Ottawa: The Canadian government has strongly condemned China’s recent actions against two Canadian institutions and 20 individuals involved in advocating for the rights of Uyghurs and Tibetans. On Sunday, China announced sanctions that include asset freezes and entry bans targeting the Canada-based Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project and the Canada-Tibet Committee, according to China’s foreign ministry.
“Global Affairs Canada expresses solidarity with the members of the Canadian Tibet Committee and the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project and condemns the decision by the Chinese Government to punish them for speaking out for human rights,” Canada stated.
The statement urged China to uphold its international legal obligations and advised Canadians in China to exercise caution due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
Rights groups accuse China of severe abuses against the Uyghur Muslim minority in Xinjiang, including mass detentions and forced labor in camps. Beijing has denied the allegations, claiming its actions are aimed at countering extremism.
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Similarly, China’s control over Tibet, which it describes as a “peaceful liberation” since 1950, has faced widespread international criticism. Human rights organizations and Tibetan exiles accuse Beijing of oppressive governance in Tibetan areas.
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“The Government of Canada will not tolerate any threats, acts of violence, or harassment of people in Canada or their family and friends because of their political opinions or to silence dissenting viewpoints,” the Canadian government emphasized.
