CANADA BEING PUSHED TO NAME A CHINA WATCHDOG
OTTAWA • A human rights coalition is calling on Canada to appoint a front-line contact for people and groups who are enduring harassment and intimidation as a result of their advocacy and activism on China.
The Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China said in a report released Tuesday that activists in Canada are increasingly facing interference for raising awareness of serious rights issues in China.
The coalition, which includes Amnesty International Canada, said Chinese authorities have exerted influence within various communities in Canada, including on elected officials, in Chinese-Canadian media outlets, through social media and at academic institutions.
The proposed new point person or body within the Canadian government could receive complaints from groups and individuals, collect data about specific incidents, analyze trends and co-ordinate a response to instances of harassment, the coalition said.
Cases of possible criminal activity could then be referred to law enforcement and action could be taken against select Chinese diplomats.
The coalition also wants Canada to clearly and forcefully affirm that it will not tolerate gross violations of normal diplomatic practice and interference with the human rights of people on its territory.
The report points to incidents of harassment it says are consistent with a Chinese state-sponsored campaign plaguing Tibetan-Canadians, Uighur-Canadians, Falun Gong practitioners, Hong Kong-Canadians, pro-democracy activists and other human rights defenders working on China-related issues.
If anything, the situation is worsening, as Chinese actors have arguably become emboldened by the inadequate response from Canadian officials and other governments, the report said.
There can be no excuse for a half-hearted or scattered approach from Ottawa to such actions in Canada, Alex Neve, secretary-general of Amnesty International Canada, said during a video conference Tuesday. “It is time for action.”
Said Gloria Fung of the group Canada-Hong Kong Link: “We Canadians should be able to exercise our freedom of expression on Canadian soil without fear.”
Asked about allegations of Chinese interference Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada will continue to protect the right to free speech and protest.
The coalition, however, said individuals who experience threats, intimidation and interference need a co-ordinated, comprehensive response from Canada.