Bob Rae was what we might call the accidental premier of Ontario when the New Democratic Party surprised just about everybody in the province, including themselves, by winning the election in 1990. After one term they were out, resulting in the Voldemort era of Mike Harris. Rae went on to serve as a Liberal Member of Parliament, federally, and was the interim leader of the party.
Now Bob Rae is Canada's ambassador to the United Nations, and last month he created a stir when he called on the UN's Human Rights Council to investigate whether China's persecution of Uighurs in Xinjiang province should be considered an act of genocide.
The Uighurs are Muslim, and they have been subject to ongoing discrimination and persecution in China, a country which continues to have a horrible reputation when it comes to religious freedom. Christians have suffered as well, and I have encouraged readers to pray for our sisters and brothers in Christ. But the Uighurs have been treated even more harshly and hundreds of thousands have been forced into detention camps.where they do what is really forced labour. There are reports of brainwashing and sterilization and torture, although the government suppresses information and denies the allegations.
In the United States there is proposed legislation which would prohibit the importation of products made by forced labour, although there is opposition to the bill by major corporations such as Coca Cola and Nike and Apple which are concerned about supply chains.They claim to support human rights, but they are committed to bringing us our stuff.
Today is Human Rights Day, as it is every December 10th, and I'm grateful for Bob Rae's voice on behalf of all Canadians. Not surprisingly, China has told Rae and the Canadian government to mind its own business, but the dignity, freedom and rights of all people, everywhere, is our business.
We can pray that "business as usual" will not override our commitment to human rights, values which reflect our Judeo/Christian tradition.
2 comments:
This is a sad state of affairs for our modern world - I am glad Bob Rae has spoken out. (And I remember thinking that "Rae Days - holidays without pay - seemed not so bad, after Harris took over)
I had teachers in my congregation at that time who were eager to vote the NDP government out because of Rae Days. A couple of them lost their jobs under Harris. Thanks Judy.
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