urap newsletter march
URAP NEWSLETTER – March 2024
Press releases:
MARCH 28 – CORE’S RELEASE OF ITS INVESTIGATION REPORT ON THE DYNASTY GOLD CANADA
March news:
URAP Executive Director Mehmet Tohti and other Canadian civil society representatives testified before the Public Inquiry on Foreign Interference
Mehmet Tohti was among distinguished guests invited to US Embassy to host reception by Ambassador David L. Cohen and Under Secretary Uzra Yeya
CORE made an announcement on Dynasty Gold Canada, March
Media reported - The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has initiated the detainment of containers containing solar modules, citing the need for evidence demonstrating the absence of forced labor in the manufacturing process.
March 17, 2024 Interview with US based Uyghur blogger Kuzzat Altay in Turkish
The Commissioner of Public Inquiry Marie-Josee Hogue reviewed her original decision to grant special privileges to the three individuals who are allegedly tied to CCP as per Canadian security authorities. Upon reaching out to URAP and explaining her move to block questioning URAP by those three individuals we took decision to testify before the Inquiry (see below media compilation)
• URAP team trained young Uyghur-Canadian volunteers to provide support services to the potential applicants under the M62 campaign initiative.
• URAP continued its cooperation with the numerous stake-holders to make the M62 project feasible and swift
• URAP continued working on strengthening the Alliance of Genocide Victim Communities
• URAP is actively engaged in implementing the M62 (10 thousand refugees’ resettlement into Canada)
• URAP is cooperating with various US-based NGOs on strengthening the Uyghur Forced Labor products importation ban to Canada under the CUSMA agreements
Media compilation for March:
• 5 March National Post via “Two human rights groups, Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP) and Canadian Friends of Hong Kong (CFHK) are boycotting the Foreign Interference Public Inquiry, primarily because Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue granted full standing to MP Han Dong and Michael Chan, and intervener status to Senator Yuen Pau Woo” https://torontosun.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-foreign-interference-inquiry-risks-becoming-a-foreign-interference-tool
• March 5 "In response, several pro-democracy groups have withdrawn, fearing for the safety of their members — and exposing the inquiry for what it is, a sham" https://nationalpost.com/opinion/tasha-kheiriddin-liberals-want-canadians-in-the-dark-about-china-threat
• March 13 “We think the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act is a very powerful tool in our diplomatic arsenal to hold perpetrators of forced labour to account and to really protect the integrity of our supply chain,” Ms. Zeya said via https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-us-urges-canada-to-work-together-to-curtail-imports-of-forced-labour/
• March 13 “some diaspora groups, such as the Uyghur Human Rights Advocacy Project and Canadian Friends of Hong Kong, who say they won’t participate because she granted party standing during the first phase to former Ontario Liberal cabinet minister Michael Chan, now deputy mayor of Markham, Ont., and independent MP Han Dong” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-foreign-interference-inquiry-to-grant-opposition-parties-power-to/
• March 19 Globe and Mail reporting "Yet Ottawa has done little to remove Uyghur forced labour from Canadian supply chains. To date, Canada has not stopped a single shipment of goods made with Uyghur forced labour from entering the country." https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-how-canada-can-better-combat-uyghur-forced-labour/
• March 19 Policy and tech advisors of URAP in Globe and Mail “ where the line separating corporations and the government is sliver-thin, the law requires that companies provide data and access if requested, and Western personal data is hacked at staggering scale." https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-canada-needs-to-take-tiktoks-security-threats-seriously/
• March 26 Globe and Mail via “Meyerhoffer announced the probe into Dynasty last July, along with another unrelated investigation. They were the first to be launched since her office was created in 2018. The case stemmed from a complaint brought by two dozen human-rights groups, including Uyghur groups.” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-corporate-ethics-watchdog-alleges-bc-company-allowed-forced-labour-to/
• March 27 World Uyghur Congress Uyghur TV station reported on CORE findings on DynastyGoldCorp related use of Uyghur forced labour at the Hatu gold mine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dQ1V_HIBac
Senator Leo Housakos’s twitter on the Public Inquiry Testimony
• The Globe and Mail via “The cost for advocacy in CAN is really high for some communities. Also, there’s a lack of protection in Canada.” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/opinion/article-the-inquiry-gets-a-personal-lesson-in-foreign-interference/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
• CBC reporting “They increased their campaign against the Conservative Party." https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/interference-inquiry-diaspora-community-1.7156749
• CBC reporting Representatives of different diaspora communities in Canada testified before a federal commission of inquiry on foreign interference. They say they've faced harassment and intimidation from their home countries on Canadian soil, affecting both them and their families abroad. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stmoI_GfVOA
• Turkish media from March 30 “Ottawa’s corporate-ethics watchdog says a Vancouver-based mining company has allowed forced labor at its gold mine in East Turkistan (Xinjiang), even though the company lost control of the project before the alleged slavery took place” https://turkistanpress.com/en/page/canadian-gold-company-accused-of-uyghur-forced-labor/1455
Some well known activists and reporters providing their feedback on the testimony provided by Mehmet Tohti at the Public Inquiry on the Foreign Interference
What can you do this week?
URAP is non-profit organization advocating on behalf of Uyghur and other Turkic-speaking people of East Turkistan currently facing the ongoing Genocide. We need broad support of public just like you to continue our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts in Canada and globally. Consider to DONATE and support our activities such as ongoing M62 campaign among other initiatives.
Upcoming Events:
URAP will continue its advocacy and awareness-raising campaign on several legislative initiatives such as addressing the elimination of the Forced Slave Uyghur Labor-tainted merchandise in the Canadian Supply Chains. FIRA (or its equivalent), The “Clean University” Initiative, resettlement M62 initiative and more…
April 17 to 19 - New York City Conference https://disruptinggenocide.com/uyghur/
May 3-5 – World Uyghur Congress Conference in Munich, Germany
May 14-16 – Copenhagen Freedom Conference, EU
URAP Newsletter february
News:
· The Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP) decision to withdraw from the Public Inquiry on the Foreign Interference held by the Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue resonated strongly in Ottawa (see below media links). Our decision to withdrew was followed by the Hong-Kong Canada NGO. The Globe and Mail article from February 5th reported “Once again, the Liberal government and its appointees seem to have zero interest in revealing the extent of Chinese interference. Nor do they show interest in protecting those who put themselves at risk by speaking out against actions in this country taken by the Chinese government”.
· URAP team participated in the protest held in Montreal in front of the Chinese Consulate, to commemorate the 1997 Ghulja massacre perpetrated by the CCP.
· The first-ever seizure by CBSA (Canada Customs) on solar panels originating from the Uyghur region as reported by media “The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) has taken a significant enforcement action by detaining containers filled with solar modules, showcasing Canada’s intensified commitment to combating forced labour within its supply chains” https://pvbuzz.com/canada-border-services-crackdown-on-solar-module-containers/
· The URAP decision to withdraw in late January from the Public Inquiry resonated loudly across the political establishment in Ottawa and within civil society. Many questioned the validity of reasoning of the Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue to grant special privileges to the three individuals allegedly tied to CCP as per Canadian security authorities (see below media coverage).
· On February 29 the URAP ED Mehmet Tohti met with the Hon. Melissa Lantsman, Deputy Conservative Party Leader and Hon. Michael Chong, Shadow Minister for International Affairs, topics raised among others included the expedition of the M62 Motion, Uyghur Forced Slave Labour tainted imports in the Canadian Supply Chain, the Foreign Interference Public Inquiry
· On February 29, the URAP team met with Alexander Craney from the office of the Minister of Labour of Canada and discussed the Uyghur Forced Slave Labour tainted merchandise imports entering Canada. The four points put forward to the attention of the Ministry were – any proposed Canadian legislation should be compatible with its US equivalent UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act), there should be a rebuttable presumption, meaning any cargo coming from the Uyghur Region should be considered as tainted by the Forced Slave Labour unless proven otherwise, the need to impose strict corporate accountability practices and the financial penalties on corporations profiting the Uyghur Forced Slave Labour.
· URAP team trained young Uyghur-Canadian volunteers to provide support services to the potential applicants under the M62 campaign initiative.
· URAP continued its cooperation with the numerous stakeholders to make the M62 project feasible and swift
· URAP continued its documentary filming project
· URAP continued working on strengthening the Alliance of Genocide Victim Communities
· URAP is actively engaged in implementing the M62 (10,000 vulnerable refugees’ resettlement into Canada)
· URAP is cooperating with various US-based NGOs on strengthening the Uyghur Forced Labor products importation ban to Canada under the CUSMA agreements (CAN-US-MEX free trade agreement).
· URAP is continuing its participation in the Coalition Against Forced Labour in Trade
Media compilation for February 2024:
February 01 - The Globe and Mail reporting “Co-ed by URAP Political Advisor Margaret Mccguire-Johnston Human rights abuses, such as the genocide of Uyghurs as recognized by Canada’s Parliament, are being executed with technologies based on research done at non-Chinese universities” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-canada-needs-to-be-one-step-ahead-of-china-on-research-security/
February 02 - The Voice of America reported on URAP’s decision to withdraw from the Public Inquiry on the Foreign Interference “As the first round of hearings wrapped up on Friday, the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project announced that it was pulling out of the commission. The group says it withdrew because of its concern that two politicians with alleged sympathies to China have been given full status in the review body” https://www.voanews.com/a/uyghur-group-withdraws-from-canada-s-election-interference-commission-/7469344.html
February 02 - CTV News “In a statement Wednesday, the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP) said its members will not participate in the inquiry, blaming commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue for allowing "a significant security risk" to their community and families back in China” https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/has-the-foreign-interference-commission-lost-credibility-because-uyghur-canadians-refuse-to-testify-1.6752930
February 05 - AsiaPacific reporting “The Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP), a human rights group representing Uyghur Canadians, backed out of the inquiry on Wednesday. In a statement yesterday, URAP said it disagreed with the Commission’s decision to include three men — Michael Chan, Han Dong, and Yuen Pau Woo — in the process.” https://www.asiapacific.ca/asia-watch/foreign-interference-inquiry-begins-beijing-new-delhi-under
February 05 – National Post reporting “The Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP) announced that they had suspended all participation in the inquiry due to fears that any information they shared with it could find its way to Beijing. The group represents the Uyghurs, a Muslim minority in China’s northwest whose treatment Canada has officially characterized as a genocide” https://nationalpost.com/opinion/bc-knows-safer-supply-isnt-working-theyre-expanding-it-anyway
February 07 - Wetaskinwintimes (British Columbia media outlet) reporting “Canada’s Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP), representing Canadians of Muslim origin protesting China’s genocide of the Uyghurs, withdrew from the inquiry Wednesday, citing safety concerns” https://www.wetaskiwintimes.com/opinion/interference-inquiry-takes-credibility-hit
February 20 - The Bureau media reporting “In late January, the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP) pulled out of the inquiry, accusing Commissioner Hogue of enabling "a significant security risk" to the diaspora in Canada and their families in China” https://www.thebureau.news/p/ottawas-interference-inquiry-jolted
February 20 – The National Post “The CFHK is the second group to withdraw from the independent inquiry after the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP) withdrew on Jan. 31. It also stated disappointment in the commissioner for giving full standing to Dong, Chan and Woo” https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/hong-kong-diaspora-group-pulls-out-of-foreign-interference-inquiry
February 19 - Radio Free Asia Uyghur News reporting "Canada’s promise to take in 10,000 Uyghurs refugees - about the number of ethnic Uyghurs now thought to live in the United States - is particularly seen as a potential solution" https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/refugees-02142024151839.html
January 17- The Globe and Mail via “But according to Mehmet Tohti, executive director of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, not one shipment from China has been denied entry into Canada on the same grounds. “Canada remains a dumping ground for products made with forced labour,” Mr. Tohti said in an interview.” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-why-canada-will-continue-to-be-a-dumping-ground-of-products-made-with/
February 21 - The Deep Dive via https://thedeepdive.ca/is-the-foreign-interference-inquiry-dead-on-arrival-second-diaspora-group-withdraws-citing-security-integrity-concerns/
February - The Canadian Friends of Hong Kong (CFHK) have announced a boycott of the Foreign Interference Commission Inquiry. This makes them the second group, after the Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP), to withdraw from the inquiry citing “grave concerns regarding the objectivity and the security integrity.”
