Canada in Support of Women, Life, Freedom

Human rights abuses in Iran have been a longstanding issue, with widespread violations of fundamental civil and political rights, including freedom of expression, assembly, and religion, and the right to a fair trial. In recent years, there have been increasing reports of arbitrary arrests and detention of political dissidents, human rights activists, and journalists, as well as the use of torture and the death penalty against political prisoners.

In light of these serious human rights abuses, the Canadian government has a responsibility to take action to support the Iranian people in their struggle for freedom and democracy. One way to do this is through collaboration with the Iranian diaspora, which has a wealth of knowledge, skills, and resources that can be used to support human rights in Iran.

One effective way of collaboration between the Iranian diaspora and the Canadian government is through citizen diplomacy. Citizen diplomacy is a term used to describe the actions and initiatives of individuals and groups who work to foster relationships between people and cultures without the formal support of their governments. Examples of citizen diplomacy include cultural exchanges, grassroots peace-building initiatives, and networking between civil society organizations.

By working directly with the Iranian diaspora, the Canadian government can gain a better understanding of the Iranian people's perspectives, challenges, and opportunities, which can, in turn, help to promote greater cooperation and mutual understanding. Additionally, by supporting the Iranian diaspora in their efforts to promote human rights in Iran, the Canadian government can help create a sense of shared ownership and accountability for international relations and can help to support civil society, strengthening the democratic process.

Another effective way of collaboration is through the Canadian government's public statements and actions. The Canadian government can speak out publicly and firmly on human rights abuses in Iran and call for the release of political prisoners and the respect for fundamental human rights. Canada can also raise these issues in the United Nations, multilateral organizations, and diplomatic communication with Iran.

In addition, Canada also can support the work of human rights organizations and NGOs that focus on Iran by providing them with financial and technical assistance. It also can support the work of independent media organizations and journalists who report on human rights abuses in Iran, by providing them with training and equipment.

Overall, human rights abuses in Iran are a serious concern, and the Canadian government has a responsibility to take action to support the Iranian people in their struggle for freedom and democracy. Collaboration with the Iranian diaspora through citizen diplomacy is one effective way to foster deeper connections between the Iranian people and Canada, promoting greater understanding and mutual cooperation and acting on the international stage.

The Government of Canada can help to empower the Iranian diaspora through the provision of digital public goods to advance human rights, freedom and justice in several ways.

One way is by providing access to digital tools and resources that the Iranian diaspora can use to promote human rights and democracy in Iran. This can include things like secure communication platforms, digital security training, and censorship circumvention tools, which can be used by activists, journalists, and civil society organizations to safely and effectively advocate for human rights and democracy in Iran.

Another way is through funding and supporting digital initiatives by Iranian diaspora groups. The government of Canada can provide financial and technical assistance to Iranian diaspora organizations that are working to promote human rights, freedom, and justice in Iran through digital initiatives. This can include developing trusted networks to share information and resources, creating online platforms for organizing and networking, and supporting independent media.

Another is investing in digital public goods and open data for the Iranian diaspora. This can include providing access to data and information that can be used to promote a greater understanding of human rights and democracy in Iran, such as data on human rights abuses, election results, and political trends. Additionally, by investing in open data and digital public goods, the government of Canada can also help to foster greater transparency and accountability in Iran and across transnational diaspora communities.

Moreover, Canada can also provide training and capacity-building opportunities to diaspora activists, journalists, and civil society organizations using digital tools, data analysis and internet-based research.

Furthermore, the government of Canada can also leverage its international connections and relationships to advocate for human rights and democracy in Iran at the multilateral level, including at the United Nations, through diplomatic channels and by supporting initiatives by other countries.

Overall, the government of Canada can play a crucial role in empowering the Iranian diaspora to advance human rights, freedom and justice in Iran through the provision of digital public goods and support for digital initiatives. By providing access to digital tools and resources, funding and supporting digital initiatives, investing in digital public goods and open data, training and capacity building and leveraging international connections, Canada can help create a more open and democratic society in Iran and around the world.

Flight PS752

The crash of Flight PS752 on January 8, 2020, was a tragic event that resulted in the loss of 176 lives, most of whom were Iranian nationals and Canadian permanent residents. Iran's officials initially twisted the cause of the crash, but it was later determined that the Iranian military and, more specifically, The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shot Flight PS752 down. This event has sparked international condemnation, and the Canadian government has taken several steps to bring justice to the victims and their families.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, the Canadian government announced establishing an independent, international investigation into the crash in cooperation with other countries, including Ukraine, Sweden, and Afghanistan. Canada also called for the establishment of a Joint Coordination and Support Group (JCSG) to provide support to the victim’s families, including assistance with the repatriation of remains and the provision of consular services.

The government of Canada also announced the formation of a compensation fund for the victims and is working with international partners to hold Iran accountable for its actions. In 2020, Canada, Ukraine and Afghanistan, as well as some families of the victims, initiated a process of litigation against Iran by filing notices of the claim under the State Immunity Act of Canada, seeking reparations for the damages suffered as a result of the crash.

In addition to these efforts, Canada has been actively working with the international community to bring justice to the victims of Flight PS752. The government of Canada has been vocal in calling for accountability and pushing for a complete and transparent investigation of the crash in various international fora, such as the United Nations and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Canada also has been working with other countries affected by the crash, such as Ukraine and Afghanistan, to coordinate efforts and push for accountability. Canada and its allies in the international community also support sanctions and other measures aimed at holding Iran accountable for its actions. Canada can also raise the issue in international forums, such as the UN Human Rights Council, to ensure that the human rights of the victims' families are respected and to advocate for the right to justice and reparation for the victims and their families.

In conclusion, the crash of Flight PS752 was a tragic event that resulted in the loss of 176 lives, and the Canadian government has taken steps to bring justice to the victims and their families. Through independent international investigation, legal actions, support for victims and their families, and working with international organizations and other countries affected, Canada can help to hold Iran accountable for its actions and provide support to the victims’ families. Canada must continue to exert diplomatic pressure and cooperate with the international community to ensure that justice is served.