Explanation of Vote (EOV) by Canada before the General Assembly 64th Session

Vote on Report of Fact Finding Mission on Gaza Conflict

New York( 

5 November 2009

CANADIAN REPRESENTATIVE:  Thank you Mr. President.  Canada was concerned about the unbalanced
 nature of the mandate of the UN fact-finding mission on the Gaza conflict when it was first considered in that it did not clearly call for investigation of both sides and did not recognize that rocket fire on Israel led to the crisis.  In commissioning this study, the Human Rights Council preemptively assumed Israel's culpability.  
While recognizing that the report that was released does address issues relating to both parties, we are nevertheless concerned about its overall unbalanced nature.  We were further concerned about the decision to proceed with the twelfth special session of the Human Rights Council, as we believe that the situation in the Middle East must be addressed in a balance and non-politicized manner, one that promotes a negotiated solution rather than further antagonizing the parties.
For these reasons, Canada has voted no on this resolution.  That said, Canada continues to call on all parties to respect their obligations under human rights and international humanitarian law.  We expect all credible reports of wrong-doing by armed forces, regular or irregular, to be investigated by the relevant authorities, and we know that institution is carrying out investigations and we look forward to their full disclosure when concluded.  Thank you, Mr. President.