February 23 - Globe and Mail reporting “That decision has led to representatives of diaspora communities to absent themselves from the proceedings. The Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project [URAP] pulled out in January, and the human-rights group Canadian Friends of Hong Kong, or CFHK, followed suit this week.” - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editorials/article-justice-hogue-can-still-fix-the-growing-mess-at-the-election/
February 23 - National Post reporting “The CFHK’s move follows the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project’s (URAP) decision to stand down three weeks ago. The CFHK’s Li and URAP’s Mehmet Tohti say that as a matter of principle, the pro-democracy activists in Canada’s Chinese diaspora should not have to subject themselves to cross examination by Liberal party kingmaker Michael Chan or Independent MP Han Dong — who resigned from the Liberal caucus over alleged ties to the Chinese government — both of whom were granted full standing by Hogue” - https://nationalpost.com/opinion/terry-glavin-canada-is-losing-the-fight-against-foreign-interference
What can you do this week
URAP is non-profit organization advocating on behalf of Uyghur and other Turkic-speaking people of East Turkistan currently facing the ongoing Genocide. We need broad support of public just like you to continue our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts in Canada and globally. Consider to DONATE and support our activities such as ongoing M62 campaign among other initiatives.
Upcoming Events:
URAP will continue its advocacy and awareness-raising campaign on several legislative initiatives such as addressing the elimination of the Forced Slave Uyghur Labor-tainted merchandise in the Canadian Supply Chains. FIRA (or its equivalent), The “Clean University” Initiative, resettlement M62 initiative and more…
The Parliamentary session in Ottawa this spring promise to be fast-moving and challenging….
URAP Newsletter January
URAP NEWSLETTER FOR JANUARY 2024
FEB. 15
Press releases:
January 31 – URAP announces its withdrawal from the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference
News:
The URAP decision to withdraw in late January from the Public Inquiry resonated loudly across the political establishment in Ottawa and within civil society. Many questioned the validity of reasoning of the Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue to grant special privileges to the three individuals who are allegedly tied to CCP as per Canadian security authorities (see below media coverage).
· URAP team trained young Uyghur-Canadian volunteers to provide support services to the potential applicants under the M62 campaign initiative.
· URAP continued its cooperation with the numerous stake-holders to make the M62 project feasible and swift
· URAP continued its documentary filming project
· URAP continued working on strengthening the Alliance of Genocide Victim Communities
· URAP is actively engaged in implementing the M62 (10 thousand refugees’ resettlement into Canada)
· URAP is cooperating with various US-based NGOs on strengthening the Uyghur Forced Labor products importation ban to Canada under the CUSMA agreements (CAN-US-MEX free trade agreement).
· URAP is continuing its participation in the Coalition Against Forced Labour in Trade
· URAP’s documentary filming on several subjects like M62, advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns in Canada is ongoing.
Media compilation for January 2024:
January 17 – Mehmet Tohti, the executive director of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP), told The Hill Times that he finds the decision to give the three men standing and the rejection of the coalition’s appeal “baffling,” and that his organization and others within the coalition have serious concerns about the trio’s participation - https://www.hilltimes.com/story/20 terms-of-foreign-interference-inquiry
January 17 NZZ German based newspaper of Uyghur Forced Labor cited Mehmet Tohti https://www.nzz.ch/international/umerziehungslager-in-xinjiang-es-gibt-sie-noch-von-normalitaet-keine-spur-ld.1767739
January 28 - “I am very pessimistic about this inquiry,” said Mehmet Tohti, executive director of the Uyghur Human Rights Advocacy Project. “This is a dead start for me. We are going to withdraw.” Mr. Tohti said the three men have “acted like Chinese officials in Canada so I am not ready to make myself available to be cross-examined by them.” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-foreign-interference-public-inquiry-boycott/
January 27 The Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP) filed an application for judicial review of the acts and omissions of the Government of Canada, in relation to what it stated was an ongoing genocide against members of the Uyghur population in China. It contended that Canada was not respecting its obligations under the Genocide Convention to take steps to prevent the ongoing genocide, including that Canada had failed to recognize a genocide against the Uyghurs. https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/trnsprnc/brfng-mtrls/prlmntry-bndrs/20230825/24-en.aspx
January 30 The Foreign interference inquiry begins with a question — what can be made public? | Power & Politics * The independent inquiry into foreign electoral interference began its public hearings, but the commission first needs to work out what it can — and can't - https://youtube.com/watch?v=0bi5bHR4SWQ&feature=shared
January 31 - "In a statement released Wednesday evening, the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP) said the continued participation of three men accused of being linked to the Chinese government "pose[s] a significant security risk" to diaspora communities.” via CBC-Canada https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/foreign-interference-inquiry-fadden-1.7100381
In French :
January 11 - https://www.ledevoir.com/societe/805103/aucune-cargaison-produits-issus-travail-force-ouighours-interceptee-canada « Chaque fois que je rentre dans un centre d’achats à Montréal, je constate la présence de produits d’esclavage sur nos étalages, mentionne sans ambages Kayum Masimov, un militant canadien d’origine ouïghoure, coordonnateur du Projet de défense des droits des Ouïghours, une ONG basée à Ottawa.
What can you do this week?
URAP is non-profit organization advocating on behalf of Uyghur and other Turkic-speaking people of East Turkistan currently facing the ongoing Genocide. We need broad support of public just like you to continue our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts in Canada and globally. Consider to DONATE and support our activities such as ongoing M62 campaign among other initiatives.
Upcoming Events:
Canadian Parliament reconvened on January 29th after the winter holidays. URAP will continue its advocacy and awareness-raising campaign on several legislative initiatives such as addressing the elimination of the Forced Slave Uyghur Labor-tainted merchandise in the Canadian Supply Chains. FIRA (or its equivalent), The “Clean University” Initiative, resettlement M62 initiative and more…
urap news oct-nov 2023
URAP NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2023
Press releases:
OCTOBER 6 – URAP statement on the International UN-recognised Cotton Day
NOVEMBER 2 – URAP celebrates IRCC announcement on levels plans and its commitment to M-62
News:
In October-November, we worked on many pressing issues, namely:
· October 1 “celebrations” took place across Canada to protest the PRC’s occupation of East Turkistan on OCT 1, 1949. This one is from Toronto Chinese General Consulate
· URAP took place at MacDonald Laurier yearly Roundtable Discussion together with Hong-Kong, Tibetan groups on October 2
· URAP trained young Uyghur-Canadian staff are helping with the documentation processing (translation, filling out forms, Q&A follow-ups and email exchanges) with the potential applicants the M62 campaign initiative
· On October 13, URAP ED Mehmet Tohti participated in the full day-long consultation session with various government stakeholders addressing the Uyghur Forced Slave Labour
· URAP’s Project Coordinator Kayum Masimov participated online conference focused on the Uyghur Forced Slave Labour on October 21
· URAP continued its cooperation with the numerous stake-holders to proceed swiftly with the M62 project. (On you left URAP ED Mehmet Tohti with MP Salma Zahid, Chair of the Immigration Committee of the Parliament, October 14 meting)
· URAP team took place at the annual CIJA conference on October 17, where meetings with several MPs and the heads of NGOs took place
· URAP team met with Hong-Kong Watch team members in Ottawa and discussed strategies on joint efforts addressing the Uyghur Forced Slave Labour, the Transnational repression and the Foreign [CHINA] Interference in Canada.
· URAP continued its documentary filming projects
· URAP is cooperating with various US-based NGOs on strengthening the Uyghur Forced Labor products importation ban to Canada under the CUSMA agreements (CAN-US-MEX free trade agreement).
· URAP team met with the office of the IRCC (Ministry of Immigration) at the office of the Deputy Minister Chris Fox to discuss work schedule for the implementation of the M-62 Motion (resettlement of the ten thousand Uyghur and other Turkic Muslims)
· URAP ED Mehmet Tohti met with the Minister of Immigration Hon. Marc Miller and his Deputy Minister Madame Chris Fox in the Parliament. Topics included among other the M62 resettlement initiative. (On your right)
· URAP’s documentary filming on several subjects like M62, advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns in Canada is ongoing.
· Our Executive Director Mehmet Tohti participated at Tokyo International Uyghur Summit where he presented URAP and distributed a compilation book of the Legal Advocacy performed in Canada to the international scholars, experts and activists (October 30-31). Tokyo declaration was adapted upon the successful completion of the Forum.
· While in Japan URAP Executive Director Mehmet Tohti met with madame Akie Abe, the wife of the late Premier-Minister Shinzo Abe and shared his condolences for the late former Prime minister passing. Mr. Abe served as the Head of the Uyghur-Japanese Parliamentary Friendship Group. Mr Mehmet Tohti briefed Mrs. Abe on the dire situation of the Uyghur refugees and on the China’s transnational repression targeting Uyghur refugees around the globe"
· On November 17 to 19, a high-level delegation of the Uyghur activists (WUC, URAP) will be attending the Halifax International Security Forum upon the invitation of the later. This forum will be brining together the leading experts on the subject of the International Security to discuss global implications and developments of the current affairs.
We wish all the best for the Uyghur delegation to represent the plight of the East Turkistan at it!
Media compilation (Some of URAP’s interviews, mentions made in October):
“Mehmet Tohti, executive director of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP), says the reality of foreign intimidation outlined in the report resonates with the experience of the Uyghur community in Canada” https://www.newcanadianmedia.ca/report-calling-for-action-on-foreign-intimidation-gets-backing-from-diaspora-communities
“As a Uyghur Muslim leader and a Christian human rights advocate, we are speaking out in support of our Jewish friends and the worldwide Jewish community” https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/antisemitism-and-the-celebration-of-war-crimes-have-no-place-in-canada/article_5defdad1-0d6b-532d-949f-ee85875a3536.html
“A report calling on the federal government to step up efforts to protect immigrants, including refugees, from foreign intimidation has been backed by nine groups from different diaspora communities in Canada” https://ca.news.yahoo.com/report-calling-action-foreign-intimidation-203258513.html?guccounter=1
“Uyghur and Tibetan advocacy groups joined forces to organize a joint parliamentary event on Parliament Hill, shedding light on the shared challenges faced by the Uyghur and Tibetan communities” https://canadatibet.com/uyghur-and-tibetan-advocacy-groups-unite-on-parliament-hill-to-highlight-collective-struggles
A comprehensive, 166-pages long study on the Transnational Repression published by legal scholars and URAP councils David Matas and Sarah Teich. The full text can be read here -
The Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP), a Canada-based Uyghur rights group, issued a statement: “The Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP) condemns in the strongest terms possible the barbaric attacks by Hamas terrorists on innocent Israelis this past weekend”
https://uyghurtimes.com/uyghur-groups-condemn-hamass-terror-attacks-on-israeli-civilians/
CORE’s announcement on Zara Canada Inc. https://toronto.citynews.ca/2023/11/06/zara-canada-being-investigated-by-ethics-watchdog-over-alleged-links-to-forced-labour/ “Zara is the eighth company the ombudsperson has investigated for using Uyghur forced labour in its supply chain. Other companies it has looked into include Ralph Lauren Canada LP, Walmart Canada, Hugo Boss Canada Inc., Diesel Canada Inc. and mining company Gobi Man and says more assessments will be made public in the coming weeks
This discovery about seafood and the reach of the labour-transfer program,” said Sarah Teich, a lawyer who deals with Uyghur labour issues, “ties the Uyghur abuses to consumers globally.” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-chinese-seafood-plants-forced-uyghur-labour/
Mehmet Tohti to Uyghur Radio on M62 initiative https://www.facebook.com/share/p/UWUstNH9ai74Tvuz/?mibextid=Na33Lf
What can you do this week?
URAP is non-profit organization advocating on behalf of Uyghur and other Turkic-speaking people of East Turkistan currently facing the ongoing Genocide. We need broad support of public just like you to continue our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts in Canada and globally. Consider to DONATE and support our activities such as ongoing M62 campaign among other initiatives.
Upcoming Events:
· URAP will continue its advocacy and awareness-raising campaign on several legislative initiatives such as addressing the elimination of the Forced Slave Uyghur Labor-tainted merchandise in the Canadian Supply Chains. FIRA (or its equivalent), The “Clean University” Initiative, resettlement M62 initiative and more…
· URAP is planning December “Allies combatting Uyghur Forced Labour: Canada as a crossorads” Parliamentary Event addressing the Uyghur Forced Slave Labour-tainted imports in the Canadian Supply Chains. This event will be sponsored by the Parliamentarian Uyghur Friendship Group (UFG) and bring together US, Canadian lawmakers, experts and researchers. The date and location to be confirmed soon.
