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January 30, 2009
Matas honored by Canada
Human rights lawyer receives the country's highest distinction.
REBECA KUROPATWA
Among those named to the Order of Canada by the Governor General of Canada, the Hon. Michaëlle Jean, on Dec. 30, was B'nai Brith Canada's senior legal counsel, David Matas.
The Order of Canada was created on July 1, 1967, and has since come to be considered one of the highest honors a Canadian can receive. This year is the Order of Canada's 42nd anniversary.
Matas received the Order of Canada for his human rights and immigration/refugee work.
Over the years, Matas has been active in many human rights, political and social justice initiatives, advocating for vulnerable groups and spearheading various legislative changes.
Other notable appointments to the Order of Canada this year included Celine Dion, Peter Munk (elevated to the rank of Companion) and hockey player Willie O'Ree of Fredericton, N.B.
"I've had the privilege of working with David for the last nine years and can think of no one whose dedication to human rights advocacy has had such a resounding impact in Canada and around the world," said midwest regional director for B'nai Brith Canada Alan Yusim.
Having been inspired to get into human rights work at a young age after learning about the horrors of the Holocaust, Matas said he has "since focused on building a legacy of preventing violations from repeatedly happening again."
The way Matas sees it, the immigration and refugee work he does is also human rights work. "I work with refugees or immigrants who are fleeing danger of persecution, are trying to reunite with their families, are in need of protection or are fighting for freedom of movement. These are all human rights issues."
Joining the ranks of the Order of Canada reinforced Matas' resolve to continue in his work. "It makes me feel appreciated. In this line of work, you're often dealing with the perpetrators – an unresponsive audience – so, this means a lot."
Human rights are very far reaching, according to Matas. "There's a human rights aspect to everything, and many types of human rights. I specialize in prosecuting war criminals, helping refugees and combating hate speech and anti-Semitism."
Matas said some things have changed for the better and some for the worse.
"In South Africa, the situation has improved with the fall of apartheid," said Matas. "But, in Zimbabwe, things are much worse. In China, the economy has greatly improved, but there's a serious lack of freedom. And, in Russia there's been a retrogression since the Iron Curtain came down, with the banning of free speech."
According to Matas, combating human rights violations is an endless pursuit. "It will always be necessary, because there are always problems. Just look at anti-Semitism, especially since the Holocaust. We thought it would go away, but it didn't. And now, in addition, we have anti-Zionism."
Matas explained, "Looking at how much of the international community is reacting to the current situation of Israel going into Gaza, its clear there's a very strong anti-Zionism lobby. There's this continuous cycle where Israel is attacked by terrorists and then responds. Then, the international lobby attacks Israel, viewing its acts of self-defence as crimes of war."
He added, "Of course, there's also the anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism you see with the [United Nations] Human Rights Council. There's only one narrative that gets out, and that's not the one of Israel's right to self-determination."
Although Matas said he believes that anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism cannot be eradicated, he stressed that this should not stop people from trying.
"Anti-Semitism has existed since the time of the pharaohs, but it can be minimized, ideologically and militarily," said Matas. "Unless people stand up for human rights in any way they can, humanity will whither away."
Major challenges Matas sees on the horizon include "the Durban conference, Arab countries' take on justice for Jews, the hateful rhetoric on university campuses – comparing Israel and South Africa in the time of apartheid – and Iran's Holocaust denial and incitement to genocide."
Frank Dimant, executive vice-president of B'nai Brith Canada, said, "David Matas is one of the foremost experts on human rights, refugee and immigration law, nationally and globally. He has dedicated his life to advocating for the human rights of oppressed minorities everywhere. His commitment and tireless efforts are an inspiration to everyone who has worked with him."
Rebeca Kuropatwa is a Winnipeg freelance writer.
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