05/04/21: As the G7 convenes in the UK today under the direction of Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, the case for advancing critical human rights issues is important now more than ever. The world will be laser focused about the dialogue that transpires especially among the democracies that make up the group.
G7 leaders are set to discuss violence in Ethiopia, Iran and North Korea and Somalia as part of "pressing geopolitical issues that threaten to undermine democracy, freedoms and human rights". G7 countries include: Britain, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.
Here are some additional critical areas of concern the G7 can engage in as foundation of human rights policy moving forward:
1. Recommending to the International Criminal Court that it issue an arrest warrant for Bashar Al Assad, the President of Syria. Assad and his regime is responsible for the genocide of hundreds of thousands of Syrians over the last decade. Documentation recently released by a former Syrian military photographer explicitly demonstrates orders were given from the highest echelons of the Syrian Regime.
2. With this in mind, the G7 must also demand the ICC immediately withdraw its investigation of Israel for alleged war crimes. The investigation has come under wide scrutiny over what appears to be a politicized process that was launched against Israel.
3. The G7 must demand that any consideration for the return of the United States to the JCPOA with respect to Iran - must involve Israel and the Gulf States in negotiations. Moreover, under no circumstance should Iran have an ability to develop nuclear or ballistic weapons. If Iran wishes to engage the free world, it must become a peaceful nation; desist from further hostility in the region and toward Israel and end its state sponsored campaign of antisemitism and Holocaust denial.
4. G7 nations (including Canada) must follow the U.S. in declaring they will not be participating in the UN sponsored so-called anti-racism conference known as Durban IV. The 2001 conference proved to be a farce, having inspired a new wave of antisemitism and boycotts against the Jewish State. Rather than promote human rights and counter racism, the conference specifically targeted Israel. Countries such as the U.S. and Canada deliberately walked out of the conference at the time for its vicious attack on the Jewish state.
5. The G7 must seek to take action over atrocities committed by China concerning the Uighur population. Over 1 million Uighur's are reportedly incarcerated in concentration camps. Some nations and human rights agencies have named this a genocide. Similarly, the G7 must confront critical human rights issues in Myanmar, where recently there was a coup and innocent civilians are being murdered in cold blood during protests.
6. The G7 must advance peace in the Middle East by demanding that the Palestinian Authority not suspend its elections. It must hold free and fair elections. It must also require that Hamas cease and desist firing rockets into Israel immediately. Failing this, G7 nations must immediately stop financial support of the Gaza strip including through UNWRA.
7. G7 nations must advance human rights by also reaffirming and condemning antisemitism. Over the course of the last couple of years especially, antisemitism has increased at alarming rates all over the world, including in G7 related countries. It's time for the G7 to take increased measures to stop the tide of antisemitism and the outgrowth of hate and intolerance in general.
8. Advancing human rights also includes a comprehensive global plan relating to Covid-19 vaccinations. First and foremost, ensuring the global population is urgently vaccinated and building more capacity. Second, for citizens who are vaccinated, opening borders and allowing for free travel at the earliest possible convenience, when health capacities permit. Finally, ensuring the most vulnerable people are vaccinated and are not left behind.
It is time for democracies to take a unified approach to protecting and preserving humanity. The G7 framework allows for this type of dialogue and effort.
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Avi Abraham Benlolo, BA MA, Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa)
Order of Vaughan, Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal, Race Relations Award
ABOUT: Avi Abraham Benlolo has been described as the nation's most prominent and noted expert in Holocaust studies, in countering Antisemitism and promoting human rights. He has dedicated nearly three decades in executive capacities, was founding President and CEO of a major organization in the Jewish community, has raised over $150 million for charities and is a leading voice in Canada. His academic research, graduate degree, Ph.D. coursework and nearly three decades of professional work has focused on these arenas in addition to peace and security in the Middle East. He has published hundreds of articles in these areas. In recognition of his national and international leadership in this area, he has received numerous awards including an Honorary Doctorate from a prestigious Israeli university for his work in Holocaust studies and combating antisemitism; an Order of Vaughan for his distinguished contribution to anti-racism, equity and diversity; the Queens Diamond Jubilee Award for his contributions to Canada and a race relations award for best practice, based on distinguished service in promoting human rights.
As a supporter of Israel, he is proud to have established "The Avi Benlolo Scholarship Fund in National Security" at Haifa University.
