WSO Calls on Israel to Comply With ICJ Decision

Ottawa (May 31, 2024):  The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) calls on Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) decision ordering a halt to the offensive in Rafah in southern Gaza and the reopening of the Rafah crossing.  The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe, with tens of thousands of civilians having been killed and countless others subjected to life-threatening, dehumanizing conditions and displacement.   Palestinians  continue to be deprived of adequate food, water, shelter and medicine and the infrastructure to access international humanitarian assistance.  There must be an immediate end to military operations in Gaza and the current offensive on Rafah and aid must be allowed to reach those in need. 

WSO President Danish Singh said today,

“The suffering and misery being inflicted upon the people of Gaza is beyond words.  The ongoing scenes of carnage have shocked the conscience of people across the world.  The relentless military operations and bombings are an example of collective punishment that far exceeds the right of Israel to defend itself.  The ICJ’s decision is binding international law - Israel must follow the directives of the ICJ and end the carnage in Gaza.”

WSO is concerned about the impacts of this violence on Canadians. There is an alarming rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in Canada, and hate crimes against any ethno-religious minority groups must be condemned. 

WSO also continues to support the right to protest, which is protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and must not be curtailed due to political views or affiliations.  It is also crucial, however, that places of worship and educational institutions must never be targeted with violence. All steps should be taken to ensure the safety of community members - regardless of their political or religious beliefs.

The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) is a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs, as well as to promote and advocate for the protection of human rights of all individuals.