Mansour Shouman, a Palestinian-Canadian father, son, and humanitarian was abducted on January 23rd, 2024 while traveling from Khan Younis to Rafah in Gaza. Mansour is an Alumnus from the University of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business. Mansour has spent the last few months documenting the genocide in Gaza as a Citizen Journalist and helping in assisting humanitarian aid to those facing constant bombardment in the Gaza Strip. Mansour's illegal alleged abduction is heavily concerning and evokes deep sorrow in the hearts of more than 7,000 Muslim and Palestinian students here on campus. 

The abduction of Mansour is part of a larger issue where numerous civilians have been unlawfully detained without any charges or trial- and the lack of updates on his safety are extremely concerning. No journalist and no civilian should have to have their inherent right to safety, liberty, and freedom infringed upon. The abduction of journalists is illegal under international law and fundamentally unacceptable. 

According to B'Tselem - The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, as of December 2023, there were approximately 4,650 Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons (B'Tselem). There is valid reason and historical legal precedent to consider the possibility of abduction by the IDF- especially in light of the recent Provisional Measures in the recent ICJ Case; Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) 2024.

This incident is not just an attack on one individual, but an attack on all journalists around the world, students of this University, Canadians, Calgarians, and anyone who shares the common values of humanity and upholding justice. Mansour's mother, wife and his five beautiful children who are ages sixteen, fourteen, ten, six and four all yearn and await his return. The Palestinian and Muslim community here in Canada are asking for any and all updates. 

The Palestinian Advocacy Club along with a coalition of Muslim, Arab, and Humanitarian student organizations/clubs calls upon the University of Calgary to swiftly enact the following steps to ensure the safety and security of our University Alumni and fellow Calgarian. These following steps should be taken without undue delay.

1. We Call upon the University of Calgary to issue a clear statement of concern that demands the Government of Canada to utilize all diplomatic channels and resources to ascertain the whereabouts and safety of Mansour Shouman and his safe return to his family- specifically addressing his abduction and the protection, rights, safety of all Palestinians like Mansour.
2. The University of Calgary should coordinate with Universities Canada to issue a clear joint-statement that demands the government expedite all efforts to ensure the protection and return of Mansour Shouman to Canadian Soil. Emphasizing the horrifying significance of a Canadian citizen, student, University Alum, and Journalist abducted abroad. Universities Canada should issue a joint-letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly. Previous joint statements by Universities Canada addressing Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller on Jan. 22nd and 30th (2024) demonstrate that Universities Canada can and has reached the highest levels of our Federal Government before. We demand that similar Press Releases be made for Mansour's safety.
3. We invite the University of Calgary Administration to engage in open dialogue with representatives from the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) and share strategies on helping distressed and worried students regarding Mansour’s Abduction. Additionally, building an even stronger relationship with the Muslim community on issues of Islamophobia as the University has proudly continued to do in the past. 

The University of Calgary has the means to directly reach the highest levels of our Federal Government and demand concrete answers for one of their own students, one of their own alumni. He walked the halls of this University just like any other student in this University of more than 30,000 people. Although the Federal Government has issued statements that have 'looked into' Mansour's case- we have yet to see any real, tangible communication or investigation that is expected of a G7 member such as Canada. Earlier this morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged Mansour’s case but once again issued vague statements. Our Federal government must maximize all efforts to investigate and reach a tangible resolution that ensures the freedom and release of Mansour.

The University of Calgary needs to take this moment to stand with its student body and demand the complete and safe return of Mansour. 

Bring Mansour Home.

The Palestine Advocacy Club at the University of Calgary