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Question 6: SecurityShould Canada do more to address conditions giving rise to conflict and
insecurity beyond our borders? If so, where? |
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| Contributor: | 1876 |
| Date: |
2003-05-01 10:52:37 |
| Answer: |
Canada could strengthen its involvement in promoting human rights, eliminating poverty and resolving conflict. It could increase its support of human rights NGOs in Canada and overseas; continue to work for the forgiving of the debt of developing countries; continue to provide assistance in setting up governance, legal and human rights systems; and support community economic development projects, clean water projects, and the training of local health personnel. Canada's current immigration policy is part of a brain drain from developing to industrialized countries, attracting health and science professionals from the places in which they are most needed. Canada should share its resulting prosperity with the developing countries involved, and perhaps create a program by which professionals are able to work for a time in their country of origin at a Canadian-level salary. Currently, organizations such as CUSO send professionals overseas, but at a subsistence salary, and most of these professionals are not necessarily familiar with the local language(s) and culture(s). CUSO is a necessary and worthwhile organization, but Canada could do more in this area.
Canada has a huge number of human resources in terms of refugees and immigrants who speak the languages and understand the cultures of the world. DFAIT could make better use of them, and also meet its obligations under Security Council Resolution 1325 by ensuring that 50% of the participation in any consultation concerning foreign policy is made up of women. Women often have a different perspective on conflict resolution and what is needed in a country than men. This perspective is important in the development of foreign policy. |
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