Recognition without Accountability in a Genocide
The Government of Canada’s announcement that it will recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations this September marks a long-overdue departure from the policy of deferring Palestinian rights until they receive Israeli approval. Palestinian self-determination is not a concession to be granted by others, nor a bargaining chip to be leveraged for concessions from the Palestinian people. It is a fundamental right enshrined in international law.
While Canada’s recognition may be a step in the right direction, it ultimately prioritizes symbolism over substantive and concrete efforts. For years now, Gaza has endured mass displacement and ethnic cleansing, an engineered famine, relentless bombardment, and the deliberate destruction of infrastructure essential to civilian survival. As the death toll continues to climb, the International Court of Justice has already found a plausible case of genocide. This finding by a court of law confirms legal obligations on Canada to act now to prevent further suffering. State recognition is simply meaningless when the people who make up that state are being systematically killed.
Without accountability, mere recognition becomes detached from the urgent realities on the ground. If Canada’s recognition is to be more than symbolism, it must be paired with immediate, concrete action to protect Palestinians from genocide and apartheid, and pressure Israel to end decades of illegal occupation. At a minimum, this requires:
Sanctions that target institutions, not just individuals, including settler enterprises, corporate suppliers, and financial institutions that enable settlement expansion and the machinery of occupation and genocide.
Active support for Palestinian legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and other forums, including the ongoing genocide case.
A full, two-way arms embargo with Israel—halting both exports and imports of weapons and arms components.
Suspension of free-trade and defence cooperation agreements until Israel complies with its legal obligations.
Guarantee and expedite humanitarian entry for Palestinians to Canada under expanded emergency visa and resettlement programs.
A single symbolic step will not stop an ongoing atrocity. If this government truly seeks to advance justice, peace, security, and human dignity, it must act decisively—using every diplomatic, legal, and economic lever available—not only to recognize a Palestinian state, but to ensure there is a Palestinian people able to live within it, free from domination.
