Irwin Cotler
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Articles by Irwin Cotler
On Being Canadian Under the Law
ideacity.ca/screencap By Irwin Cotler October 28, 2026 My earliest memory of what it means to be Canadian is from May 8, 1945; my fifth birthday. It was Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), the end of World War II, the liberation of the death camps, and the end of the horrors of the Holocaust. My father took me into the streets of Montreal for this great moment of celebration of the victory of the Allied Forces, including Canadian soldiers, in World War II.
Irwin Cotler: What happened to Carney's Davos call for principled, pragmatic foreign policy? Original
In some respects, the government has followed through on the PM's speech. In other respects however, it has been neither principled or pragmatic Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on Jan. 20, 2026. Irwin Cotler writes that while the Canadian government has followed through in some respects on Carney's call for principled, pragmatic foreign policy, it has failed in other respects, particularly with regards to China, Sudan and the Middle East.
Irwin Cotler: What happened to Carney's Davos call for principled, pragmatic foreign policy?
Red Sea 10 hours ago Iran war widens to Red Sea and Caspian despite pause in US strikes investing.com - Simon Mugo • 10h Investing.com -- The Iran war spread towards the Red Sea and Caspian Sea over the weekend, despite the United States pausing its airstrikes after 13 … World News 6 hours ago Cheaper, open and intelligent: Chinese AI models gain ground, as they make inroads in the US Associated Press - By CHAN HO-HIM and MATT O’BRIEN • 6h HONG KONG (AP) — China has a hot new product in the...
Remembering Elie Wiesel: A soul on fire and a life dedicated to justice - opinion
Yad Vashem marked the 10th anniversary of Professor Elie Wiesel’s death with a screening of a film on his life and legacy.
Antisemitism is a threat to every democracy
I write in the shadow, pain and continuing trauma of the unspeakable mass atrocities of October 7 – on the 1,000th day following the worst day in Jewish and Israeli history since the Holocaust – of horrors too terrible to be believed, but not too terrible to have happened; of horrific mass murder, rape, torture, maiming and mutilation, burning and beheading, of women, children, the elderly, disabled, Holocaust survivors – the most vulnerable of the vulnerable; of the crime of “kinocide” – the...
Antisemitism is a threat to every democracy
I write in the shadow, pain and continuing trauma of the unspeakable mass atrocities of October 7 – on the 1,000th day following the worst day in Jewish and Israeli history since the Holocaust – of horrors too terrible to be believed, but not too terrible to have happened; of horrific mass murder, rape, torture, maiming and mutilation, burning and beheading, of women, children, the elderly, disabled, Holocaust survivors – the most vulnerable of the vulnerable; of the crime of “kinocide” – the...
Opinion: The 'Nakba' exhibit is a disinformation campaign Original
Skip to Content The Canadian Museum of Human Rights ignores why Palestinians were displaced The Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. The forced deportation of Jews from Arab countries and the wartime exodus of Arabs from Israel in 1947-1948 is a painful story with competing narratives, so it is important to accurately present the historical record.
Opinion: Iran must free Swedish-Iranian doctor Ahmadreza Djalali Original
Djalali has spent a decade in Evin Prison on fabricated charges. Sweden and the world must demand his release (FILES) In this file photo taken on February 13, 2017 a flyer is pictured during a protest outside the Iranian embassy in Brussels for Ahmadreza Djalali, an Iranian academic detained in Tehran for nearly a year and reportedly sentenced to death for espionage. /Getty Images The case of Ahmadreza Djalali should have been resolved years ago.
Why Lawyers Are Under Attack Around the World Original
In the middle of the night on April 1, 2026, officials from Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence arrested prominent human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh. Her arrest came amid the ongoing war in Iran, and as the Islamic Republic of Iran has intensified its crackdown on domestic dissenters. Sotoudeh, who has spent her career defending political prisoners, human rights advocates, and women’s rights activists, is now a political prisoner herself. This is not the first time Sotoudeh has been imprisoned.
How to stop Iran executing its ‘hostage-diplomacy’ EU citizens?
