Mark Carney's Upcoming China Visit: A Call for Human Rights Advocacy

As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for his first visit to China in over eight years, Human Rights Watch is urging him to prioritize human rights issues. The organization highlights the need to address forced labor, repression in Xinjiang, and the persecution of human rights defenders. With strained relations between Canada and China, Carney's trip could be pivotal in advocating for international labor rights and addressing the broader implications of China's actions on Canadian values. This visit presents an opportunity for Carney to align trade discussions with human rights advocacy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 11, 2026, 19:06 IST

Human Rights Watch Urges Action During Carney's China Trip

Ottawa: Human Rights Watch (HRW), based in the US, has called on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to prioritize human rights during his upcoming visit to China from January 13-17. The organization urges him to advocate for an end to the Chinese government's repression in Xinjiang and to ensure adherence to international labor rights standards.

HRW emphasizes that Carney should address critical issues, such as the connection between forced labor in China and imports to Canada, the persecution of human rights advocates, and the targeting of critics abroad, including those residing in Canada.

Maya Wang, HRW's Deputy Asia Director, stated, "Prime Minister Carney must acknowledge that the increasing repression by the Chinese government not only affects the rights of individuals in China but also poses a threat to Canada's fundamental interests and values."

"Carney should ensure that discussions with the Chinese government regarding trade and security align with Canada's commitment to promoting human rights," she added.

This marks the first visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to China in over eight years. Relations between China and Canada have soured recently, particularly as President Xi Jinping has intensified repression both domestically and internationally.

HRW pointed out that the Canadian government's announcement of Carney's trip highlighted efforts to enhance economic resilience and reduce dependency on the United States, focusing on trade, energy, agriculture, and international security. However, it notably lacked any reference to human rights.

HRW further urged Carney to press the Chinese government to cease its repression in Xinjiang and to comply fully with international labor rights conventions that China has ratified, including ILO Convention No. 29 on forced labor and ILO Convention No. 105 on state-imposed forced labor.

The organization also noted that labor rights violations by the Chinese government extend beyond the Uyghur region, citing laws that ban independent labor unions, the detention of labor activists, suppression of labor protests, and the closure of labor monitoring organizations in Hong Kong.

According to HRW, the Chinese government has effectively eradicated freedoms of expression, association, assembly, fair elections, trial rights, and judicial independence in Hong Kong, where approximately 300,000 Canadians live. Additionally, China has engaged in transnational repression, targeting critics of the government in other countries, including Canada.