Ottawa, December 12, 2024 – The Canada Tibet Committee (CTC) commends the Government of Canada’s decision of imposing sanctions on eight senior Chinese officials under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations. Announced on December 10, 2024, International Human Rights Day, these sanctions target individuals responsible for grave human rights violations in China, including in Tibet, Xinjiang (East Turkistan), and against Falun Gong practitioners.
CTC Chair Samphe Lhalungpa stated:
“The Canada Tibet Committee welcomes this significant action by the Canadian government. It reflects Canada’s unwavering commitment to human rights and justice. For Tibetans, who have endured decades of systemic repression under the Chinese Communist Party, these sanctions send a powerful message of solidarity and hope.”
The individuals sanctioned include former and current officials linked to policies of systemic repression in Tibet, such as Chen Quanguo, the former Communist Party chief of Xinjiang; Wu Yingjie, who served as the Communist Party chief of the Tibet Autonomous Region from 2016 to 2021 and has since been expelled from the Chinese Communist Party following an investigation for corruption; and Zhang Hongbo, the former director of the Tibet Autonomous Region Public Security Bureau. All three were instrumental in enforcing assimilationist policies targeting Tibetan language, culture, and religion. During their tenure, they oversaw the forced separation of Tibetan children from their families into residential schools, policies of forced migration for Tibetan nomads, and systemic interference in Tibetan religious practices, including the infiltration and control of monastic institutions.
The sanctions impose an asset freeze, banning Canadians from engaging in property-related activities or providing financial services to these individuals. This measure complements Canada’s previous actions, including measures in 2021 addressing the risks of goods produced through forced labor in China entering Canadian supply chains.
As Canada continues its support for human rights in Tibet, the CTC reiterates its call for the resumption of Sino-Tibetan dialogue to address the longstanding Sino-Tibetan conflict peacefully. The CTC also urges the Government of Canada to explore further actions, such as pushing for reciprocity in Canada-China relations, ensuring fair treatment of Canadian representatives and organizations in China.
The CTC stands in solidarity with Uyghurs, Falun Gong practitioners, Hong Kongers and all communities targeted by the Chinese government’s oppressive policies. The Committee will continue to advocate for accountability and justice, working closely with the Canadian government and international partners to uphold human rights for all.