During World War II, Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg saved lives by not following the standard rules of diplomacy. Through ingenuity and sheer courage, he saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews from the fate suffered by so many during the Holocaust. When he was taken into the Soviet Gulag after the war and accused of being an American spy, Sweden pursued quiet diplomacy to secure his release. It did not work.
Canada's first antisemitism envoy responds to the ending of that office
The decision to abolish the role of Special Envoy, however well-intentioned, is uninformed, ill-advised and prejudicial, both to its mandates of preserving Holocaust remembrance and combatting antisemitism, precisely at a time when we are witnessing an unprecedented global explosion of antisemitism, including here in Canada, and rising levels of Holocaust denial, distortion, minimization and inversion.
The Blogs: International Holocaust Remembrance Day: The imperative to temember and to act
International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a painful and poignant moment of remembrance and reminder, of witness and warning, of learning and acting upon the universal lessons of the Holocaust. Lesson one: ‘Zachor’ – the danger of forgetting and the imperative of remembrance The first lesson is the danger of forgetting – the killing of the victims a second time – and the imperative of remembrance, zachor/le devoir de mémoire.
Palestine recognition would reward terrorism and contradict international law
Anand explained that recognizing Palestine doesn’t mean full diplomatic relations, and that Canada will “need to see reforms coming into place before any normalization of relations occurs.” But Palestine already has a diplomatic mission on the driveway in Ottawa, listed as the Palestinian General Delegation by Global Affairs Canada.
Palestine recognition would reward terrorism and contradict international law
In a Sept. 16 interview, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said that Ottawa would recognize a Palestinian state at the UN next week despite its failure to implement any of the conditions and demands set forth in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s July 30 announcement of Canada’s recognition plan.
Opinion: Palestine recognition would reward terrorism and contradict international law Original
Skip to Content Advertisement 1 None of the commitments Carney laid out for the Palestinian Authority to fulfill have been implemented Article content In a Sept. 16 interview, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said that Ottawa would recognize a Palestinian state at the UN next week despite its failure to implement any of the conditions and demands set forth in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s July 30 announcement of Canada’s recognition plan.
From hate to justice Original
(Sept. 15, 2025 / JNS) This year marks the 90th anniversary of the passing of the Nuremberg Race Laws, legislation that stripped Jews of their rights and codified Nazi racial hatred. Those laws became the legal foundation for genocide. In that same city a decade later, justice was born at the commencement of the Nuremberg Trials, where the world declared that crimes against humanity would not go unpunished.
¿Cómo Israel encontrará justicia tras el 7 de octubre?
La búsqueda de responsabilidad debe elevarse para enfrentar la gravedad de los delitos y asegurar que las voces de las víctimas sean escuchadas en un escenario internacional.
How will Israel pursue legal justice for October 7
The pursuit of accountability must rise to meet the gravity of the offenses and ensure that the voices of victims are heard on an international stage.
Irwin Cotler & Noah Lew: We support a two-state solution. But not this way
Advertisement 1 Recognizing a Palestinian state with no way of enforcing Canada's conditions will decrease the possibility of a lasting peace Article content On Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada intends to recognize the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. This follows similar announcements by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Irwin Cotler & Noah Lew: We support a two-state solution. But not this way
Opinion Special to National Post | Irwin Cotler and Noah Lew Fri, August 1, 2025 at 5:52 p.m. UTC 7 min read On Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada intends to recognize the state of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. This follows similar announcements by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
international law
© 2025 The Times of Israel , All Rights Reserved
Opinion: The Iranian regime's new war targets its own people Original
Advertisement 1 Canada must stand by the Iranian public and political prisoners as the Islamic Republic intensifies its crackdown on human rights Article content By Irwin Cotler, Brandon Silver and Maryam Shafipour Sign In or Create an Account Article content Under the cover of conflict, Iran has begun a new war against its own people. As the ceasefire is now taking hold, this mass repression will rapidly worsen if there is no accountability.
