December 13, 2024
2 mins read

Canada targets Chinese officials with sanctions 

The sanctions targeted individuals involved in severe human rights abuses, particularly in Xinjiang, Tibet…reports Asian Lite News

On International Human Rights Day, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly, announced sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations against eight former or current senior Chinese officials, an official statement said. 

These sanctions targeted individuals involved in severe human rights abuses, particularly in Xinjiang, Tibet, and against practitioners of Falun Gong, the statement added. 

The Canadian government’s decision came in response to ongoing reports of systemic repression and abuses in China, including arbitrary detention, forced labour, and violence against ethnic and religious minorities. Specifically, the sanctions addressed the Chinese government’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang, Tibetans, and Falun Gong practitioners, with Canada strongly condemning these human rights violations. 

Since 2017, Chinese authorities have detained over one million Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang, with many reportedly subjected to torture, forced labour, and psychological, physical, and sexual abuse. Similarly, Tibetans had faced forced labour, arbitrary detentions, and severe restrictions on their freedom of religion, expression, and movement. Since 1999, the Chinese government has also cracked down on Falun Gong practitioners through arrest, detention, and torture. 

Minister Joly emphasized Canada’s commitment to human rights, stating, “Canada is deeply concerned by the human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet and against those who practice Falun Gong. We call on the Chinese government to put an end to this systematic campaign of repression and uphold its international human rights obligations.” 

The sanctions announced that day built on previous Canadian actions, including the 2021 imposition of measures against Chinese officials and entities linked to human rights abuses. Canada had also taken steps to prevent goods produced through forced labour from entering its supply chains. 

Minister Joly’s announcement followed her July 2024 visit to China, where she met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the state of Canada-China relations and global human rights concerns. Canada continued to urge China to respect its obligations under international human rights law, including those established by the United Nations Human Rights Council. 

As Canada marked International Human Rights Day, the country reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for human rights globally and holding those responsible for violations accountable. (ANI) 

ALSO READ: Canada Unveils New Arctic Foreign Policy

Previous Story

‘Joy Bangla’ no longer Bangladesh’s national slogan   

Next Story

Taiwan urges China to stop “provocative behaviour” 

Latest from -Top News

Sisi, MBZ cement ties

UAE and Egypt bolster ties through high-level talks in Abu Dhabi and a landmark cardiac care initiative delivering lifesaving treatment to rural communities The United Arab Emirates and Egypt reaffirmed their strong

‘UAE leads global fight against plastic waste’

UAE accelerates its fight against plastic pollution with a bold single-use plastic ban and expanded environmental policies to safeguard natural ecosystems for future generations The United Arab Emirates continues to lead the

70,000 Gaza kids starve

WFP warned that any further escalation of conflict could paralyse relief operations altogether, deepening the plight of civilians—especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies, the

Prayers on the Mount

The Day of Arafat, considered the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, witnessed a congregation of believers from around the world As the sun blazed overhead and temperatures climbed to a sweltering 41°C,

EID MUBARAK!

UAE marks Eid Al Adha with housing support, children’s gifts, pardons, and cultural celebrations, reflecting a national spirit of compassion, unity, and shared community values Across the UAE, Eid Al Adha is
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Lanka bans China’s organic fertiliser

Agriculture experts warned that China’s organic fertiliser importation would create

China reports 101 new Covid cases

Despite an arsenal of some of the world’s toughest COVID-19