Genocide FAQs

Islamic Relief Canada is using the term "genocide" to emphasize the urgency of the manmade humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) and the systemic destruction of the Palestinian population in Gaza. As a humanitarian organization, Islamic Relief Canada recognizes that the mass killing of civilians, targeting of humanitarian personnel, and obstruction of aid are unlawful and a direct violation of international humanitarian law.

International legal experts, including United Nations officials and experts, have warned the international community that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. On 29 December 2023, South Africa initiated a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocide. In March 2024, the ICJ recognized the situation as “plausible genocide” and ordered Israel to take all measures possible to protect the civilian population.

Over the past year, we have seen Israel fail to comply with the court’s orders and instead intensify its military campaign in Gaza. In her watershed report (November 2024), UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese stated that Israel’s violence is part of an intentional and long-term systematic forced replacement and displacement of the Palestinian people. Several documented reports reveal deliberate targeting of civilians, systematic destruction of critical infrastructure, and public statements by Israeli officials advocating harm against Palestinians.

As a humanitarian organization, Islamic Relief Canada is committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of all peoples. We are compelled to condemn and call out genocide, and demand that our governments and institutions uphold justice and the principles of international humanitarian law.

Under the 1948 Genocide Convention, genocide is defined as acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. Article 2 of the Convention outlines specific acts of genocide, including: - Killing members of the group;

• Killing members of the group;
•  Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;
• Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;

The ICJ and similar international judicial bodies often take years— even decades—to issue rulings. The urgency of the crisis in Gaza demands immediate recognition and action to prevent further loss of life. Delayed acknowledgment risks enabling continued atrocities. The current UN Special Rapporteur for the OPT has described the situation as “genocide,” urging governments to use all available political means to halt the assault against Palestinians. Islamic Relief Canada echoes this call to action.

Under international law, the global community must:

• Prevent and stop genocide: Nations are obligated to intervene when acts of genocide are identified.
• Hold perpetrators accountable: Support international justice mechanisms like the ICJ and ICC.
• Provide protection and humanitarian assistance: Governments and organizations must do everything possible to protect populations at risk of genocide and ensure assistance reaches the affected population.
  

No. Naming genocide as it occurs is not unprecedented and is essential for timely intervention. In the past, activists, organizations and governments have identified genocides early – even as they are occurring – and have encouraged the international community to take action and protect at-risk populations.

Historically, the Canadian political landscape has not shied away from calling out genocide. Canadian Members of Parliament were outspoken about the persecution of Rohingya, calling the situation a genocide, even as the ICJ continues hearings on the related case that was first filed in 2019. Similarly, in the case of the Uyghur Genocide by China, Canada’s parliamentarians across the spectrum labeled it as a genocide, even while the ICJ was unable to prosecute China on the human rights violations due to it being a conditional Genocide Convention signatory.

Canadians can:

• Advocate for the Canadian government to condemn and act against genocide.
• Support organizations promoting human rights and providing humanitarian aid and assistance to Gaza.
• Raise awareness about the situation through social media and community outreach.

Islamic Relief Canada will:

• Continue providing humanitarian assistance to those affected, wherever possible.
• Advocate for international accountability and an immediate end to violence.
• Collaborate with organizations to amplify justice-focused initiatives.