The Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP) is calling on the Canadian government to take a more assertive stance against China’s recent legislation concerning ethnic unity. According to the organization, Ottawa’s current diplomatic response fails to adequately address the human rights implications of the "Regulation on Creating a Model Area for Ethnic Unity and Progress," which took effect in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on January 1, 2025.
The Scope of the New Xinjiang Legislation
The regulation, passed by the Xinjiang regional legislature, mandates that all social, economic, and government activities in the region must prioritize "ethnic unity." According to the text of the regulation, it requires state organs, businesses, and social organizations to integrate political education and ethnic harmony objectives into their daily operations.
The Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project argues that this legal framework provides a formal, state-sanctioned mechanism to further assimilate Uyghur culture and restrict religious expression. By codifying "ethnic unity" as a legal requirement for businesses and individuals, the group contends the law forces compliance with state-mandated social engineering projects.
Canada’s Diplomatic Position
The Canadian government has historically expressed concern regarding the situation in Xinjiang. Global Affairs Canada has previously cited reports from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which identified "serious human rights violations" in the region.
However, URAP maintains that Ottawa’s rhetoric is insufficient. The group is urging the federal government to move beyond expressions of concern and implement concrete policy tools. These include:
- Expansion of Magnitsky Sanctions: Applying targeted sanctions against specific regional officials involved in the implementation of the new regulation.
- Supply Chain Transparency: Strengthening the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act to specifically target goods manufactured in regions where these ethnic unity laws are enforced.
- Diplomatic Pressure: Coordinating with G7 partners to issue a joint condemnation of the legislation, framing it as a violation of international human rights norms.
International Context and Legal Precedent
The Chinese government defends the regulation as a necessary measure for regional stability and economic development. In official statements released by the State Council Information Office, Beijing maintains that the policies are designed to promote social cohesion and counter extremism.
The tension between Ottawa and Beijing follows a period of strained bilateral relations, characterized by disputes over foreign interference and trade. While the Canadian government continues to monitor developments, it has not announced specific legislative or retaliatory actions in response to the January 2025 regulation. The URAP remains the primary domestic voice pushing for an escalation in Canada’s diplomatic strategy, arguing that silence or limited engagement allows for the normalization of policies that target ethnic minorities.
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