A Canadian Federal Court challenge — calling out the cabinet’s refusal to condemn China for genocide — has been set forth by Uyghur Muslims..The claim was filed as cabinet celebrated the Beijing Winter Games, says Blacklock’s Reporter..“The first step in preventing genocide is to name it when it appears,” lawyers for the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project wrote the Court..The group representing 2,000 Muslims asked that a federal judge find cabinet in breach of the United Nations Convention On The Prevention And Punishment Of The Crime Of Genocide. Canada ratified the pact in 1952..“By its acts and omissions the Government of Canada is violating its international obligations by failing to prevent the ongoing genocide in that region thereby contributing to crimes committed against the Uyghur population here and abroad,” wrote lawyers..A declaration that the crime of genocide is being committed in China is sought by the group..In October of 2020, a Commons foreign affairs subcommittee said “atrocities committed by the Government of China amount to genocide as well as crimes against humanity” including “the largest mass detention of a minority community since the Holocaust.”.In February of 2021, MP’s, in a 266-0 vote passed a Conservative motion censuring China for atrocities against Uyghurs. The crimes included forced internment, forced abortion, and forced labour..Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet abstained on the vote..“When it comes to the application of the very specific word ‘genocide’ we simply need to ensure that all the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed,” Trudeau told reporters at the time..“Given we’re even discussing the possibility of genocide is Beijing an appropriate venue for the Olympics?” asked a reporter. “It’s a word that is extremely loaded,” replied Trudeau..In a statement Friday, Trudeau — who avoided mention of genocide — said: “Team Canada athletes will boldly and bravely compete.”.Sport Minister Pascale St-Onge told reporters she hoped complaints of Chinese atrocities would not affect TV ratings for the Winter Games..“I really hope the whole country unites behind our Team Canada and I truly think also it would be good for all of us,” said St-Onge..A reporter asked: “A poll shows more than half of Canadians think we should have boycotted the Games and just less than half think they won’t be tuning in to watch because of China’s human rights record. Are you concerned?”.“I truly hope this doesn’t happen,” replied St-Onge..“I have spoken with many athletes before they flew to the Olympic Games and they’ve made so many sacrifices in the last two years to train in difficult conditions.”.Reid Small is a BC-based reporter for the Western Standard.,rsmall@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/reidsmall