December 07 (Thursday), 2023 9:00 – 10:45 am
URAP News september 2o23
URAP NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2023
Press releases:
september 18 – URAP ENDORSES THE RELEASE OF THE RESERCH ON THE TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION AND FOREIGN INTERFERENCE IN CANADA
SEPTEMBER 28 – UN EXPERT STATEMENT CONFIRMS FORCED ASSIMILIATION AND SEPARATION OF UYGHUR CHILDREN. AS AN ACT OF THE GENOCIDE, THE UN SHOULD NAME THESE CRIMES AS SUCH
SEPTEMBER 29 – URAP JOINS COALITION AGANST FORCED LABOUR IN TRADe
News:
Two major announcements by CORE (Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible enterprise) were made on September 20, to address forced labour complaints against Canadian companies.
These two announcements came in addition to CORE’s earlier decision to launch a probe into multiple enterprises in response to URAP’s complaint filed in April 2022 on behalf of the coalition of 28 organizations, calling on CORE to investigate Canadian companies for their alleged ties with Uyghur forced labour in their supply chain. You can read the CORE’s decision on Levi Strauss Canada.
* Major social event open for public took place in the past month at Ottawa Uyghur Center. The first-ever MuslimFEST was held in Ottawa and it was at the Uyghur Community Center. The event attracted huge crowds and witnessed the participation of the elected officials where traditional ethnic cuisine was served accompanied by cultural performances and speeches. URAP’s Executive Director Mehmet Tohti addressed the public on behalf of our organisation. Our sincere thanks to organizers for hosting such a successful event!
· On September 28, a joint Parliamentary Session with CTC (Canada-Tibet Committee) and URAP took place in Ottawa, the five federal MPs representing all political parties of the Parliament addressed audience in-person with more sending their support letters. You can watch URAP’s Executive Director’s address here.
In September, we worked on many pressing issues, namely:
· URAP team trained young Uyghur-Canadian volunteers to provide support services to the potential applicants under the M62 campaign initiative.
· URAP continued its cooperation with the numerous stake-holders to make the M62 project feasible and swift.
· URAP continued its documentary filming project
· URAP continued working on strengthening the Alliance of Genocide Victim Communities
· URAP is actively engaged in implementing the M62 (10 thousand refugees’ resettlement into Canada)
· URAP is cooperating with various US-based NGOs on strengthening the Uyghur Forced Labor products importation ban to Canada under the CUSMA agreements (CAN-US-MEX free trade agreement).
· URAP’s documentary filming on several subjects like M62, advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns in Canada is ongoing.
Media compilation (Some of URAP’s interviews, mentions made in August):
Sep 7 “Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project v. Canada, 2023 FC 126, the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project ("URAP") brought an application for judicial review of the acts and omissions of the Government of Canada” Legal review opinion brought forward by the commentator citing URAP’s legal advocacy https://www.mondaq.com/canada/contracts-and-commercial-law/1363744/forced-or-compulsory-labour-laws-in-canada
Sep 14 - “While the focus thus far has been Uyghur forced labour, it should be kept in mind that CORE’s mandate covers human-rights abuses perpetrated anywhere outside of Canada. We therefore anticipate a wider variety of investigations going forward” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-canada-watchdog-corporate-abuses-diesel-hugo-boss-walmart/
Sep 20 – The Globe and Mail reporting CORE’s decision "Canada’s corporate ethics watchdog has launched an investigation into allegations that Levi Strauss Canada is working with companies that use forced labour in China" https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-corporate-ethics-watchdog-investigating-levi-strauss-over-alleged/
Sept 28 - URAP Executive Director Mehmet Tohti as the Joint Parliamentary Event on September 28, 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHbSASlqfwY
Sep 28 – “More must be done to tackle forced labour in global trade and supply chains” says new Coalition Against Forced Labour in Trade - URAP joined a new Coalition https://freedomfund.org/blog/caflt/
What can you do this week?
URAP is non-profit organization advocating on behalf of Uyghur and other Turkic-speaking people of East Turkistan currently facing the ongoing Genocide. We need broad support of public just like you to continue our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts in Canada and globally. Consider to DONATE and support our activities such as ongoing M62 campaign among other initiatives.
Upcoming Events:
URAP will continue its advocacy and awareness-raising campaign on several legislative initiatives such as addressing the elimination of the Forced Slave Uyghur Labor-tainted merchandise in the Canadian Supply Chains. FIRA (or its equivalent), The “Clean University” Initiative, resettlement M62 initiative and more…
Tokyo Conference – October 30-31
URAP NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 2023
Press releases:
News:
· Two major announcements by CORE (Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible enterprise) were made on August 15 and 24 this summer, to address forced labour complaints against Canadian companies.
These two announcements came in addition to CORE’s earlier decision to launch a probe into multiple enterprises in response to URAP’s complaint filed in April 2022 on behalf of the coalition of 28 organizations, calling on CORE to investigate Canadian companies for their alleged ties with Uyghur forced labour in their supply chain. You can read the CORE’s decision here.
· On AUG 24 URAP’s Executive Director Mehmet Tohti, along with other NGO representatives met with the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Prof. Tomoya Obokata and briefed him on the Uyghur Forced Slave Labour imports entering Canadian markets
· The head of URAP Mehmet Tohti and community members met with the Federal Minister of Diversity, Inclusion MP Kamal Kheral and MP Sameer Zuberi during the fund-raising event in Montreal. Both MPs voted in favor of M62 (resettling 10 thousand Uyghur Refugees).
· From August 13-22, URAP Executive Director Mehmet Tohti kickstarted seven-days long tour in five cities in two provinces to have briefing session of URAP’s work with community members in Western Canada. The August month Western trip was delayed for 2 years originally due to tight schedule and charged agenda in Ottawa.
· During the visit, URAP Executive Director, has held community engagement and briefing session with the community members in the city of Calgary, Edmonton ( Alberta) Kamloops, Vancouver and Kelowna in BC..
· URAP team trained young Uyghur-Canadian volunteers to provide support services to the potential applicants under the M62 campaign initiative.
· URAP continued its cooperation with the numerous stake-holders to make the M62 project feasible and swift
· URAP continued its documentary filming project
· URAP continued working on strengthening the Alliance of Genocide Victim Communities
· URAP is actively engaged in implementing the M62 (10 thousand refugees’ resettlement into Canada)
· URAP is cooperating with various US-based NGOs on strengthening the Uyghur Forced Labor products importation ban to Canada under the CUSMA agreements (CAN-US-MEX free trade agreement).
· URAP’s documentary filming on several subjects like M62, advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns in Canada is ongoing.
Media compilation (Some of URAP’s interviews, mentions made in August):
August 07 - RFA Uyghur reported on the plight of the three Uyghur refugee brothers detained for almost a decade in Indian-controlled Kashmir
August 07 - Mehmet Tohti, executive director of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, said much of Canada’s promises on forced labour in Xinjiang has proven to be lip service. “Overall, our doors are being kept wide open for forced labour imports without any intervention,” Mr. Tohti said, adding he fears this country is also becoming a “dumping ground” for slave labour products that are blocked from entering the United States, where enforcement is much stronger.
August 11 – Turkish Media mentioned URAP and the ongoing detention in India of 3 Uyghur refugees
“Kanada Uygur İnsan Hakları Projesi'nin (URAP) kurucusu ve başkanı İnsan hakları Aktivisti Av. Mehmet Tohti’nin Hindistan’da 10 yıldır tutuklu bulunan 3 Uygur kardeşin durumunu yakından takip ettiklerini belirterek şöyle konuştu: "Kardeşlerin durumunu yakından takip ediyor ve kendilerine yardımcı olmaya çalışıyoruz. Hindistan’daki hukuki süreç hakkında bilgi ve belgeleri temin ettiğimizde Kanada yönetimine bunların sığınma başvurusunda bulunmalarına yardımcı olacağız. Bu kardeşlerin Keşmirli Avukatı Muhammet Şafi Lassu ile temas halindeyiz. Kanada, 2024 yılından başlayarak 10 bin Uygur mülteciyi Kanada’ya yerleştirmek için yasa çıkardı. Bu kardeşlerin de bu yasadan yararlanabileceklerini ümit ediyorum."
August 12 "Kanada, bu yıln şubat ayında Çin'e geri gönderilme riskiyle karşı karşıya olan diğer ülkelerden en az 10 bin Uygur'u Kanada’ya yerleştirmeye kararı aldıktan bu yana, yabancı bir ülkenin hapishanesinden bir Uygur'a ilk kez siyasi sığınma hakkı vermiş oldu".
Globe and Mail reporting “Canada has little to show for its promises to combat forced labour in China, critics say”
CORE Announcement and Media reporting on AUG 15, 2023
https://core-ombuds.canada.ca/core_ombuds-ocre_ombuds/press-release-communique-presse.aspx?lang=eng
French Media reported (Le Monde)
August 16 - "Ottawa-based @Uyghuradvocacy (URAP) welcomed the investigation in a statement. "There is credible evidence that Ralph Lauren is linked to numerous Chinese companies that use Uyghur forced labour in their supply chains,"
August 16 - l’organisme Projet de défense des droits des Ouïgours, basé à Ottawa, a salué le lancement de cette enquête formelle. « Il existe des preuves tangibles que l’entreprise de mode est liée à de nombreuses sociétés chinoises qui utilisent le travail forcé des Ouïgours dans leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement », a-t-il déclaré dans un communiqué.""
August 21 Globe and Mail reporting on its front page today "In October, 2017, the RCMP say Mr. Majcher mentioned in e-mails to colleagues that he was asked by China to gather information on Ms. Kadeer and the World Uyghur Congress, including schedules of meetings, events and financial status [in Canada]"
Free version - https://archive.is/yyxgD#selection-49969.0-49969.233
AUG 22 Meeting with the Coalition members on Uyghur Slave Labour (EU, US and Canada)
August 24 - "Canada’s corporate-ethics watchdog is investigating whether Walmart, Hugo Boss and Diesel have forced labour in their supply chains" -
August 24 -Walmart, Hugo Boss and Diesel named via @torontostar "Sheri Meyerhoffer of CORE issued three reports today saying none of the companies have done enough to demonstrate the products they sell in Canada are free of slave labour"
August 24 "A coalition of 28 civil society organizations last year filed complaints with the watchdog alleging Walmart, Hugo Boss and Diesel use Chinese suppliers with factories that have been linked to Uyghur forced labor" -
August 24 DW reported "Canada's corporate ethics watchdog will look into whether the companies used forced labor by China's Uyghur Muslims. Western governments have raised concerns about rights abuses faced by the minority community"
August 28 in Turkish https://turkistanpress.com/page/kanada-da-uc-sirket-daha-kole-isci-calistirmakla-suclandi/6003
August 30- URAP’s Project Manager Kayum Masimov joined @TheNewsForum for an interview entitled as "What Products Sold in Canada Can Be Connected to the Forced Labour of Uyghurs in China?"
August 31 Media “It pays lip service to due diligence,” Tohti said, adding that he believed that only one shipment of imported goods suspected of having been made by Uyghur forced labor in China had been seized in the five years since CORE’s founding — and that one shipment was released quickly"
More media quotations on URAP:
https://www.voanews.com/a/uyghur-news-recap-august-11-18-2023/7231404.html
What can you do this week?
URAP is non-profit organization advocating on behalf of Uyghur and other Turkic-speaking people of East Turkistan currently facing the ongoing Genocide. We need broad support of public just like you to continue our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts in Canada and globally. Consider to DONATE and support our activities such as ongoing M62 campaign among other initiatives.
Upcoming Events:
Canadian Parliament reconvenes back on September 18, 2023. URAP will continue its advocacy and awareness-raising campaign on several legislative initiatives such as addressing the elimination of the Forced Slave Uyghur Labor-tainted merchandise in the Canadian Supply Chains. FIRA (or its equivalent), The “Clean University” Initiative, resettlement M62 initiative and more…
The Parliamentary session in Ottawa this fall promise to be fast-moving and challenging….
July 2023
URAP NEWSLETTER – JULY 2023
Press releases:
On July 11th, URAP issued a press release in response to the announcement made by the CORE.