The Blogs: 10 calls to action: Free the hostages, ceasefire, and a path to peace
We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages held by Hamas. This is a standalone imperative under international law and a humanitarian, moral, legal, and international responsibility of the first order. We urge the international community to impose political and economic pressure on Hamas and its allies – including Qatar, Iran, and South Africa – to secure the imminent release of the hostages. We call for the enhancement of humanitarian aid to Gazans.
Mark Carney is already staring down a history-making decision
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Cabinet is barely appointed — but it already needs to make a history-making decision. As G7 host this week, will Canada push to save Ukraine, defend Canada’s national security, and strengthen both international law and Canada’s international credibility? Or will it be complicit in an unprecedented bailout of Russia, an imperialist regime intent not simply on destroying Ukraine as a sovereign state — but on testing NATO from the Baltic countries to Canada’s Arctic?
Mark Carney is already staring down a history-making decision
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Cabinet is barely appointed — but it already needs to make a history-making decision. As G7 host this week, will Canada push to save Ukraine, defend Canada’s national security, and strengthen both international law and Canada’s international credibility? Or will it be complicit in an unprecedented bailout of Russia, an imperialist regime intent not simply on destroying Ukraine as a sovereign state — but on testing NATO from the Baltic countries to Canada’s Arctic?
The Blogs: The universal lessons of the Shoah and how to act upon them
I write on Yom HaShoah Vehagvurah, Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel, an important historical moment of remembrance and reminder, of witness and of warning, of learning and acting upon the universal lessons of history and the Shoah, when “Never Again is Now” is not an idle slogan, but a commitment to action.
Irwin Cotler: Canada must return to being a global leader in protecting democracy Original
We must counter those who threaten the rule of law, whether they be in Beijing, Moscow, Tehran or Washington, D.C. • • You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Article content By Irwin Cotler and Noah Lew Now that Mark Carney has been chosen as the new leader of the Liberal party, Canada is likely on the verge of a federal election — a time for Canadians to re-evaluate our priorities and vision for Canada.
The imperative of freeing the hostages and the crime of releasing terrorists
I write in the shadow and continuing pain of the mass atrocities perpetrated by Hamas and its collaborators on October 7th — murder, rape, torture, mutilation, pillaging and burning — culminating in the cruel and violent abduction of 251 hostages into torturous Hamas captivity, of which 94 hostages remain 475 days later. I write also in the moving moment of the release of three Israeli hostages.
We Must Fight Antisemitism 80 Years After the Liberation of Auschwitz
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We Must Fight Antisemitism 80 Years After the Liberation of Auschwitz
Ideas By Irwin Cotler and Jay Rosenzweig January 26, 2025 7:00 AM EST Irwin Cotler is Founder and International Chair of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, Emeritus Professor of Law at McGill University, and the first Isaacman Distinguished Visiting Professor in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Gratz College. He's also Canada’s first special envoy on preserving Holocaust remembrance and combatting antisemitism, and the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
Opinion: Freeing hostages should be a standalone imperative
Advertisement 1 Hostage-taking is an illegal crime against humanity. It should not be a bargaining tool • • You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Article content By Irwin Cotler and Brandon Silver The release of three Israeli captives marks an important milestone in the implementation of the agreement for the return of hostages to their loved ones.
The Blogs: The imperative of freeing the hostages and the crime of releasing terrorists
I write in the shadow and continuing pain of the mass atrocities perpetrated by Hamas and its collaborators on October 7th — murder, rape, torture, mutilation, pillaging and burning — culminating in the cruel and violent abduction of 251 hostages into torturous Hamas captivity, of which 94 hostages remain 475 days later. I write also in the moving moment of the release of three Israeli hostages.
Irwin Cotler: Time to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding Raoul Wallenberg
Advertisement 1 The truth about the fate of this 'hero of humanity' must finally be exposed • • You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account. Article content Jan.
Raoul Wallenberg Day: Remembering the hero who saved 100,000 Jews – opinion
January 17 marks Raoul Wallenberg commemorative day in remembrance of the Swedish diplomat – Canada’s first honorary citizen and an honorary citizen of the US, Australia, and Israel – who demonstrated that one person with the compassion to care and the courage to act can confront evil, prevail and transform history. From mid-May to the beginning of July 1944, some 440,000 Hungarian Jews were deported to Auschwitz – the fastest, cruelest, and most efficient killing field in the Holocaust.
