Statement on Recent Actions of the US Government

As the National President of CFUW, I feel compelled to express our deep and unequivocal condemnation of the recent actions taken by the Government of the United States, which pose direct threats to global peace, justice, and human rights. Like many Canadians, I have watched events unfolding south of the border with growing alarm, and fear not only for the wellbeing of Americans, but also for the stability of the entire global community.

The Trump administration’s decisions to withdraw from the World Health Organization, the Human Rights Council, and the Paris Climate Agreement are an affront to global cooperation at a time when such cooperation is needed more than ever. The immense challenges that we face, including climate change, poverty, inequality, and conflict, will not be solved through isolationism and hostility. By abandoning critical international institutions and cutting foreign aid, the United States is actively undermining efforts to protect vulnerable populations and promote peace.

Likewise, halting aid to Ukraine and legitimizing Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime seriously jeopardize the realization of peace and democracy not only in Ukraine, but around the world. Rewarding Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine will only embolden those who seek to erode international law. We stand with the people of Ukraine and all people enduring senseless wars, and urge the international community to take decisive, united action to end the horrifying violence and displacement we are witnessing.

The dehumanizing rhetoric about immigrants and asylum-seekers, and their deportation, have been equally shocking and reprehensible. These actions target vulnerable individuals and families who seek refuge and opportunity, and who contribute immeasurably to the prosperity and cultural fabric of the United States. We refuse to accept xenophobia, both in the US and in Canada, where similar rhetoric and actions are present. We also refuse to accept the transphobia that has become a defining feature of politics that aim to polarize and divide, and stand in solidarity with all transgender and gender-diverse people whose human rights are being eroded.

Moreover, the rollback of women’s rights is alarming. Reproductive rights are being further restricted across the United States and internationally, with the reinstatement of the “Global Gag Rule” blocking funds to organizations that provide abortions. Gender-based violence non-profits, including women’s shelters, are facing significant uncertainty and funding cuts. As the United States attacks UN Women for focusing on “radical causes such as DEI and gender ideology,” we stand firm in our support for UN Women and all feminist organizations that enable women’s access to healthcare, equality, and freedom from violence.

As an organization rooted in the belief that education is key to advancing equality and social justice, we are also dismayed by the Trump administration’s cuts to funding for education and research. In so many ways, this represents a betrayal of future generations. We call on the international community, including Canada, to step in and increase investment in education and research—especially in the areas of climate change and global health.

Finally, we wholeheartedly reject the Trump administration’s disregard for Canadian sovereignty and the reckless trade war it has initiated. These tariffs harm families, workers, and entire communities across both Canada and the United States, particularly the most marginalized and those who are already struggling with inflation. They also erode the trust and friendship that have defined our countries’ relations for generations.

Canada must stand firm against these dangerous policies. At CFUW, we are steadfast in our commitment to advocating for a future grounded in universal human rights, social justice, sustainable development, and peace. We implore the international community to unite in condemning these harmful actions and to work together in a spirit of mutual understanding, cooperation, and shared prosperity.

Linda Sestock

National President, CFUW

Présidente nationale, FCFDU