News:
July month of 2023 was very productive moth Uyghur campaigning vice despite being a summer…. Two major events, planned in advance by URAP and well “delivered” happened…. On July 3- 6, 2023 the first-ever Uyghur Legal Summit was held in Alma region of Quebec. In addition to key figures of Uyghur leaders, the prominent international legal experts in the field of the International Law from Canada, UK and the US came together for their three-days legal brainstorming. The legal experts explored global and domestic venues, legal and administrative tools to effectively address the ongoing Uyghur Genocide, Uyghur Forced Labor, Transnational Repression and expansion of sanction regimes domestically and internationally.
On July 11, the CORE Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) held a Press-Conference during which it declared its intention to investigate two companies: Nike Canada Corp. and Dynasty Gold Corp., included in URAP’s complaint alleging products being sold by Canadian companies made in whole or in part with Uyghur forced labour. CORE’s decision is a welcomed response to a complaint filed in April 2022 by a URAP-led coalition of 28 organizations, calling on CORE to investigate 14 Canadians companies for their alleged ties with Uyghur forced labour in their supply chain.
Media compilation (some mentions on URAP)
4 JULY - Le Quotidien reports on the Uyghur summit in Saint-Gédéon
11 JULY - Radio-Canada Article about the CORE actions and URAP role in them.
12 JULY - Terrace Standard –- Ottawa’s corporate-ethics watchdog has announced investigations into a gold-mining corporation and the Canadian branch of Nike over the possible use of forced labour by China’s Uyghur minority in their supply chains.
13 JULY - Corporate Knights - Article about the CORE actions and URAP role in them.
30 JULY - BBC - China is pressuring Uyghurs living abroad to spy on human rights campaigners by threatening families back home, researchers say. Refugees and activists tell the BBC intimidating tactics are tearing communities apart.
What can you do this week?
URAP is non-profit organization advocating on behalf of Uyghur and other Turkic-speaking people of East Turkistan currently facing the ongoing Genocide. We need broad support of public just like you to continue our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts in Canada and globally. Consider to DONATE and support our activities such as ongoing M62 campaign among other initiatives.
Upcoming Events:
URAP Executive Director Mehmet Tohti will be visiting Prairies and the West Coast of Canada in the month of August, 2023. The purpose of the upcoming business trip will be mobilization and provision of the information session for Uyghur community, NGOs and some elected officials on ongoing awareness-raising and advocacy campaigns undertaken in Ottawa.
Appendix: Media compilation on CORE’s Press-Conference and URAP-led initiative addressing the Uyghur Forced Slave Labour
CORE-related media coverage in Canada and globally:
https://financialpost.com/news/canada-probe-complaints-nike-dynasty-gold-uyghur-forced-labour
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/fr/nouvelle/1995402/ouighours-chine-nike-dynasty-gold
https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/business/canada-probes-nike-dynasty-gold/
https://ptcnetwork.ca/nike-and-dynasty-gold-face-canadian-probe-over-alleged-forced-labour-in-china/
https://beamstart.com/news/canada-probes-nike-dynasty-gold-16891007874546
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/nike-dynasty-gold-uyghurs-canada-1.6903013
June newsletter 2023
URAP NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2023
Press releases:
In June URAP continued its advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns in Ottawa, some but not all of our activities summarized as – with Bloc Quebecois initiation URAP organized Coalition members centered on China to come Ottawa and participate in the joint Press-Conference on June 8. In it the Coalition members demanded the resignation of the “Special Rapporteur” David Johnston from his position and called for the launch of the Public Inquiry on China’s interference in Canada.
URAP team continued its preparatory work for the upcoming Alma Uyghur Legal Summit to be held in July 3-6
· URAP team trained young Uyghur-Canadian volunteers to provide support services to the potential applicants under the M62 campaign initiative.
URAP continued its cooperation with the numerous stake-holders to make the M62 project feasible and swift
URAP continued its documentary filming project
URAP continued working on strengthening the Alliance of Genocide Victim Communities (Its website with its bilingual French and English contents prepared, the Coalition registry to be finalized in the summer of 2023)
URAP is actively engaged in implementing the M62 (10 thousand refugees’ resettlement into Canada)
URAP is cooperating with various US-based NGOs on strengthening the Uyghur Forced Labor products importation ban to Canada under the CUSMA agreements (CAN-US-MEX free trade agreement)
URAP is actively engaged in the ongoing consultations with the GOC (Government of Canada) in the rapid adaptation of the FIRA (Foreign Influence Registry Act) Bill, we cooperate with multiple NGOs across Canada.
(Nanos report showing overwhelming support among Canadians towards the adaptation of the robust FIRA Bill)
URAP’s documentary filming on several subjects like M62, advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns in Canada is ongoing.
URAP is preparing for upcoming Uyghur Legal Summit to be held in between July 3-6, 2023 in Alma, Quebec.
Media compilation (Some of URAP’s interviews, mentions made in June):
June 7 Members of diaspora communities are calling for a public inquiry to address foreign interference in Canada. Power and Politics speaks to Sherap Therchin of the Canada Tibet Committee, Kayum Masimov of the Uyghur Rights Project and Bloc MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTUaY6E8fmA
June 9 URAP ED Mehmet Tohti on the National TV channel - CBC power and politics interview - https://youtu.be/hf_cTBcwOOw
June 8 URAP ED Mehmet Tohti interview with CBC - with power politics CBC – Video time starts at 1:19 minute https://youtube.com/watch?v=hf_cTBcwOOw&feature=share
June 9 Diaspora groups join calls for public inquiry on foreign interference | CBC News - A day after David Johnston defended his choice not to recommend a public inquiry on foreign interference, diaspora community groups who say they are being victimized by Chinese state interference came together to criticize his decision - www.cbc.ca - https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/johnston-foreign-interference-diaspora-1.6868952
June 13 SHEIN warehouse protest in Markham Ontario https://globalnews.ca/video/9764297/shein-facing-allegations-of-selling-goods-made-with-forced-labour
June 13 “Canada is a dumping ground for products made by the use of Uyghur forced labour,” said Mehmet Tohti, executive director of the @Uyghuradvocacy https://globalnews.ca/news/9764074/canada-dumping-ground-products-forced-labour-ottawa-crackdown/
June 18 - In Uyghur language Mehmet Tohti explaining M62 to potential applicants on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL-ZdGPs5xw
June 22 “ Pro-CCP forces in Montreal held Uyghur Genocide denial campaigns, they advocate for Foreign Influence Registry Act to be cancelled, they organize rally of support for "motherland China" on June 24 in Ottawa -- https://septdays.com/zh/?p=22278 and https://foundintran.substack.com/p/senator-victor-oh-establishing-foundation "Hu Xian, Editor-in-Chief of Symbiosis International Media (众生国际传媒), has posted numerous pro-Beiing content and even straight propaganda on her website. In addition, she took Beijing-sponsored trips to Xinjiang two years in a row in 2022 and 2023 and has published multiple articles about the “Beautiful Xinjiang”,
What can you do this week?
URAP is non-profit organization advocating on behalf of Uyghur and other Turkic-speaking people of East Turkistan currently facing the ongoing Genocide. We need broad support of public just like you to continue our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts in Canada and globally. Consider to DONATE and support our activities such as ongoing M62 campaign among other initiatives.
Upcoming Events:
Uyghur Legal Summit in between July 3-6 in Alma, Quebec
Appendix (Media citations on URAP for June 2023):
Media Reports on Michael Chong related topics - Mentioning URAP
During the Parliamentary debate MP John Brassarde mentioned by the name Mehmet Tohti during his address, "victim of PRC campaign" MP John Nater, MP Heather McPherson (30 years of intimidation in Canada), Brad Vis (Uyghur Genocide PRC against Muslim Uyghurs) - https://youtu.be/kuATeGTQ-v8
Other Reports
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8xY_NqRwds June 13 - RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme revealed to MPs that the force has opened an investigation into allegations of China targeting Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family.
Political fallout on MP Chong vote initiation on M56 “Uyghur Genocide” motion in 2021 and it’s political consequences https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66V3ild3EEE
CPP related video clips
“https://www.therecord.com/ts/business/2023/05/10/canadian-pension-fund-giants-defend-china-investments-amid-rising-diplomatic-tensions
https://globalnews.ca/news/9694637/beijing-targeting-mps-csis/
In French – Français :
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1987611/grc-enquete-michael-chong-chine-ingerence-intimidation 13 juin - Le commissaire par intérim de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada (GRC), Mike Duheme, a déclaré mardi matin en comité parlementaire que ses services ont ouvert une enquête sur les allégations publiées au printemps dans les médias voulant que la Chine ait tenté de cibler et d'intimider le député conservateur Michael Chong ainsi que sa famille.
https://www.ledevoir.com/politique/canada/792883/la-grc-enquete-sur-des-allegations-d-ingerence-etrangere-contre-trois-deputes 13 juin - Le commissaire par intérim de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada (GRC), Mike Duheme, a confirmé mardi que la police fédérale avait ouvert une enquête criminelle sur les allégations selon lesquelles le député conservateur Michael Chong aurait été ciblé par Pékin.
URAP Newsletter may, 2023
URAP newsletter for May, 2023
URAP NEWSLETTER - May 2023
Press releases:
May 2 - MEMORANDUM: CANADIAN INACTION ON FORCED LABOUR AS A POTENTIAL LOOPHOLE TO THE UNITED STATES’ UYGHUR FORCED LABOUR PREVENTION ACT (UFLPA)
News:
· China and its interference in the Canadian elections of 2019 and 2021 dominated the public discussion, the Parliamentary debates and media coverage since the House of Commons resumed its activity after the New Year recess. The CSIS leaked documents, as reported by Globe and Mail, revealed Chinese ‘diplomatic mission” targeted multiple sitting members of the House, most noticeably MP Michael Chong. He was particularly singled out by CCP due to his M56 initiative calling for the recognition of the Uyghur Genocide. It was alleged many Canadian elected MPs were compromised, coerced or favored and sponsored by the Communist regime of China via its “diplomats” stationed in Canada. There were orchestrated media campaigns in the Chinese-language media funneled by PRC within the ethnic Chinese community as well. Below are some links covering above mentioned as well as URAP’s media outreach and advocacy efforts addressing such pressing issues of the Canadian politics.
Media compilation (URAP interviews/remarks):
· https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anrDse9JIXs :URAP ED Mehmet Tohti’s iInterview in the True North show about Chinese influence.
· https://cnca-rcrce.ca/2023/05/01/why-mps-should-vote-against-bill-s-211/ “Understandably, the Executive Director of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, Mehmet Tohti, urged all MPs to vote against S-211, calling it a “lip service Bill” that was “born dead and ineffective.”
· https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2023/05/03/for-chinas-uyghurs-never-gain-is-right-now.html “As “re-education camp” survivors gave their testimony, they were “Zoom bombed” multiple times in an attempt to silence their voices. According to the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP), our event co-host, such harassment is commonplace when courageous Uyghurs share their horrific experience”.
· La Presse quoted URAP’s ED (Executive Director) Mehmet Tohti : “Parmi les entreprises, beaucoup d'entre elles font partie de la chaîne d'approvisionnement du travail forcé. (Many companies are part of the forced labor supply chain)”, concerning the enterprises that get investment from Canadian pensions” https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1981309/investissement-ouighour-droits-homme
· Another La Presse quoting URAP ED Mehmet Tohti as « Ce ne sont plus des photos satellites, ce sont des preuves réelles des gens qui sont emprisonnés pendant des années parce qu’ils sont croyants (These are no longer satellite photos, but real evidence of people who have been imprisoned for years because they are religious.) », concerning the Uyghurs in concentration camps. https://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/4cb700a7-90aa-4e58-bbb9-7bac7f999b92%7C_0.html
· Mehmet Tohti, executive director of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, says Canadians' pensions are being invested in companies that benefit from or help enable the Chinese government's persecution of his people. "Among the companies, many of them are part of the forced labour supply chain.
· https://lethbridgeherald.com/news/national-news/2023/05/24/critics-of-david-johnstons-report-against-formal-inquiry-say-hearings-not-enough/ - Markham Community demanding to shut down Shein warehouse in Toronto, Ontario
· “In my opinion, the best way to detect or deter or counter Chinese interference in Canada is to have sunshine and transparency in the whole process," Tohti said. "Just expose all the dirty laundry in the public's eyes so the public can be better informed of what's happening." - https://www.nationalobserver.com/2023/05/25/news/hearings-critics-david-johnstons-report-foreign-interference
· URAP’s Activities:
- URAP is actively engaged in implementing the M62 (10 thousand refugees’ resettlement into Canada)
- URAP is cooperating with various US-based NGOs on strengthening the Uyghur Forced Labor products importation ban to Canada under the CUSMA agreements (CAN-US-MEX free trade agreement)
- URAP is actively engaged in the ongoing consultations with the GOC (Government of Canada) in the rapid adaptation of the FIRA (Foreign Influence Registry Act) Bill, we cooperate with multiple NGOs across Canada.
