US-based Human Rights Watch has called on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to prioritize human rights during his upcoming visit to China from January 13-17. The organization is urging Carney to raise concerns about China’s repression in Xinjiang and ensure compliance with international labor rights standards. Human Rights Watch emphasized the need for Carney to address issues such as forced labor, persecution of human rights defenders, and China’s targeting of critics abroad, including in Canada.
Carney’s visit to China marks the first by a Canadian Prime Minister in over eight years. Relations between China and Canada have faced challenges due to increased repression under Chinese President Xi Jinping. Human Rights Watch highlighted the importance of Carney aligning trade and security discussions with Canada’s values, particularly the promotion of human rights.
During Carney’s visit, Human Rights Watch emphasized the significance of urging China to end repression in Xinjiang and adhere to international labor rights conventions. The organization pointed out that China’s labor rights violations extend beyond Xinjiang, including restrictions on independent labor unions and crackdowns on labor activists in Hong Kong. Additionally, China’s actions in Hong Kong have curtailed fundamental freedoms, impacting Canadian residents in the region.
