Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Asks UN to Counter Political Polarization
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is asking members of the United Nations to counter growing political polarization abroad while taking shots at Conservative rhetoric at home.
Key Points
Joly put women’s rights and international law at the centre of her address to the UN General Assembly, in what could be the Trudeau government’s last speech at the annual gathering of leaders and ministers in New York.
“Some of the loudest voices claiming to speak for freedom are the ones trying to redefine that word for their own purposes,” she told the assembly on Monday morning.
“They hide behind the word to tell us everything is broken,” she said, echoing the language of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre without naming him.
UN Speech Highlights
Joly called out leaders who seek to restrict people’s LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive choices “or even what they can wear,” though she did not specify restrictions on religious symbols in Quebec or France.
“We see it in our country; we see it around the world,” she told the assembly, before delving into a series of conflicts that she said can only be resolved by countries upholding rules on sovereignty and human rights.
Conflicts and Solutions
She said that means challenging the Taliban’s “inhumane rules against women and girls” in Afghanistan that restrict their education and access to public spaces. It also means more countries supporting Haiti as it tries to end what she called the catastrophic situation of gang rule.
In the Middle East, a cycle of violence “requires both sides making real efforts” to end the war between Israel and Hamas, which has been going on for nearly a year. She stressed the importance of the UN in seeking consensus and ironing out profound differences.
Conclusion
Joly ended her speech by noting there has been a rollback in rights for women, including access to safe abortions and contraception. She emphasized the importance of working together to resolve the world’s numerous problems.
FAQs
What was the main focus of Joly’s speech?
The main focus of Joly’s speech was women’s rights and international law.
Who did Joly criticize in her speech?
Joly criticized leaders who seek to restrict people’s LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive choices, and what they can wear.
What did Joly say about the UN?
Joly emphasized the importance of the UN in seeking consensus and ironing out profound differences to resolve conflicts.
What is Canada’s current situation in the UN?
Canada is campaigning for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council and is facing dire poll numbers ahead of a likely national election.
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