- URAP’s documentary film making on several subjects like M62, advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns in Canada is ongoing.
- As heated political debates in the Parliament continued throughout May-June in Ottawa, URAP was cited by MPs (like MP John Brassard Conservative) as another victim of PRC intimidation and interference - https://www.cpac.ca/episode?id=f9809cea-1e07-47cd-a94d-2ddd3e1351db - Watch LIVE
Gallery:
May 17, 2023 URAP Director Mehmet Tohti presented plaque of appreciation to MP Jenica Atwin for her role in acknowledging the Uyghur Genocide and sponsoring the M62 BIll
What can you do this week?
URAP is non-profit organization advocating on behalf of Uyghur and other Turkic-speaking people of East Turkistan currently facing the ongoing Genocide. We need broad support of public just like you to continue our advocacy and awareness-raising efforts in Canada and globally. Consider to DONATE and support our activities such as ongoing M62 campaign among other initiatives.
Upcoming Events:
Alma Uyghur Legal Retreat – July 3-6, 2023
Appendix (Media citations on URAP for May – June 2023):
Media Reports on Michael Chong related topics - Mentioning URAP
https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2023/05/03/for-chinas-uyghurs-never-gain-is-right-now.html May 3 - We must use all means at our disposal — economic, diplomatic, cultural — to pressure China to end its genocidal persecution of the Uyghurs.
https://thedailyguardian.com/lack-of-attention-paid-to-uyghurs-situation-is-disturbing-report/ May 5 - Lack of attention paid to Uyghurs’ situation is disturbing: Report
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/23/canada-china-allegations-election-interference-inquiry-david-johnston May 23 - Canadian special rapporteur rules out inquiry into Chinese interference claims
Following the Johnston’s report on the findings – URAP ED Mehmet Tohti provided several interviews
For example, during the Parliamentary debate MP John Brassarde mentioned by the name Mehmet Tohti during his address, "victim of PRC campaign" MP John Nater, MP Heather McPherson (30 years of intimidation in Canada), Brad Vis (Uyghur Genocide PRC against Muslim Uyghurs) - https://youtu.be/kuATeGTQ-v8
Other Reports
https://www.reuters.com/article/canada-china-idCAKBN2WU1GA May 3 - Canada’s spy agency withheld information about Chinese threats against a Canadian lawmaker and his family in 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FaAj3CD_bE May 1 - Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre demanded that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expel a Chinese diplomat who was involved in an alleged plan to target Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Er61_9aBqU May 4 - The House of Commons was host to a tumultuous debate on foreign threats, in which MP Chong asked why the government is ignoring CSIS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWFvqtXwnPk May 8 - Canada has declared Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei 'persona non grata' after days of pressure from opposition parties. The diplomat has five days to leave Canada after being accused of targeting Conservative MP Michael Chong's family living in Hong Kong.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfV1w4qzp3Q May 9 - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday that Canada would “not be intimidated” after China expelled a Canadian diplomat in retaliation over Ottawa’s expulsion of a Chinese consular official, who Canada’s spy agency alleged was involved in a plot to target Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family in Hong Kong.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8xY_NqRwds June 13 - RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme revealed to MPs that the force has opened an investigation into allegations of China targeting Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/mps-vote-to-launch-study-into-china-s-intimidation-campaign-against-michael-chong-1.6392766 May 10 - The House of Commons has unanimously agreed that a committee should strike a study into the "intimidation campaign" allegedly orchestrated by a now-expelled Chinese diplomat against Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/michael-chong-foreign-interference-family-1.6845222 May 16 - MP Michael Chong says Canada needs to 'catch up' to allies on national security threats
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-csis-confirms-mp-michael-chong-and-family-targeted-by-china/ May 2 - CSIS head tells MP Michael Chong that he and family were targeted by China
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/03/michael-chong-justin-trudeau-harassment-canada-china May 3 - Michael Chong accused Trudeau’s government of turning blind eye while Chinese diplomat gathered information in Canada
https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/mps-vote-to-launch-study-into-china-s-intimidation-campaign-against-michael-chong-1.6392766 May 10 - The House of Commons has unanimously agreed that a committee should strike a study into the "intimidation campaign" allegedly orchestrated by a now-expelled Chinese diplomat against Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family.
https://globalnews.ca/news/9665567/foreign-interference-china-michael-chong-threats/ May 1 - Conservative member of Parliament Michael Chong says Ottawa should have informed him about potential threats to his family made by China’s government two years ago.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65487195 May 5 - China has accused Canada of "slander and defamation" after it said Beijing targeted a member of its parliament and his family. On Friday, China said the allegation that it attempted to intimidate Conservative MP Michael Chong over his anti-China stance was "nonsense". Mr Chong, 51, previously accused China of human rights abuses. Canada is considering expelling Chinese diplomats over the issue and summoned its ambassador on Thursday.
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/1976979/ottawa-assessing-blowback-from-expelling-chinese-diplomat-accused-of-targeting-chongs-family-joly May 4 - Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says her government has summoned China's ambassador and is assessing the likely consequences of expelling a Chinese diplomat accused of helping to target Conservative MP Michael Chong's family.
https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/04/americas/canada-china-michael-chong-intl/index.html May 5 - Canada and China have become embroiled in a fresh diplomatic row after Ottawa summoned Beijing’s ambassador to respond to allegations that Beijing tried to intimidate a Canadian politician and interfere in its elections. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced the summoning of the ambassador Thursday, adding that Canada was considering taking retaliatory action over the allegations, which China vigorously denies.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/08/canada-expels-chinese-diplomat-zhao May 8 - Canada has expelled a Chinese diplomat after an intelligence report accused him of trying to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker critical of China’s treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority. Canada has decided to declare persona non grata Mr Zhao Wei,” the Canadian foreign minister, Mélanie Joly, said in a statement on Monday.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/04/canada-china-ambassador-summoned-cong-peiwu May 4 - Canada has summoned China’s ambassador as Justin Trudeau’s government considers expelling a Chinese diplomat accused of involvement in a harassment campaign against a MP lawmaker and his family in retaliation for the lawmaker’s criticisms of Beijing.
https://www.reuters.com/world/lawmaker-says-canada-govt-did-not-inform-him-report-chinas-threats-family-2023-05-01/ May 1 - Michael Chong, a lawmaker with Canada's main opposition Conservative party, said on Monday that the country's spy agency did not inform him about threats against him and his family from China that were reported in a Canadian newspaper. Chong said he was "profoundly disappointed" to find out about the potential threat to his family in Hong Kong from a newspaper, which cited intelligence reports from 2021.
https://www.reuters.com/world/china-says-claims-officials-coercing-canadian-congressman-relatives-are-false-2023-05-04/ May 4 - China's Toronto consulate-general said on Thursday that a report of consular officers "coercing" a Canadian lawmaker and his family have "no factual basis and is purely baseless", adding that Canadian media and politicians have ulterior motives. "We express strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this," the consulate-general spokesperson said in a statement, urging the media and politicians concerned to "stop spreading rumours and smearing".
https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/canada-expels-chinese-diplomat-accused-targeting-lawmaker-2023-05-08/ May 9 - China on Tuesday expelled a Canadian diplomat in Shanghai in a tit-for-tat move after Ottawa told a Toronto-based Chinese diplomat to leave, escalating tense relations amid concerns about Chinese influence in Canada. Canada expelled Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei on Monday after an intelligence report accused him of trying to target a Canadian lawmaker critical of China's treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority.
PM Trudeau on May 9 feedback on China’s expulsion of the Canadian diplomat in PRC tit for tat tactics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfV1w4qzp3Q
Political fallout on MP Chong vote initiation on M56 “Uyghur Genocide” motion in 2021 and it’s political consequences https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66V3ild3EEE
CPP related video clips
May 10 – Media – Uyghur Friendship Group Co-Chair MP Garnett Genius during the Committee hearings on the CPP (Canadian Pension Plan) investments in China asked Investment Fund’s CEO Mr.Garant “I wonder if you think that the people you invest on behalf of — teachers, university employees, municipal employees in B.C. — think it’s acceptable that you are defending investments in a company that’s complicit in genocide on the basis that well, you need to diversify your portfolio?”
“https://www.therecord.com/ts/business/2023/05/10/canadian-pension-fund-giants-defend-china-investments-amid-rising-diplomatic-tensions
https://globalnews.ca/news/9694637/beijing-targeting-mps-csis/
In French – Français :
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1987611/grc-enquete-michael-chong-chine-ingerence-intimidation 13 juin - Le commissaire par intérim de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada (GRC), Mike Duheme, a déclaré mardi matin en comité parlementaire que ses services ont ouvert une enquête sur les allégations publiées au printemps dans les médias voulant que la Chine ait tenté de cibler et d'intimider le député conservateur Michael Chong ainsi que sa famille.
https://www.ledevoir.com/politique/canada/792883/la-grc-enquete-sur-des-allegations-d-ingerence-etrangere-contre-trois-deputes 13 juin - Le commissaire par intérim de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada (GRC), Mike Duheme, a confirmé mardi que la police fédérale avait ouvert une enquête criminelle sur les allégations selon lesquelles le député conservateur Michael Chong aurait été ciblé par Pékin.
https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/2023-05-05/michael-chong-et-sa-famille-menaces/les-rates-de-la-machine-gouvernementale-encore-inexpliques.php 5 mai - Justin Trudeau insiste : les informations colligées par le SCRS sur la campagne de Pékin visant Michael Chong et des membres de sa famille ne se sont jamais rendues à lui. Il a toutefois donné peu de détails sur les raisons de ce cafouillage.
https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1978655/ingerence-chine-scrs-motion-commission-securite-enquete 10 mai - La Chambre des communes a demandé à l'unanimité à une commission parlementaire d'examiner les allégations selon lesquelles le gouvernement chinois aurait mené une campagne d'intimidation contre le député conservateur Michael Chong.
https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/politique/2023-05-16/ingerence-de-la-chine/michael-chong-a-sollicite-trois-rencontres-avec-le-scrs.php 16 mai - Le député conservateur Michael Chong, contre qui la Chine aurait déployé une campagne d’intimidation, a demandé trois rencontres en moins d’un an avec le Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité (SCRS) parce qu’il se croyait visé par des menaces.
https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2023/05/05/menaces-contre-le-depute-michael-chong-trudeau-pretend-toujours-quil-ne-savait-rien 5 mai - Justin Trudeau continue d’affirmer qu’il n’avait pas été informé par les services de renseignement au sujet des menaces qui pesaient contre le député Michael Chong et sa famille, et soutient qu’expulser le diplomate chinois impliqué « n’est pas une petite chose ».
Clean University Initiative:
Media – May 7 - URAP’S “Clean University" Campaign initiated as of August 2022 has started to see its impact - One item at a time is effective way to make tangible changes.
