Thursday 15 February 2001

SHANGHAI -- Prime Minister Jean Chretien used his strongest language to date to criticize the Chinese government today for interfering in its citizens' right to free expression and jailing them for observing their spiritual beliefs.

In a speech at the East China University of Politics and Law, Mr. Chretien told students the time has come for the country of 1.2 billion people to take steps to ensure that the United Nations covenants it has signed "are recognized in reality, not just on paper. And so, as a friend, I must tell you that Canadians are concerned when they hear reports from China of interference in the right of free expression. Or that people are imprisoned and badly treated for observing their spiritual beliefs. These reports transgress our most deeply held convictions," said Mr. Chretien.

He added these convictions reflect Canada's own experience "because we have seen what happens when the law is applied unevenly." Mr. Chretien said Canada has entrenched the Charter of Rights and Freedoms in its Constitution, informing his audience that he was justice minister when it was written. He made the remarks just before the Team Canada trade mission packed up and left mainland China, heading to Hong Kong for its last three days in Asia.

The prime minister has been under pressure to combine the promotion of human rights with trade during Team Canada tours. Earlier this week, Mr. Chretien seemed to downplay the issue, noting the "big improvement" in China in the past decade.

Mr. Chretien also used today's speech to announce federal funding for two new projects linked to human rights. He said Canada will fund a human rights conference at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences this spring, along with the establishment of a legal aid centre for migrant workers at the university in Shanghai.

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Mr. Chretien's latest speech dealing with human rights came as the Chinese government continues to crank up its assault against the Falun Gong movement, with an editorial in the government newspaper declaring "war until the end" on its practitioners. [...].

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Earlier this week, at the National Judges College in Beijing, Mr. Chretien had said Canadians were disturbed by reports of human rights violations. He went even farther today, saying Canadians believe that "frank discussion" about human rights can foster wider respect for rights.

When asked at a scrum about his aggressive campaign on human rights, Mr. Chretien said he is proud of his effort.

"I am raising all the issues. But we have to recognize it is a country and they have the rules and regulations and traditions that are necessarily different than us. But when I look at the progress we're making, I think to have been engaged in a positive dialogue like that and not losing any friendship among the leaders, it is quite a success," said Mr. Chretien.