Canadian lawmakers unanimous on labeling Russian acts in Ukraine as genocide

Toronto, Canada, Apr 28 (EFE).- Canadian lawmakers unanimously approved a motion declaring the Russian actions during the invasion of Ukraine as genocide, an initiative that is not binding on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, but calls for further action against Russia.

The motion was passed on Wednesday by the House of Commons, after being tabled by Heather McPherson of the New Democratic Party (NDP).

It underlines war crimes such as killing civilians, rape, torture and kidnapping attributed to the Russian invading forces, terming it as genocide.

Canada, which has been among Ukraine’s main allies since the 2014 revolution that overthrew Viktor Yanukovych’s pro-Russian government, has taken steps to facilitate the reception of Ukrainian refugees.

The North American country has also imposed sanctions on Russia and accelerated the shipment of advanced weapons to the Ukrainian armed forces.

Following the approval of the non-binding initiative, McPherson criticized the slow pace of the implementation of sanctions on Russia, called on the Trudeau government to take stronger action against Moscow, and thanked all political groups for backing her motion.

McPherson also advocated greater financial support to the International Criminal Court so that it has adequate resources to investigate the Russian genocide in Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Trudeau said it was correct to call Russia’s actions in Ukraine genocide, although he said it would be very difficult to prove it legally.

Last week, Russia announced individual sanctions against 61 Canadian citizens, ranging from senior officials to military personnel, businessmen, experts and journalists, in retaliation for the Ottawa’s “Russophoba” policy and for the shipment of “arms and mercenaries” to Ukraine. EFE

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