Canada set to name foreign labs, universities that pose risk to national security - Leading universities say they would avoid working with the organizations altogether — despite potential $100M loss in annual funding from foreign partners
URAP Bi-Weekly Newsletter April 16-30, 2023
URAP Bi-Weekly Newsletter April 16-30, 2023
News: URAP team continued its advocacy and awareness-raising campaigning in Ottawa and beyond in multifaceted areas of engagement such as the implementation and the follow-up on the M-62 Motion (the resettlement of ten thousand Uyghur and other Turkic Muslims), Uyghur Forced Slave-labour tainted supply chain (Bills S-204, S-211/243, C-262), FIRA (Foreign Influence Registration Act). The “Clean University” initiative as well as the participation in multiple public and private engagements with the diplomatic missions, policy makers and legislators in Ottawa. Continued its public outreach and media presence. Below are some but not all an important highlight:
LaPresse quoted Kayum Masimov, URAP’s Project Manager “Notre crainte, c’est que dans 16 ans, ça va être la même chose. Est-ce qu’on va encore devoir témoigner devant le Parlement ? Est-ce que quelqu’un va nous écouter ?e https://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/b3fbd24a-1e00-4fdb-9c58-7174da6baad3|_0.html?utm_content=screen&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=microsite+share
The Globe and Mail cited “Mehmet Tohti, executive director of the Ottawa-based Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, who is one of the lead complainants in these cases, says the process has been hampered by “unnecessary” confidentiality rules, along with a failure so far to conduct an investigation into the issues raised” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-corporate-watchdog-human-rights-complaints/
Chinese-language media reported on protest in front of the Chinese Embassy held together with multifaith and multiethnic groups protesting the Uyghur Genocide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvobrVeXPmE
Addressing the inaction in Canada in regards to supply chain and importation of the Uyghur Forced Slave-labor tainted merchandise URAP’s Director Mehmet Tohti said. “There is also growing concern the U.S. cannot do it alone unless the neighbouring countries like Mexico and Canada take the necessary action.” - https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2023/04/21/is-canada-becoming-a-dumping-ground-for-goods-made-with-uyghur-forced-labour-heres-why-some-are-raising-the-alarm.html
URAP’s Policy Advisor, long-time ally of the Uyghur plight in Canada Madame Margaret McCuaig-Johnston was cited by Montreal based newspaper on cooperation between Quebec Universities and Huawei https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2023/04/25/recherches-secretes-avec-huawei
Organization Activities:
URAP’s Legal Counsel Sarah Teich and its Director Mehmet Tohti highlighted on several occasions the current deficiencies in tackling the importation of the Uyghur Slave Labor products by CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency) to US-based stakeholders (The Coalition to End the Uyghur Forced Slave Labor). URAP is actively engaged with the US counterparts in enforcing the CUSMA agreements and raising alarm with the relevant stakeholders. On URAP’s advice on the lack of action by the Canadian Customs agency Madame Anasuya Syam, the director of human rights and trade policy at the Human Trafficking Legal Center, mentioned loopholes in the bilateral trade between two states and who later was quoted by the Radio Free Asia saying “Canada has detained one shipment which was subsequently released after a successful appeal by the importer. Mexico, on the other hand, did announce its import ban on Feb. 23 and will begin implementing it in May. So, the time is ripe for the three countries to convene the trade ministers to ensure that we are aligned.” https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/uyghur-labor-shein-04182023134725.html
URAP prepared Memorandum to this effect was quoted before the US senate emphasising the non-compliance of the CBSA in preventing the importation of the Uyghur Slave Force Labor. On the other hand, acting on information obtained from US partners, URAP was able to compile data on transnational border crossing of merchandise tainted by Slave force labor and use it in the ongoing CBSA lawsuit.
These statements’ sentiments were echoed by the Wall Street Journal https://www.wsj.com/articles/lawmakers-look-for-tough-implementation-of-forced-labor-law-targeting-china-9e9b3e0e “CECC members highlighted ways forced labor-tainted goods can enter the U.S., despite calls for increased compliance from businesses. One is by moving Xinjiang-linked goods through a third country to cloud their origin, a practice the Biden administration has said it would address.”
In the second half of the month of April, URAP team members had several meetings with the high-level government officials like with the Minister for Foreign Affairs Madame Melanie Joly, the Minister of Immigration MP Sean Fraser, the Minister of Transportation MP Omar Alghabra. MPs who sponsored the creation of the Alliance (below), the Deputy Ministers of the Immigration and Foreign Affairs (on cooperation topics around the implementation of the M-62 Motion), Ambassador of Hungary to Canada, journalists and other NGO activists.
URAP is a proud co-founder of the Alliance of Genocide Victim Communities (AGVC) comprising of, presently, the Uyghur, Tibetan, Rwandan, Tigrayan and Tamil communities. The mission of our NGO is dedicated to preventing and ending genocide through a multifaceted approach that includes awareness raising, advocacy, justice and accountability, education, and evidence collection and documentation. We envision a world where genocide is no longer a threat, and where all people can live in peace, dignity, and freedom. For more information, please consult https://www.agvcommunity.org/
URAP Bi-weekly Newsletter: April 1-15
URAP Bi-Weekly Newsletter April 01 – 15, 2023
News:
URAP’s team continued its advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns in the public and media spheres. Some, but not all major events in the past two weeks are highlighted as per below:
- The Global News prepared its short documentary featuring URAP’s Director Mehmet Tohti under the title “Canadians being “coerced” by China into spying on community members” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52OubkwRxvo URAP’s Mehmet Tohti was quoted "Our advocacy in Canada for the greater good of our newly adapted home comes with the heavy price” "Prominent Uyghur activist Mehmet Tohti received a similar call from Chinese authorities in January, telling him his mother and two sisters had been killed and that his uncle was in hospital”
- https://globalnews.ca/news/9598592/why-chinese-interference-everyday-problem-canadians-brainwash/
https://globalnews.ca/news/9601649/china-foreign-interference-spying/
- https://globalnews.ca/news/9598592/why-chinese-interference-everyday-problem-canadians-brainwash/
On Uyghur Forced Labor tainted merchandise entering Canada URAP continued its campaign advocating to the quick and robust adaptation and implementation of relevant bills. For instance it was reported by CTV NEWS "The Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project has called Bill S-221 "weak legislation" and argued that Canada already has tools and obligations under the Customs Act to prevent goods made through slavery from entering supply chains" https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/liberals-pledge-revamp-of-forced-labour-bill-possible-enforcement-rules-surprise-mp-1.6347542
- Again, Global News reported https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-corporate-watchdog-human-rights-complaints/ “Mehmet Tohti, executive director of the Ottawa-based Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project, who is one of the lead complainants in these cases, says the process has been hampered by “unnecessary” confidentiality rules, along with a failure so far to conduct an investigation into the issues raised.” “I am full of anger and frustration with the CORE, to be honest. As you can see, it is almost a year. And I didn’t hear anything from CORE in terms of a tangible result – it is a lot of bureaucratic processes,” he said in an interview.
URAP’s Project Coordinator Kayum Masimov was interviewed by the largest French-language media outlet of Canada, La Presse where he was quoted “Notre crainte, c’est que dans 16 ans, ça va être la même chose. Est-ce qu’on va encore devoir témoigner devant le Parlement ? Est-ce que quelqu’un va nous écouter ? » The topic of the conversation was the Chinese state-led intimidation and harasment of Uyghur activists in Canada and the need for a quick adaptation of FIRA - https://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/b3fbd24a-1e00-4fdb-9c58-7174da6baad3|_0.html?utm_content=screen&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=microsite+share
Organization Activities:
On April 3 a multifaith and multiethnic protest event took place in front of the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa. Among participants there were many Ukranian diaspora members who came to support and voice their opposition to the ongoing Uyghur Genocide.
· URAP is continuing its collaboration with multiple stakeholders on combatting the Uyghur Forced Slave Labour products entering the North American markets. Regularly, URAP meets online with the partners based in US such as Worker Rights Consortium and others.
· URAP is closely cooperates with the World Uyghur Congress and other Uyghur sister-organizations. Some screenshot from the latest events which took place in the past two weeks
URAP is a co-founder of the newly built AGVC (Alliance of Genocide Victim Communities). Its stated mission in bullet point list is Awareness raising / Advocating for coherent/consistent human rights policy in Canada / Justice and accountability / Genocide prevention / Education / Evidence collection and documentation. The newly built Alliance will hold its first Press-Conference on April 26 in the Parliament dedicated to commemorate the Genocide Remembrance Month and the public Rally in Toronto on April 29, 2023.
· URAP is continuing its campaign on M-62 implementation with the various government entities like the Immigration of Canada, the Global Affairs.
· URAP is continuing its campaign on expediate adaptation of the FIRA bill and joined several consultations with the various stakeholders among them with the office of the Public Security Minister Marco Mendicino and shared its position on FIRA. Along with Hong-Kong NGOs URAP is cooperating closely on advancing the FIRA adaptation and countering pro-CCP propaganda.
Upcoming events:
· AGVC rally in Toronto on April 29 and the joint Press-Conference in the Parliament on April 26. These events linked to the Genocide Commemoration Month (April) as adapted by the Parliament. More information to be provided and posted on www.urap.ca
· URAP will continues its close cooperation with the various government agencies in a follow-up with the M-62 Bill (the resettlement of the ten thousand Uyghur refugees and other Turkic Muslims)
· Please register for upcoming event on April 20 with the participation of the tow ex-concentration camp survivors. The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center is hosting the fundraising event with noble aim to raise finances to bring in three Uyghur refugee families to Canada for more please consult https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E350515QE&id=95
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March 15-31 news
March 15 to 31, 2023
News:
The month of March was filled with the developments in Ottawa in regards to “China” file in general and to many Uyghur Genocide awareness-raising and advocacy initiatives launched by URAP (please refer to our previous posting covering February-March edition). Here are some highlights covering the second half of the month of March that we have thought are important to mention.
URAP became a co-founder of the new “Alliance of the Genocide Victim Communities” undergoing the initial forming stage. The common alliance platform will cooperate in order to advance interests of its member groups and exert pressure on the Canadian Government to fulfill its international obligations in accordance to the Geneva 1951 laws as a signatory state to it. They are Tigrayan, Rwandan, Tamil groups with more members envisioned to be joining. The Alliance is planning its first joint press-conference on April 26 in the Parliament alongside a bipartisan group of MP’s representing all political affiliations on the Hill.
URAP is planning to participate in the fundraising event organized by the Friends of Simon Withental Center and JIAS with the aim of collecting more than 200,000 $ and sponsor the resettlement of three Uyghur refugees’ families (20 individuals) to Canada.
https://jiastoronto.org/uyghur-refugee-fund/
PLEASE JOIN LIVE EVENT AND DONATE!
URAP was and is active in advancing the adaption of FIRA (Foreign Influence Transparency Registry) after our elected officials. URAP’s ED Mehmet Tohti participated in the hearings at China-Canada Committee earlier this month. URAP has participated in the several consultations with the relevant authorities and had a chance to share its opinion and expertise on this subject.
Nawruz (the New Year Celebration) events took place across Canada in cities like Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver where diaspora members met together and greeted the arrival of the traditional New Year (the day of equinox). URAP’s Executive Director Mehmet Tohti joined the ETAC (East Turkistan Association of Canada) organized event in Toronto
URAP took place in the event hosted by MP Salma Zahid on the Global Islamophobia in the Canadian Parliament, where many MPs from across the political spectrum took place in it.
Mehmet Tohti was invited to the Canadian Parliament as an Honorary Guest to assist the US President Biden address on March 24
Following the CSIS leaks and revelations made by media on cases of the interference and spying the Canadian government and opposition debated each other’s performance records and policy approach vis-à-vis China. The decision was taken to appoint the Special Rapporteur to look into allegations and put forward recommendations on how to tackle growing CCP’s menacing phenomenon.
It resulted in the expediate manner how the adaptation of FIRA will be executed. The Government pledged funds to tackle foreign influence operations in Canada and promised more robust outreach to the communities affected by maligned states actors (China and Russian being named). The public consultations promised to be held as early as in May and URAP is invited.
In its newly deposited budget from March 28 the Liberal Government specifically named the plight of Uyghur people (never seen before) as a source of its concern and commitment to eradicate forced labour from its supply chains “Canada is gravely concerned by the ongoing human rights violations against Uyghurs and Muslim minorities in China, as well as by the use of forced labour around the world” and “the federal government's intention to introduce legislation by 2024 to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour”.
Some coverage samples on FIRA and Forced Uyghur Slave Labor Force made by the media:
- Interview with CBC on foreign interference - Kayum Masimov of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project is among those calling for a foreign influence registry. But he explains why the federal government should do more to protect Canada against foreign interference:
- Media - "L'ingérence politique de la Chine au Canada prend des formes diverses. Outre les possibles immixtions dans le processus électoral, elle se manifeste depuis longtemps aussi par la persécution des membres de la communauté ouïghoure"
- Media - National Post "O'Toole used to ask Justin Trudeau about repression of China’s Uyghur minority once or twice a week in Question Period – Parliament’s most high-profile forum" but Tohti said he’s yet to hear a Conservative leader ask the prime minister about the issue since the SEP 2021 election. “It was almost forgotten, All political parties just got the message – stay harsh on China and lose the election …That itself shows that interference is working.”
