UN can play a big role in what comes next in Gaza – and Canada is well-placed to help
Lloyd Axworthy and Michael Manukau write that Canada has an opportunity to step up its diplomatic efforts to achieve a solution to what is presently an intractable crisis in Gaza.
World Refugee & Migration Council Endorses Joint Refugee Statement, Meaningful Refugee Participation Pledge
The World Refugee & Migration Council supports two important initiatives launched during the 2023 Global Refugee Forum: the Joint Refugee Statement and the Multi-Stakeholder Meaningful Refugee Participation Pledge, led by the Global Refugee-Led Network.