New York, Dec 10 (NationPress) The US-based advocacy organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to prioritize the issue of human rights violations perpetrated by Chinese authorities during his visit to China from January 13-17.

HRW noted that Carney's trip marks the first time in over eight years that a Canadian Prime Minister has visited China, occurring during a period of tense relations between Canada and China, as Chinese President Xi Jinping has stepped up repression both domestically and internationally.

The advocacy group highlighted that the Chinese government unlawfully held two Canadians as hostages between 2018 and 2021 to compel Canada to release a Huawei executive.

“Prime Minister Carney should understand that the escalating repression by the Chinese government not only endangers the rights of individuals in China but also increasingly threatens Canada's fundamental interests and principles. His discussions with the Chinese government regarding trade and security should align with Canada’s values, including the advocacy for human rights,” stated Maya Wang, Deputy Asia Director at HRW.

Key concerns that PM Carney should address include the connection between forced labor practices by the Chinese government and imports to Canada, the ongoing persecution of human rights advocates, and the targeting of critics abroad, including within Canada.

HRW emphasized the extent of labor rights abuses in China, which transcend the Uyghur region, pointing out that the Chinese laws prohibit independent labor unions, detain labor activists, suppress labor protests, and have dismantled labor monitoring bodies in Hong Kong.

“Canadians should not have to worry about buying products linked to forced labor. Urging Beijing to ensure that businesses uphold workers’ rights will protect Canadian consumers,” Wang remarked.

In Hong Kong, where approximately 300,000 Canadians live, the Chinese government has largely eradicated freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, along with free and fair elections, fair trial rights, and judicial independence.

“China has increasingly engaged in cross-border abuses—referred to as transnational repression—to silence government critics abroad, including residents and citizens in Canada. For instance, the Chinese government harassed a Canadian political candidate and a critic of China during an election campaign,” HRW reported.

While Canadian officials have condemned some instances of cross-border abuses, Carney must demonstrate that his government takes transnational repression seriously by discussing this matter directly with President Xi.

“The abuses committed by the Chinese government severely impact the people of China, but they also have global repercussions. During his visit, Prime Minister Carney should not miss the chance to utilize diplomatic platforms to voice concerns regarding human rights,” Wang concluded.