- Media report "Woo assisted in the blocking of a Senate result condemning the ongoing genocide of the Uyghurs. Praised by the CHN Embassy as a person of vision, Woo has consistently opposed Sen. Leo Housakos’ Bill S237, the Foreign Influence Registry and Accountability Act"
URAP Updates from February & March 2023
News:
M-62
History was repeated once again in Canada. The vote on motion M-62 (sponsored by MP Sameer Zuberi) was unanimously supported by 322 MPs, with no opposition. The historic vote by the Canadian government set a precedent for the first ever government sponsored legislation supporting the resettlement of Uyghur refugees. URAP was able to work behind the scenes to ensure the cabinet, including PM Justin Trudeau, would vote for this motion.
Joining us in Ottawa for this historic event was a high-level delegation of World Uyghur Congress (WUC) and Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) representatives from Germany and the US. Chairs Dolkun Isa (WUC) and Omer Kanat (UHRP) along with URAP’s Executive Director Mehmet Tohti watched the debates and vote on M-62 live. The Uyghur delegation was greeted by a standing ovation in the House of Commons and later received by the PM Justin Trudeau.
Left to Right: MP Sameer Zuberi, Omer Kanat (UHRP), Dolkun Isa (WUC), Mehmet Tohti (URAP) and Minister of Transportation MP Omar Alghabra.
The Uyghur delegation’s week-long itinerary continued with events in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto:
Parliamentary Reception held by MP Zuberi’s office, URAP, ETAC and the Ottawa Uyghur community. Close to sixty MPs, among them many Cabinet Ministers, attended this joyful event celebrating the passing of M-62.
Dolkun Isa and Mehmet Tohti participated in a panel discussion at Concordia University led by the Montreal Genocide Research Institute on February 3. Opening remarks by its Director Kyle Matthews.
The esteemed delegation visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Montreal where discussions on future cooperation between civil society organizations were held.
McGill University’s Law Faculty hosted the delegation for its Seminar on the Uyghur Genocide and Canada’s international legal obligations.
The National Council for Canadian Muslims held an evening talk at Universite de Montreal, and welcomed Dolkun Isa and Mehmet Tohti to the stage to answer questions about Uyghurs to 250 students in attendance.
Toronto protest rally on February 3, 2023 to commemorate the 1997 Gulja massacre.
Some coverage of M-62 in Canadian and International media:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo9tyQDtYBw
- CBC Radio https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-2-as-it-happens
- Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies - "The Uyghur Human Rights Crisis: What Should Canadians Do? " https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiPJFW7dTdA-
- WUC TV channel on Montreal, Toronto WUC delegation visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ost5S_DbO5M-The leading International Media outlets reported on Canada’s initiative to resettle 10 thousand Uyghur Refugees https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/02/canada-uyghur-refugees-resettle-china/
- Ottawa’s decision to resettle Uyghur refugees stranded in the third-party states provoked strong condemnation by China and resulted in accusations of “political manipulation” by Beijing https://www.prpeak.com/asia-pacific/china-accuses-canada-of-politically-manipulating-with-uyghur-refugee-vote-6475278
ETHI Testimony
On March 10, URAP’s Executive Director Mehmet Tohti testified before the ETHI committee (Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics) on the subject of “Foreign Interference and Threats to the Integrity of Democratic Institutions, Intellectual Property and the Canadian State.” The full presentation followed by Q&A session can be viewed here.
Following the CSIS leakage to the media on Chinese interference during the Federal Elections in 2019 and 2021, the Canadian public has turned its attention toward the PRC’s orchestrated campaigns of intimidation and harassment, and this interference has been subject to very high-level public scrutiny. For years, URAP along with many other NGOs, notably the Canada-Hong Kong Alliance have advocated for the adaptation of FIRA (Foreign Influence Registration Act). URAP was contacted by multiple English and French-speaking Canadian news outlets to explain its position on FIRA, such as https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2023/03/06/chinese-interference-in-canada-chinese-canadians-say-they-reported-it-for-years-and-were-ignored.html. “‘Of course, the CSIS leaks aren’t surprising. We’ve spent years sharing information to Parliament,’ said Uyghur Canadian human-rights advocate Mehmet Tohti.”
On March 8, URAP, the Canada-Hong-Kong Alliance, East European Coalition Group, Tibetans, and Toronto Democratic Alliance hosted a press conference on FIRA and the need for its rapid adaptation by the Parliament. Due to increased public pressure and criticism from the opposition, Public Safety Minister Mendecino pledged his will to adapt such a bill.
Upcoming Events:
Please join us for this special interfaith demonstration in support of the Uyghurs on Monday, April 3, from 3 to 4 PM on St. Patrick Street, opposite the Chinese embassy in Ottawa!
URAP’s team extends its best wishes for upcoming Ramadan which will start on March 23rd.
Ramadan Mubarak!
URAP Bi-weekly Newsletter November 28 – December 9
News:
· Articles in Radio Free Asia and The Daily Caller detail the massacre that occurred in Urumchi as 44 Uyghurs lost their lives in a fire under lockdown.
· URAP posted its statement on the Urumchi fire on Monday morning, November 28, condemning the event as a massacre of 44 Uyghurs, and applauding Chinese nationals who protested their government’s Zero-COVID policy and treatment of the Uyghurs.
· On November 28, Robert Fife and Steven Chase reported in a Globe and Mail article that the RCMP is investigating Chinese interference in Canadian affairs; they also highlighted Mehmet Tohti’s participation in an awareness-raising event at uOttawa.
· CBC News reported on November 29 about events at uOttawa the day prior and reactions from PM Trudeau and the Canadian public.
· URAP Executive Director Mehmet Tohti was quoted in a Broadview article on December 2 on avoiding products tainted with Uyghur forced labour while shopping over the holidays.
· Laura Murphy published her December 2022 report, “Driving Force,” detailing complicity in automobile manufacturing supply chains in the Uyghur genocide.
· On December 5, Laura Murphy updated her report in collaboration with Hong Kong Watch outlining the complicity of passive investments in 3 Morgan Stanley indexes in the Uyghur genocide.
· On December 7, URAP Research Advisor Conor Healy and Policy Advisor Margaret McCuaig-Johnston were quoted by CBC on an RCMP contract that was awarded to a Hytera-owned company in Canada, a partially Chinese state-sponsored company.
· URAP issued a statement on the Hytera scandal after the federal government cancelled its contract amidst pressure from the media, politicians and human rights defenders.
· URAP posted its statement commemorating International Genocide Remembrance Day and Uyghur Genocide Recognition Day.
Organization activities:
· URAP Organization of Awareness Raising Demonstration at uOttawa
On November 28, URAP assisted in organizing an awareness-raising event at uOttawa during Chinese Ambassador Cong Peiwu’s speech at the university, addressing the massacre committed against 44 Uyghurs who died in an Urumchi fire on November 24. The event had a strong attendance, and our social media post highlighting it was viewed by 60,000 Twitter users.
· URAP Testimony at CACN
On November 29, URAP Executive Director Mehmet Tohti provided a testimony at the Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship in parliament, and spoke about Canadian investments in China through Canada Pension Plan and McGill University, as well as providing recommendations for the Canadian government to address and target these investments.
· URAP Meeting with Centre for Advanced Defence Studies (C4ADS)
On November 30, URAP met with Irina Bukharin from the Centre for Advanced Defence Studies to discuss shared projects, research needs, and areas for future collaboration.
· URAP Lecture at Carleton University on the Uyghur Genocide
On December 6, Mehmet Tohti led a lecture at Carleton University in Professor Jeff Sahadeo’s class, “Politics of Central Eurasia,” discussing efforts of the Uyghur community to survive amidst genocide at the hands of the CCP, and what countries such as Canada can do.
· Press Conference in parliament on the eve of Uyghur Genocide Recognition Day
On December 8, URAP Project Manager Kayum Masimov joined other human rights defenders in an event sponsored by NDP MP Heather McPherson to highlight the importance of joined struggle in upholding universal human rights.
· URAP in Washington, D.C.
This week, Mehmet Tohti and URAP Legal Advisor Sarah Teich travelled to Washington, D.C. to participate in several meetings and events. Their meetings included: Scott Busby, deputy Secretary of State at the U.S. State Department; Elnigar Iktebir, intelligence staff at Marco Rubio’s office; Piero Tozzi, Republican strategist from Rep Christ Smith’s office; Wilson Damond, president of NED along with other NED staff; Rana Siu Inboden, a funding consultant for China-related NGOs; and Freedom Fund. Sarah Teich also spoke at Uyghur Human Rights Project’s event at the National Press Club on December 8.
Upcoming events:
· December 14: Final Reading of Bill S-223, Rally and Victory March
Bill S-223, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (trafficking in human organs), will be holding its final vote on Wednesday, December 14. To celebrate its passing, the office of MP Garnett Genuis is holding a series of events before, during and after the vote, including a celebratory rally, viewing, victory march and reception. If you would like to participate in these events in Ottawa, please email miri@urap.ca so we can send an RSVP on your behalf.
· December 15: McGill University student discussion with Erin O’Toole
McGill students are organizing an evening discussion with former Leader of the Opposition Erin O’Toole discussing Canada’s relationship to China and the Uyghur genocide. URAP will be sponsoring this event, providing a venue and food/refreshments. To RSVP to this event at receive additional details, please email miri@urap.ca
URAP Bi-weekly Newsletter November 14-25
News:
· Canada’s major French-speaking media channel Radio-Canada quoted MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe on the IUF: "D'après Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, qui rentre tout juste d'un forum sur le sort des Ouïgours tenu en Belgique, ces derniers attendent vraiment d'avoir un appui formel du gouvernement du Canada."
· Federal MPs addressed the Uyghur-Canadian diaspora with congratulatory messages on November 12, commemorating Uyghur National Day.
· The Toronto Sun reported on PM Trudeau, “[he] is afraid to use a word to describe China’s actions while so glibly using it to describe Canada’s actions tells the whole country all we need to know about the PM and his character, or lack thereof."
· The Hill Times reported on parliamentarians’ push to recognize the Uyghur genocide.
· URAP’s Policy Advisor Margaret McCuaig-Johnston was interview by Conversation on how to tackle Chinese state interference in Canada.
Organization activities:
· URAP received by the Bloc Quebecois Party Chief
On November 15, URAP’s Executive Director Mehmet Tohti and Project Coordinator Kayum Masimov were received by Bloc Quebecois Party Chief Hon. Yves-Francois Blanchet. URAP presented memorabilia featuring a copy of the East Turkistan Passport issued in 1933 in Uyghur and French languages. A press conference followed the reception. The French annoncement states: « Sur la colline du Parlement, le chef du Bloc Québécois, Yves-François Blanchet, s’entretient avec les journalistes à propos de la situation des Ouïghours. »
· Global Affairs Canada meeting
On November 22, URAP met with representatives from Global Affairs Canada to discuss a number of items for further collaboration, including strategies on how to expand Canadian aid and assistance to the Uyghur diaspora in Central Asia.
· Parliamentary Uyghur Friendship Group event on the Hill
On November 24, the Parliamentary Uyghur Friendship Group organized a panel discussion with Benedict Rogers, author of The China Nexus, together with prominent Uyghur-American lawyer and head of the Religious Freedom Committee, Nury Turkel. Mehmet Tohti and Hon. Ali Ehsassi, chair of FAAE (Foreign Affairs and International Development) committee also took part. The book presentation was followed by lively conversation on the Uyghur genocide and Canada-China politics.
· Academia outreach
On November 17, Mehmet Tohti and Sophie Richardson from Human Rights Watch held an online seminar with the University of Toronto’s Policython, where both shared their perspectives on the ongoing Uyghur genocide with political science students.
· Bill S-211 On Forced Labour and URAP’s advocacy
URAP continued its engagement in strengthening the proposed bill S-211 addressed to tackle the issue of the Uyghur forced labour. URAP wrote a memorandum and followed up with MPs within FAAE ahead of their discussions on S-211 to propose amendments and educate them on the shortcomings of the bill and others tabled in parliament. Although S-211 went on to pass without amendment, we are continuing to work with like-minded organizations to address next steps and propose legislation that effectively meets our criteria.
Upcoming events:
· December 7-9: Mehmet Tohti will be travelling to Washington, DC to attend the Uyghur Academia Summit and visit officials in the US Capital.
· December 14: The second hour of parliamentary debate on motion M-62 on Uyghur refugee resettlement will be taking place in Ottawa. Details on debate attendance and reception will be available shortly.
· December 15: URAP is assisting in organizing a bearpit conversation with former Conservative party leader Erin O’Toole at McGill University. If you are a McGill student and wish to join, please email miri@urap.ca.
