A temporary monument paying tribute to victims of bombing in populated areas has been installed at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa. Photo © Jennifer Bernard/courtesy Humanity and Inclusion Canada
A temporary monument paying tribute to victims of bombing in populated areas has been installed at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
Inspired by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Monument to the Unknown Civilian is the result of a partnership between Humanity and Inclusion Canada, the Canadian Landmine Foundation, and Mines Action Canada. It is intended to honour those killed and wounded in armed conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and elsewhere, as well as condemn the bombings that increasingly take place in cities.
A ceremony was held at the museum on Dec. 4, with Ahmed Hussen, minister of international development; Melanie Joly, minister of foreign affairs; Yuliya Kovaliv, Ukraine’s ambassador to Canada; special guests; humanitarian partners; members of the Diplomatic Corps; and families of victims affected by armed conflict in attendance. The evening featured speeches and panel discussions surrounding the evolution of Canadian leadership in civilian protection, as well as current issues and challenges, past experiences, and possible political approaches to ending violence against the victims of bombing and shelling—90 per cent of whom are civilians.
“This monument should serve as an important reminder of the need for strict and universal respect for international humanitarian law,” says Anne Delorme, executive director of Humanity and Inclusion Canada. “Our organization has seen first-hand the humanitarian consequences of the use of explosive weapons. The ceremony was a moving demonstration of our collective commitment to support those who suffer, and I hope it can help stimulate concrete action to protect civilians.”
