Dominic Cardy, Director for Asia-Pacific Programs
Forum of Federations
Ottawa, Ontario
6 October 2009

The ‘Will to Intervene’ gives teeth to the unrealized goals of the United Nations. Countries like Canada can no longer condemn atrocities while doing nothing; we may choose our human rights battles more carefully but, working with like-minded states, action may be taken and lives saved. The ‘Will to Intervene’ starts with conflict mitigation, for example sharing perspectives on federalism and other forms of devolution. Backed by the resolve to use all means at our disposal if abuses continue we can encourage and if necessary enforce greater respect for universal rights. The choice is no longer between the extremes of isolationism and regime change: the ‘Will to Intervene’ allows free and prosperous countries to use their strength to help those about to be engulfed by genocide, and to do so within a recognized framework that reflects shared human values