Oyo Police Arraign 10 Traders For Allegedly Tampering With Electricity Meters
Oyo State Police Command has arraigned 10 traders before an Iyaganku Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly tampering with post-paid analogue meters, property of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company. The defendants are identified as Olalere Alabi, 45; Segun Adesokan, 42; Rabiu Ishola, 42; Kabir Sanusi, 45; and Sunday Odunlade, 48. Others are Ayo Suicide, 40; Femi Odogwu, 48; Funmilayo Ayodele, 34; Oluwakemi Abatan, 42; and Josephine Johnson, 53.
PHOTOS: Lagos Govt Shuts Down Three Substandard Water Factories In Lekki
The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) on Tuesday has conducted a raid in the Lekki/Ibeju-Lekki zone, sealing three sachet water factories for failing to meet regulatory standards. The operation, tagged “Operation Comply and Thrive,” aimed to mitigate the circulation of substandard water products and ensure public health safety. During the enforcement, the LASWARCO confiscated products from the factories, citing poor water treatment processes and unhygienic environments.
UPDATE; CONYL Endorses Seyi Tinubu For Lagos Governor
The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), the umbrella body of all the youth groups drawn across the six geopolitical zones has endorsed Seyi Tinubu for Governor of Lagos State in 2027.
Kleptomaniac First Lady, Maryam Babangida Pictured In 1990 With Princess Diana In Lagos - Gistmania
Date: 19-11-2024 6:06 pm (5 mins ago) | Author: onuigbo felicia at 19-11-2024 06:06 PM (5 mins ago) (f) This alleged incident involving Mrs. Maryam Babangida, the late wife of Nigeria's former military leader General Ibrahim Babangida, remains a topic of intrigue and speculation. The claim centers around an attempt to transfer a staggering £66.5 million from a fixed deposit account held with the UK's Lombard North PLC.
"No Tinubu Aide Should Criticize Obasanjo’s Government" – Mr Macaroni Warns - Gistmania
“I no send Any Nigerian Politician but Only the People have the right to call out or criticize any Politician or government past or present! Not Spokespersons of the current Government who continue to use billions to buy Cars and Jets while Nigerians are languishing in poverty. “I personally believe all Nigerian Politicians past or present have contributed largely to the rot in our country today and as such Nigerians must continue to hold Past and Present Leaders accountable.
VIDEO: Actress, Foluke Daramola Shares Updates On Colleague, Tope Osoba’s Health
Date: 19-11-2024 5:40 pm (5 mins ago) | Author: onuigbo felicia at 19-11-2024 05:40 PM (5 mins ago) (f) Actress Foluke Daramola-Salako has provided an update on her colleague, Tope Osoba, stating that she is recovering well following her Bosom cancer surgery In a video shared by Foluke, Tope Osoba expressed her gratitude to the public for their support and financial contributions during her health journey. “Hello, everybody. Thank you for the love. I appreciate you all.
'Leave Social Media Algorithms, Focus On Your Craft' - Kizz Daniel Tells Colleagues
Nigerian music sensation, Daniel Anidugbe, popularly known as Kizz Daniel, has urged his colleagues to stop chasing number 1 songs on streaming platforms. He encouraged them to focus on their crafts, stressing that most songs’ numbers on some streaming platforms don’t correlate with other platforms. “Leave social media algorithms, focus on your craft. Have you ever heard of a guy called Killer Mike, guess not … 4 times Grammy winner.
Osun Park Manager, Alowonle, Arrested Over Alleged Possession Of Police Ammunition
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Osun State Police Command reportedly arrested the head of the Osun State Park Management System, Wakeel Nurudeen, popularly known as Alowonle, on Monday night. Alowanle was allegedly found in possession of police-issued arms and ammunition. His arrest is also linked to the alleged killing of one Oyewale in 2022 and the assault of several residents in the state.
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