Francis Chartrand for Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Many people are concerned that the Games are held in a country with so little respect human rights and stressed that the decision was inconsistent with the Olympic ideal: to promote a peaceful society sensitive human dignity . When the decision was taken in 2001, the International Olympic Committee and the Chinese government told the world that these concerns were unfounded. They argued that these Games raffermiraient China's commitment to universal values of respect for human rights.

This was only rhetoric. Little progress has been made over the next seven years. And very few efforts have been made to push China to respect its commitments. In fact, the latest report by Amnesty International documenting a litany of broken promises.

Serious violations and continuing human rights being committed in China despite Olympics to come. But even worse, we are witnessing serious violations caused by the Olympics.

The spokesman of the local who tried to file complaints when people have been driven from their homes to make way for Olympic facilities are in prison. The militants, who wanted to speak about the Games and rights associated with them are in prison. The campaigns of "cleansing" pre-Olympic have targeted people from outside Beijing-beggars, street vendors without permits and others. Many of them were sent to be "rehabilitated" in the notorious labour camps of a merciless hardness.

Chinese leaders and IOC have responded with irritation that the debate is moved and we should not mix politics with sport. We are just beginning to hear Jacques Rogge, IOC President, issue some criticism. We have heard little recrimination - whether from the government or representatives of the Canadian sport - indicating a willingness serious, constructive or plans to put forward human rights at this crucial time.

The goal is not to mix politics and sport. It goes far beyond politics. They are defending universal values most precious uniting us: fundamental rights.

The pride of China is at stake. All China looks forward to these Games, whose prestige is expected to affect its inhabitants. But why defend its pride with anger, denial and censorship? Imagine instead what pride China could reap if it showed the world that these Olympics will leave a positive imprint on human rights on its territory.

The state places? Prime Minister Harper has expressed concern about violations of human rights in China and announced that he would not at the Games. In the same breath, however, he asserts that his decision has nothing to do with human rights and that Canada will send "a high-level delegation". This is far from clear.

A few days of the opening ceremonies, all countries and all IOC members must make their voices heard around the world to call for an end to human rights violations in China. The reforms for human rights must be undertaken without delay.

The many Chinese prisoners of conscience, including activists, journalists, bloggers and anyone who criticized the Olympics, must be released. The censorship of the media and the Internet must end. The authorities should abolish the cruel and abusive practice of re-education through labour camps and the death penalty. And that's not all.

The thousands of Canadians who signed petitions delivered today at the Chinese Embassy have made their voices heard against human rights violations in China. They will continue their work pressure for Chinese defenders of human rights so that they can continue their fight.

Now, it is the turn of the Canadian government to add its voice to international pressure calling for respect of human rights in China.

Labels: China, Marie-Êve Marineau

# posted by Francis Chartrand @ 11:11 PM