Staking out higher ground: Giving asylum to a Saudi woman on the run burnishes Trudeau’s humanitarian and feminist credentials

Authors

Erika Simpson, University of Western Ontario (Western University)Follow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2019

Journal

London Free Press

Abstract

In the aftermath of granting asylum to Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun, a Saudi woman fleeing alleged abuse, Canada under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has positioned itself prominently on the global stage. This humanitarian gesture not only burnishes Trudeau’s credentials as a champion of women’s rights but also challenges Saudi Arabia’s policies, notably amidst international backlash over the Jamal Khashoggi case. Trudeau’s stance, leading up to the federal election and the Women Deliver conference, underscores Canada’s commitment to feminist foreign policy. However, it also raises questions about potential repercussions on bilateral relations, including economic ties such as the sale of light armoured vehicles. As Canada navigates these diplomatic waters, its actions resonate amid a global refugee crisis, highlighting both moral imperatives and geopolitical complexities.

Notes

First published in London Free Press.