For immediate release: December 10, 2018
Canadian Human Rights Groups Call for Truth & Accountability Dialogue with Chinese Ambassador
Whether Uyghurs, Tibetans, Falun Gong or harassing of Chinese dissidents on foreign territory, Human Rights Day is a day for reflection on the actions of the Chinese Government
OTTAWA – A coalition of Canadian human rights groups led by One Free World International (OFWI) are calling for Chinese Ambassador Lu Shaye to begin a truth and accountability dialogue with Canadians to address human rights concerns. The coalition chose Human Rights Day to reflect on the ongoing systematic persecution of religious minorities and political dissidents in defiance of international law. The coalition also requests a meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau to explore opportunities for Canada to be more impactful in advancing the cause of human rights in China.
Throughout 2018 we have seen Canadians respond with compassion and a sense of justice. Whether women’s rights or the assassination of political dissidents in Saudi Arabia, the atrocities against the Rohingyas, or the rise in anti-Semitism, Canadians across the country stand up for what is right.
As Canada continues to explore free trade talks with the Chinese Government, it is important Canadians know the truth about the systematic human rights abuses by the Chinese Government and for the Canadian government to act in the best interest of Canadians, including the protection of our values.
"We can't afford to remain silent about the human rights abuses in China,” said Majed El Shafie, President and Founder of OFWI. “Our principles are more powerful than their dollars. You can't put price on Freedom.”
“A country developing economically at such a high speed, while at the same time engaged in systematic human rights abuses, while persecuting religious minorities and political dissidents is a danger to the world,” said Sheng Xue of the Federation For a Democratic China. “Without truth and accountability from the Chinese government, China will be a danger to the world including Canada.”
With the ongoing forced interment of Uyghurs in concentration camps, the harassing of journalists, and the systemic persecution of religious minorities and political dissidents, the coalition is calling for a truth and accountability dialogue with the Chinese government’s representatives in Canada and to engage Canadians.
Coalition Signatories:
One Free World International Federation for a Democratic China
Taiwanese Human Rights Association of Canada Human Rights for North Korea
International Students for a Free Tibet Canadian Tibetan Culture Center
East Turkistan Association of Canada The Church of Almighty God