OTTAWA, October 17, 2023 – The Canadian Government has officially responded to the recommendations made in the report, titled “The Human Rights Situation of Tibetans and the Chinese Residential Boarding School and Pre-School System”. The report was commissioned by the House of Commons Standing Subcommittee on Human Rights, a subcommittee of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
CTC Executive Director, Mr. Sherap Therchin, welcomed the response by the Government of Canada to the parliamentary report on Tibet: “We genuinely appreciate the Government of Canada’s response to the important parliamentary study of the human rights situation of Tibetans and the Chinese residential boarding school system. We are grateful for the past and ongoing support from the government on Tibet-related matters, and as we move forward, we remain hopeful for an even more proactive stance from the Government of Canada by imposing measures such as travel sanctions on relevant Chinese officials in collaboration with our global allies to ensure that no more Tibetan children are forcibly separated from their parents and into residential schools.”
Key highlights from the government’s response include:
- Acknowledgment of Serious Allegations: The government recognizes the gravity of the human rights violations mentioned in the report, drawing parallels with Canada’s own history with residential schools and their impact on Indigenous Peoples.
- Advocacy for Transparency: Canada emphasizes the need for countries, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC), to respond to these allegations in a transparent manner. Canada will continue to advocate for unhindered access to Tibet and Xinjiang for UN experts, researchers, and foreign journalists.
- Multilateral Action: Canada is leveraging opportunities at the United Nations (UN) to address concerns about the PRC’s residential school system by co-sponsoring events and delivering joint statements that challenge China’s human rights record.
- Freedom of Religion or Belief: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting freedom of religion or belief. Concerns over the situation of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibet, were highlighted, which Canada has been raising with Chinese authorities since 1995.
- Sino-Tibetan Dialogue: Canada continues to support dialogue between the Chinese government and representatives of the Tibetan people, advocating for a resolution acceptable to both parties.
- Immigration Initiatives: Canada recently expanded the protection for resettled refugees, with a dedicated stream for human rights defenders and their families.
- Protecting Canadians: The government acknowledges reports of harassment and intimidation of Canadians with ties to China.
- Project Funding: Canada offers mechanisms for funding projects that address development and human rights issues. Tibetan-related projects currently underway include the “Enhancement of the Education and Resilience of Tibetan Youth” and the establishment of a new Centre for China Policy Research to enhance understanding of China-related issues.
For more details, please refer to the full government response here.
