Canada votes in Parliament and becomes the second countryto recognize the treatment of Uighur population in China as genocide. Reportedly,such a vote now is likely to raise diplomatic strains between China and Canada.
The non-binding motion was brought forward by oppositionConservations and lawmakers approved it. It recognizes the actions of China inXinjiang province as genocide of Uighur population. Uighurs are Muslims and arebeing maltreated in the country.
Although, the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau didn'tparticipate in the motion on Monday but liberals who were present, voted infavor of the motion. Marc Garneau, the foreign affairs minister, reportedly hadabstained on behalf of the government.
Shortly after Donald Trump left office and Joe Bidenassumes charge, United States became the first country to call the actions ofChina in the north-western Xinjiang as genocide of Muslim Uighur population.
The attempt on the same lines in United Kingdom failed toyield any result.
As per reports, it will now prove to be a test for CanadianPM because he has always tried to strike a balance and ensure cordial relationswith China.
Previously, Trudeau's liberal party had termed the word'genocide' having loaded connotations. Now the China's ambassador to Canada hascriticized the vote. Cong Peiwu said, “We firmly oppose that because it runscounter to the facts. And it’s like, you know, interfering in our domesticaffairs.” He added there is nothing like genocide happening in Xinjiang.
Whatreports suggest about Uighurs?
According to a report published in The Guardian, morethan 1 million Uighur population have been detained in the camps at Xinjiang.They face rape and sexual violence, as per reports. However, China has alwaysdenied such allegations.
China says these camps are for the purpose of educationand to root out extremism.