Canada’s intention to forge closer ties with the countries of Southeast Asia raises questions about the defense of human rights in this region.
The federal government presented last month its strategy for the Indo-Pacific which wants to promote a greater diplomatic, military and commercial presence in this region. This policy aims to counter China, which tries to undermine human rights and the rules of global trade.
Canada is negotiating trade agreements with Indonesia, India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It plans to launch new training programs to advance common priorities and interoperability with countries such as Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam.
Canada’s silence on human rights issues in these countries is of concern to many activists.
“Human rights are human rights. You can’t play hypocrites when it comes to dealing with governments that don’t respect human rights,” says Farred Khan, founder of Canadians United Against Hate.
“We must not remain silent. This is what we tried with China. And look where that got us. »
Indonesia’s parliament voted unanimously this week to make sex outside marriage punishable by one year in prison. He also passed a law prohibiting insulting the president and state institutions.
Asked Thursday about these laws, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, preferred to answer using more general terms.
“Human rights will always be a part of our foreign policy. They always have been and always will be. We will always raise the issues related to it. The tectonic plates of the world order are shifting. In this context, we want to be sure to work with a broad coalition of States to defend the very principles of the United Nations Charter. »
The NDP argues that the Liberal government has undermined these principles by prioritizing trade negotiations since coming to power in 2015.
“We see trade being increasingly prioritized at the expense of human rights, development and diplomatic relations,” criticizes the party’s foreign policy spokesperson, Heather McPherson. Canada can become an honest broker, an organizer, a middle power. We must use our influence to make the planet a better, safer place for everyone. »
New Democrats have also denounced the closer ties between Canada and India, criticizing the latter country for its treatment of minorities.
In March, Human Rights Watch accused Narendra Modi’s government of backsliding far on issues of human rights and constitutional protections.
Earlier this month, International Trade Minister Mary Ng said Canada was including human rights parameters in its trade agreements. In particular, he insists on banning products made by forced labor.
“All of our commerce is based on the values that are important to Canadian women,” she said Dec. 2. India, which is the world’s most populous democracy, shares our values based on a system of law. Accordingly, our relationship with India is founded on these shared values. »
According to Mark Warner, an expert in international trade, it is difficult to know if the commitments on human rights in the trade agreements signed by a partner of Canada are really respected.
“If we want to move away from China, we will have to take into account the other autocratic states”, observes Mr. Warner.