URAP Bi-weekly Newsletter October 31-November 11
News:
· Radio Free Asia Uyghur Service reported on the in-person meeting of PM Justin Trudeau with Uyghur community leaders
· Politico reported on MPs Zuberi and Duceppe of the Uyghur Friendship Group travelling to Brussels to participate the Uyghur International Forum.
· URAP Director Mehmet Tohti was quoted by the Toronto Star on November 1: “I would like to see Canada provide equal treatment to all vulnerable people suffering from the same atrocity crimes. I don’t believe differential treatment for refugees fits into our value system.”
· URAP Policy Advisor Margaret McCuaig-Johnston was quoted in the Toronto Star on October 28 discussing motion M-62
· Mehmet Tohti was quoted in a VOA article on M-62: "Uyghurs who fled to countries like Turkey are vulnerable for being repatriated to China," Tohti told VOA. "Countries like Turkey where most Uyghur refugees live depend on China economically and that can influence those countries' decision on how to deal with Uyghur refugees, like intimidating them to return to China."
· URAP Director Mehmet Tohti held a live online session with Uyghur blogger Arslan Hidayet following the M-62 Motion on October 28
Organization activities:
· URAP x URRF x Uyghur Mosque x ETAC debriefing session following the M-62 October 26 tabling event
On October 28, Uyghur Canadian NGOs held an informal de-briefing session following the M-62 debate. Organizations present were Uyghur Mosque, Darman Foundation, ETA, URAP and URRF. We discussed the timeline for the motion and vote which will occur in January 2023, the need for additional community mobilisation, and summarized the events of October 26.
· Meeting with Anti-Slavery Coalition/End Uyghur Forced Labour
On October 31, a virtual meeting took place with the participation of close to 14 NGOs involved in the campaign.
· URAP Policy Advisor Mr. Marcus Kolga testified before CNAC (Canada-China Committee)
Last week on November 2, Marcus Kolga testified before CNAC in an eye-opening hearing on foreign interference in the Canadian elections from 2021, which revealed significant Chinese interference in the campaigns of multiple Canadian MPs.
· Outreach with the Tigrayan community
On November 2, Mehmet Tohti joined a web conference on the ongoing atrocities in Tigray where he discussed the Uyghur genocide.
· Uyghur NED Meeting
On November 3, Uyghur NGOs affiliated with NED (National Endowment Fund for Democracy) joined a general online session. The main topic discussed was on strengthening further cooperation between transcontinental Uyghur groups.
· Meeting with PM Justin Trudeau
URAP’s Project Coordinator Kayum Masimov, along with other community activists, joined a Liberal Party event in Montreal on November 7. URAP raised many topics with PM Trudeau including M-62, CBSA, current bills under consideration in the parliament, the case of Huseyin Celil, and transnational repression faced by Uyghur-Canadians.
· Meeting with Liberal MP Emmanuella Lambrapoulos and Uyghur Community
On November 8, MP Lambrapoulos met with Uyghurs from her riding, and expressed her desire to join the Uyghur Friendship Group on the Hill.
· URAP attendance in Brussels for the International Uyghur Forum
URAP’s team along with Policy and Legal Advisors, and 2 Canadian MPs – Sameer Zuberi and Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe – participated at the International Uyghur Forum in Brussels, Belgium between November 9-10, 2022. The Canadian delegation contributed significantly to panels and brainstorming discussions, aiding in the establishment of the Brussels Declaration, a result of the two-day conference.
Upcoming events:
· November 24 (online event): Montreal Institute for Genocide Studies is hosting Benedict Rogers and Nury Turkel in Montreal for a hybrid event launching Benedict Rogers’ new book, The China Nexus. You can register to join the event online here.
· January 2023: The vote on M-62 will probably take place early in 2023. Community members may travel to Ottawa and express their support in the Parliament. Details TBA.
URAP Bi-weekly Newsletter October 17-28
News:
· Two articles were published in student newspapers, The McGill Daily and The McGill Tribune, featuring URAP’s event in partnership with the SSMU on Uyghur rights and McGill’s complicit investments in the Uyghur genocide. Miri Teich is quoted in both articles.
· Steven Chase’s Globe and Mail article quotes Mehmet Tohti and highlights the motion M-62 debate on Uyghur refugee resettlement.
· Steven Chase wrote another Globe and Mail article quoting Mehmet, on the House vote before the M-62 debate, to implement special immigration measures for Uyghur refugees.
· URAP Legal Advisors, Sarah Teich and David Matas, published a joint op-ed for MLI on the importance of M-62 ahead of its first debate.
· LawNow published an article featuring a July 2022 interview with Mehmet Tohti on MP Peter Julian’s Bill C-262, the Corporate Responsibility to Protect Human Rights Act.
Press Releases:
URAP published a press release on October 25 ahead of the first parliamentary debate of motion M-62.
Organization activities:
· URAP x SSMU event at McGill University
On October 18, URAP held a full-day event at McGill University in partnership with their student union that included an MP calling and letter-writing campaign; panel discussion with MP Sameer Zuberi, Kyle Matthews of MIGS, and Dr. Susan Palmer; documentary screening of The Search for My Sister with director and Rushan Abbas Q&A; and a URAP-sponsored dinner catered by a local Uyghur restaurant.
· Advocating for an FAAE hearing on Canada’s investments
Last week, URAP spoke with the chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development to request a hearing on Canada’s investments and their complicity in the Uyghur genocide through Canada Pension Plan and Canadian universities including McGill. This week, we followed up on this request by sending letters to all committee members briefing them on the matter.
· Unanimous House vote on special immigration measures
On October 25, MP Garnett Genuis brought a report calling for special immigration measures to be implemented for Uyghur refugees “[facing] genocide” to the House, and MPs voted unanimously in favour of its adoption. The cabinet voted to abstain, although Minister Mary Ng voted in favour, reportedly by accident.
· Motion M-62 Debate
On October 26, URAP joined MP Sameer Zuberi in Parliament for a day of advocacy before the first parliamentary M-62 debate. Mehmet Tohti participated in a press conference with MP Zuberi and URAP Policy Advisor Margaret McCuaig-Johnson in the early afternoon. Then, URAP organized for a delegation of almost 200 members of the Uyghur community to sit in on the Question Period wearing T-shirts with the message “We were all once refugees.” A smaller delegation of Uyghurs met with party leaders and other parliamentarians before the debate. After the debate, we organized a reception with the Uyghur Parliamentary Friendship Group with speeches, and the presentation of gifts from the community to supportive MPs.
· Uyghur delegation meetings with Party Leaders and parliamentarians
On October 26, URAP along with a delegation of Uyghur activists met with Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Leader of the House Opposition Andrew Scheer, to discuss pertinent issues including Uyghur refugee resettlement, forced labour, and Canada’s investments in the Uyghur genocide. We also had a brief exchange with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh.
· Meeting with Minister of International Development Harjit Sajjan
On October 27, we met with Minister Sajjan to discuss the cabinet’s abstention from the House vote on immigration measures for Uyghur refugees and the challenges that brings pushing for legislation from Liberal party MPs, including MP Zuberi’s motion. We also shared files with his office on Uyghurs in Central Asia, including a concept note requesting aid for Uyghur refugees and a report on Uyghur refugees detained in Thailand.
· Briefing MP Rachel Bendayan on Idris Hassan
On October 28, URAP visited MP Rachel Bendayan’s office in Montreal to follow up and brief her on the file of Idris Hassan, a Uyghur refugee detained in Morrocco.
Upcoming events:
· November 9-12: URAP will be travelling to Brussels next week for the World Uyghur Congress’s conference discussing legal and policy avenues for Uyghur advocacy from a global perspective, as well as advancing advocacy in Canada. We are bringing a delegation from URAP that includes our legal and policy advisors, and supportive Members of Parliament, to participate in global panel discussions and a Canada-specific brainstorming session.
URAP Bi-weekly Newsletter October 1-14
News:
· Ian Easton’s article in 1945 entitled “What If China Wins?” is an important thought piece aimed at having us confront harsh truths about Xi Jinping’s long term goals of control and dominance of the Western World.
· Charles Burton’s op ed in the Globe and Mail from last month, responding to reports of 3 satellite Chinese police stations in the GTA, remains relevant this week as URAP has initiated talks with Canadian media that hope to expand and continue reporting on this developing story.
Organization activities:
· Meeting with the Minister of Labour on Uyghur Forced Labour (UFL) Legislation
On October 2nd, URAP met virtually with the Minister of Labour on the ban of imports of products made by the use of UFL. URAP stressed that a Canadian Bill of this kind should be compatible with US law, should be a region-wide ban with rebuttable presumption, and should have a corporate accountability component. We discussed the need for amendments to Bill S-204 to fit these requirements.
· URAP x Larochelle Avocats Federal Court Hearing
On October 3rd and 4th, the first hearing took place in Canadian federal court in Montreal for URAP’s case requesting a Declaratory Relief, for court to name the crimes committed against Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims in East Turkestan a genocide.
· Uyghur Parliamentary Friendship Group (UPFG) meeting on the UN Uyghur Report
On October 4, the UPFG convened its first session since parliament’s resumption to discuss and evaluate the recently published UN Uyghur report and its legal implications globally and within Canada. Alex Neve, former Secretary General of Amnesty International and Mehmet Tohti stressed that the UN report, despite its shortcomings, unequivocally confirmed the intent of destruction by the CCP.
· MP Letter Campaign
This week, we launched our MP letter writing campaign on our website, with an MP finder and pre-filled emails supporting MP Sameer Zuberi’s motion M-62 on Uyghur refugee resettlement and Sen. Leo Housakos’ bill S-204 on banning products made with Uyghur forced labour in Canada, with upcoming amendments.
· Delivering community members’ pleas to Ambassador May
Last week, we held a virtual meeting with Canadian Ambassador Designate to China Jennifer May where URAP, along with other China-related activists and NGOs, had the opportunity to brief her on important human rights concerns ahead of her departure to China. We followed up with her office afterwards to deliver personal pleas from our community members to reunite them with family members and or investigate their family members’ disappearances in China.
· APRRN Membership Application Submission
This week, we formally applied for membership to the Asia Pacific Refugee Relief Network, so we can better coordinate our efforts and share information regarding our refugee campaigns. This organization has been working alongside URAP on the Thailand file, regarding the 52 Uyghur refugees who have been detained in Thai immigration facilities for the last decade. APRRN is guiding our advocacy work on this file within Canada as we circulate our Thailand report among Canadian parliamentarians and experts, completed last month.
· Montreal Holocaust Museum Partnership
This week, we held our second set of meetings with the Montreal Holocaust Museum to discuss a path forward for an official partnership. Their exhibitions team is interested in helping guide our preparations for a travelling Uyghur exhibit that can be displayed in the new wing of their museum in 2025. We have arranged a follow-up meeting next week, and may be signing a formal contract at that time.
· Meeting with Minister of Transportation Omar Alghabra and MP Sameer Zuberi on M-62
URAP participated in a community meeting with Minister Alghabra and MP Zuberi to discuss his motion M-62. URAP also submitted a concept note seeking federal financial aid for vulnerable Uyghur refugees scattered around the globe.
· Clean Universities campaign
After bringing on a data analyst, Eli Offman, to our team, this initiative is moving forward to create an algorithm for matching financial reports to the body of research on companies and entities tied to Uyghur forced labour, surveillance, and other CCP ties. We have held meetings with supply chain experts, and the Athenai Institute in D.C. which focuses on divestment campaigns at American universities, to ensure we are on the right track. We have also partnered with upper year law students who are creating a legal roadmap to use this data to hold the Canadian government accountable for its public institutions’ complicity in the Uyghur genocide. We will be presenting preliminary results for McGill University at their October 18th event, and we are aiming to complete the rest of the data in mid-November.
Upcoming events:
· October 18: URAP and McGill University’s student union are organizing a Uyghur advocacy event on campus from 12-9 at the SSMU Building, featuring a mass email campaign, expert panel discussion with MP Sameer Zuberi, Kyle Matthews from the Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies, and Dr. Susan Palmer, sociologist and researcher.
· October 26: MP Sameer Zuberi’s tabled motion M-62 will have its first parliamentary debate in the House of Commons. We will be sending invitations shortly to our community members for gallery seats to view this debate and join us for meetings with party leaders and a reception with parliamentarians and our partnered organizations in Ottawa, organized by the Uyghur Parliamentary Friendship Group.