URAP Hosts Uyghur Rights Advocacy in Action: Fighting Uyghur Forced Labour
October 16th – 18th, 2024, Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottawa
Ottawa, ON – The Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP) proudly hosted the Uyghur Rights Advocacy in Action: Fighting Uyghur Forced Labour conference from October 16th to 18th, 2024, bringing together global experts, policymakers, and advocates to address the critical issue of state-imposed forced labour in supply chains and its impact on the Uyghur community.
This three-day event provided a platform for discussions, presentations, and collaborations aimed at advancing solutions for combating Uyghur forced labour within global supply chains, with a specific focus on Canada’s role in addressing the issue. The conference featured influential speakers, including legal experts, researchers, and Uyghur activists. Representatives from key civil society organizations such as Above Ground, UHRP, Human Trafficking Legal Center, and the Canadian Network for Corporate Accountability were also in attendance. Notable guest speakers included:
Director & Senior Fellow, Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, Dr. Adrian Zenz
Partner, Conlin Bedard LLP, Linden Dales
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Change
The conference commenced on October 16th with a series of impactful presentations by URAP experts, including Jamie Emre Rygiel-Baban, who discussed the Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act and its role in shaping global legislation. The session also explored the role of Canadian universities in financing entities linked to Uyghur forced labour through endowment funds.
Keynote speeches by Linden Dales and Dr. Adrian Zenz brought attention to the Canadian government’s shortcomings in addressing forced labour, while also examining the ongoing crisis in Xinjiang and the impact on global supply chains.
Day 2: Collaborative Action
On October 17th, attendees engaged in high-level discussions to identify gaps in Canada’s current response to forced labour. Focused sessions explored potential solutions for stronger enforcement of sanctions, the need for corporate accountability, and the critical role of government agencies. One of the primary outcomes was a collaborative action plan to address forced labour and enhance Canada’s legislative framework. Attendees also worked on strategies for enhancing the international response, emphasizing the importance of supporting the Uyghur community and fostering transnational collaboration.
Day 3: Advocacy with Global Affairs Canada
The final day, October 18th, culminated with a pivotal meeting with Global Affairs Canada. This session aimed to engage Canadian officials directly in dialogue, advocating for stronger policy enforcement and more robust sanctions against entities complicit in Uyghur forced labour.
Throughout the three-day event, participants were united in their mission to challenge the global supply chain practices that enable forced labour and hold corporations accountable for their role in perpetuating human rights abuses.
A Call for Action
The conference successfully highlighted the urgent need for legislative reform, stronger enforcement of sanctions, and greater corporate transparency. The discussions and recommendations generated over the three days will inform future advocacy efforts and further strengthen URAP’s ongoing commitment to fighting Uyghur forced labour and promoting human rights on a global scale.
Media Contact:
Mehmet Tohti
Executive Director, Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP)
mehmet@urap.ca - 613-261- 8512