Uyghur Group Presses Canada for Concrete Action
The Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project has called on the Canadian government to go beyond what it describes as a 'vague' response to China's controversial ethnic-unity law. Executive Director Mehmet Tohti made the appeal in Ottawa, urging Ottawa to adopt a more definitive stance.
Mehmet Tohti's Demands
Tohti emphasized that Canada's current position lacks specificity and fails to address the concerns of Uyghur communities. He argued that the law, which promotes ethnic unity in China's Xinjiang region, effectively suppresses Uyghur identity and rights.
'We need Canada to move beyond vague statements and take concrete measures,' Tohti said. According to him, the law has been used to justify mass surveillance, forced labor, and cultural assimilation of Uyghurs.
Canada's Response Under Scrutiny
Canada has previously expressed concern over human rights in Xinjiang but has not imposed sanctions or taken diplomatic action specifically related to the ethnic-unity law. Tohti criticized this approach as insufficient.
The Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project is urging Canada to adopt a clear policy, including potential sanctions against Chinese officials and increased support for Uyghur refugees. The group also calls for Canada to raise the issue at international forums.
International Context
China has defended the law as a measure to promote harmony among ethnic groups and combat extremism. However, human rights organizations and several Western governments have condemned it as a tool for repression.
The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on Chinese entities over Xinjiang, but Canada has been more cautious. Tohti argues that Canada's hesitation undermines its commitment to human rights.
'Canada cannot claim to stand for human rights while remaining silent on this issue,' Tohti stated. He urged the Canadian government to act before the situation worsens.
