Canada chief human rights commissioner resigns after controversy over Israel activity

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🗞️ Driving the news: Canada's newly appointed chief human rights commissioner, Birju Dattani, resigned before officially taking up the role due to controversy over past remarks about Israel and an investigation into his appointment process

🔭 The context: Dattani's appointment in June faced opposition from some Jewish groups, particularly due to his past comments comparing Palestinians to "Warsaw Ghetto Prisoners" and his involvement in events critical of Israel
• An investigation cleared him of anti-Semitism but criticized his lack of transparency regarding the use of a second name

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The controversy underscores the delicate balance between free speech and the protection of human rights, highlighting the global sensitivity around issues related to Israel and Palestine

⏭️ What's next: Canada's Justice Minister Arif Virani has accepted the resignation and will initiate a new process to appoint another chief commissioner, aiming to restore public confidence in the Canadian Human Rights Commission

💬 One quote: “I have significant concerns related to your candour during the process that led to your appointment,” Justice Minister Arif Virani wrote to Dattani

📈 One stat: Dattani resigned just two months after his appointment in June

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