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441-01782 (Foreign affairs)

Paper petition

Original language of petition: English

Petition to the House of Commons

We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons to the following:

Whereas:

  • The US Commission on International Religious Freedom reported that various actors in India have advocated, instituted, and enforced sectarian policies seeking to establish India as an overtly Hindu state, contrary to India's secular and pluralistic foundation, posing grave danger to India's religious minorities;
  • Christians in India are facing targeted attacks by extremists, with 486 incidents of anti-Christian attacks in 2021 according to the United Christian Forum, and over 300 attacks reported as of July 2022, including widespread documentation of Church vandalism, assaults of Church workers, and Christian congregations threatened and humiliated;
  • Crimes against Dalit groups, including Dalit women and girls, are reported every hour according to a 2021 report by the National Crime Records Bureau, with the total cases increasing to 50,900 in 2021 compared with 50,291 in 2020; and
  • Indian Muslims are at risk of genocide according to NGO Genocide Watch, which documented "signs and processes" of genocide in India, further supported by credible reports indicating that growing Muslim minorities are subject to planned and targeted threats, assault, sexual violence and killings.

Therefore, we, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to:

1. Formally ensure that all trade deals with India, including the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA), Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), are premised on mandatory human rights provisions;

2. Initiate targeted sanctions against extremists guilty of inciting violence against religious minorities in India; and

3. Promote mutually respectful and mutually beneficial human rights dialogue between Canada and India.

Response by the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob Oliphant

The Government of Canada is committed to creating economic opportunities through initiatives such as trade agreements so that more Canadians can engage in, and benefit from, trade, while at the same time advancing broader social, labour, and environmental priorities in Canada, such as inclusive growth and the promotion of human rights. Fostering greater engagement and closer ties with countries through trade agreements is also an effective way of promoting Canadian values, such as human rights, democracy, openness, respect for the rule of law, and rules-based international trade. With respect to trade agreement negotiations, the Government of Canada has paused negotiations with India to further review and reflect. The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting exporters to find opportunities to expand into international markets, including in the fast-growing Indo-Pacific Region.

The promotion and protection of human rights has long been an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada believes that human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. Canada remains a firm and consistent voice, speaking up for the protection and promotion of human rights and the advancement of democratic values. Canada’s autonomous sanctions regime is one of many tools that support this important work. The government remains committed to monitoring issues of human rights, such as freedom of religion or belief and the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minority groups around the world, on an ongoing basis. Canada is also committed to promoting freedom of religion or belief internationally and at home, working with partners to create a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity and against the persecution of minorities on the grounds of religion or belief. No person or group should face restrictions on the freedom to practise their faith or belief, whether in the form of laws, policies, or actions or through harassment or violence. It causes suffering and division and leads to a climate of fear, intolerance, and stigmatization. Canada will continue to stand up for this freedom while promoting diversity and inclusion for all.

Presented to the House of Commons
Arnold Viersen (Peace River—Westlock)
October 19, 2023 (Petition No. 441-01782)
Government response tabled
December 4, 2023
Photo - Arnold Viersen
Peace River—Westlock
Conservative Caucus
Alberta

25 signatures

Only validated signatures are counted towards the total number of signatures.