Subscribe to RSS Feed
431-00208 (Foreign affairs)
- Keywords
- Foreign policy
- Somaliland
- Sovereignty
Original language of petition: English
PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED
We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to the following:
WHEREAS:
- As stated in the proclamation terminating Her Majesty's protection over the Somaliland Protection;
- The territories in Africa known as the Somaliland Protectorate was formerly under British Protection: And whereas by treaty, grant, usage, sufferance and other lawful means the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland had the power and jurisdiction in the Somaliland Protectorate;
- It was intended that the Somaliland Protectorate shall become an independent country on the twenty-sixth day of June 1960;
- The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland do hereby, by and with the advice of Privy Council, proclaim and declare that, as from the beginning of the appointed day, The protection over the territories known as the Somaliland Protectorate shall cease, and all treaties and agreements in force immediately before the appointed day between Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and any of the Tribes of the said territories;
- All obligations existing immediately before that day towards the said territories and all functions, powers, rights, authority or jurisdiction - exercisable by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland immediately before that day in or in relation to the said territories by treaty, grant, usage, sufferance or otherwise, shall lapse.
THEREFORE, we request that the House of Commons in Parliament assembled adopt a resolution recognizing the Proclamation of Somaliland Independence made by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François Philippe Champagne
The Government of Canada recognizes Somaliland as a semi-autonomous and important region within the Federal Republic of Somalia. Canada’s position is consistent with that of the international community and maintains that it is at the discretion and responsibility of both the Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland to determine the course and nature of their current and future relationship.
The Government of Canada would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the considerable progress made in the Somaliland region, to which locals and diaspora members have made a significant contribution. More specifically, Canada would like to acknowledge the progress made with respect to peacebuilding and democratic development, as best exemplified by the November 2017 elections. The 2017 elections were a notable accomplishment, and set a positive example for the rest of Somalia and the region.
Looking forward, Canada will continue to work with members of the international community to help strengthen the capacity of the Federal Government of Somalia and the regions. Canada is committed to increasing its engagement in the Somaliland region through the Canadian Embassy in Nairobi. Officials from the Embassy conduct frequent trips to Hargeisa and engage with a broad range of actors to advance shared priorities.
The Government of Canada engages regularly with the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia and a broad range of actors, including non-governmental organizations. All of Canada’s missions abroad are charged with advancing inclusive approaches that respect of social differences as a key element of fostering and sustaining peace. The promotion and protection of human rights and gender equality is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in bilateral engagements with Somalia.
Canada will continue to use the opportunities presented by multilateral meetings, such as the High-Level Meeting on Somalia, to raise awareness and highlight Canada’s support for cooperation between the Federal Government and the regional governments, and the importance of inclusion and collaboration. Canada will also continue to support Somalia’s objectives and ensure progress towards peace and security, sustainable development, establishing a federal democracy, addressing humanitarian needs, and providing basic services to its people.
May 20, 2020 (Petition No. 431-00208)
Only validated signatures are counted towards the total number of signatures.