‘Vancouver: March 17; WSO-Canada made a presentation of Sikh issues before the special Joint Committee on Canada’s International Relations on March 17, 1986 at the Hyatt Regency, Vancouver. The presentation was made to the committee when it visited Vancouver to collect material for the report that it is preparing on the objectives and conduct of Canada’s International Relations for Presentation before May 31, 1986. The committee consists of Senators and members from the House ‘of Commons with Jean-Maurice Simard (Senator) and Tom Huckin (Member of House of Commons) on Joint Chairmen.
The presentation on behalf of WSO was made by a committee of four headed by S. Gian Singh Sandhu, President WSO.
Full Text of the Presentation:
Mr. Chairman, and Honorable members of Special Joint Committee on Canada’s International Relations: Before I begin my submission, I would like to take this opportunity, in my capacity as President of the World Sikh Organization, and on behalf of the Canadian Sikhs to convey our heartiest gratitude for allowing us to make a presentation today.
Our organization is an international umbrella Organization of the Sikhs with branches all around the World and has a mandate to make presentation at various levels to governments.
Your committee has already received our brief on Theme 4 of your mandate. I, will, therefore, only elaborate our concerns and assessment of present stand taken by the government of Canada, we will also suggest, how the Canadian government can effectively use its international influence.
‘The World Sikh population deeply regrets that the Canadian ‘government has not availed itself of all these opportunities for safeguarding the human rights and international well being.
‘Canada in our view has also failed to use all instruments available for enhancing human rights, because of fear of reprisal from other Nations, hence it takes a stand only where it considers economically and politically beneficial.
One of the critical examples that stands out in our opinion is that since August 1982, the Canadian Sikhs have continuously informed the Canadian government of gross violations of human rights in India, a country called the ‘world’s ‘largest democracy’.
1984 has actively stayed in touch with all levels of the governments ‘and has, closely monitored the human rights violations in many countries including India and has ‘communicated with the Canadian government to take a stand, but to no avail.
Except for a limited number of Members of Parliament, the Canadian government policy has been to keep quiet and promote trade relations with a country that is carrying on state terrorism, no different than South Africa, or Marco’s regime in Philippines.
Canada appears to be content with its low-keyed accomplishments and involvement in various international activities without being forceful in carrying out its powerful political clout.
Role of Canadian government as perceived by W.S O.
The present international relations policy has probably many limitations and from our point of view the government of Canada’s role appears to be that it:
- considers Canada a land of ‘opportunities,
- has small population and vast ‘geographical area to manage,
- takes pride in being neighbour to a powerful country (US.A.),
- wastes no time in praising our two international families, the ‘Commonwealth and La Francophonie,
- proudly recalls of its membership in UNO, and N.A.T.O.
Let us now take these concerns and examine how Canada as a Sovereign Country can develop its resources and use its independent influence on various countries of the World to make this world a Peaceful place to live and allow every human being to live with dignity and honour.
Canada being rich in natural resources and cultural diversity has a unique role to play in the World community, economically as well as from the Human Rights viewpoint.
‘The instruments available to us are the membership in Organizations like UN, N.A.T.0., Commonwealth and La Francophonie.
- Recommendations for effective International Role
Take a stand and be Counted Bill of Rights have become common in the English-Speaking World starting with Magna Carta through Bills of Rights in the 17th ‘Century, United Nations Charter and the Canadian Constitution. (On the other hand, there are many Countries in the world that have chosen to ignore human rights.
Canada should not promote economic or social ties with a Country that has failed to live up to its commitment under the United Nations Charter of human rights. South Africa and India stand out ‘among many others.
- Examine Social and Cultural Barriers before entering into any treaties
Before entering into any mutual treaties, Canada should weigh the cultural and social differences of each Nation and social values attached to such agreements. Here we are pointing out the current Extradition treaty being considered by the Canadian government.
- Effective use of International Instruments
Though U.N.O. has no powers of in force its decision, the Canadian government can certainly be assertive in its opinion.
The Commonwealth ties should also be used to promote human well beings and not to hide the activities of a sister country.
Diplomatic ties with a country should be curtailed or restricted if any commonwealth country denies Canadian diplomates to enter their country for purpose of ascertaining facts, or promoting human rights.
Here again we regretfully point out that the Indian government has denied visa to three M. P’s.
To our recollection, the Canadian government has not taken in UN. in regards to human rights violations in India, mainly because ‘Canada considers India too powerful and important economically.
- Closely supervise Foreign Aid
Many Third world countries seek financial aid from a country like Canada, but our government should insist on close supervision and attach an instrument in the agreement about human rights.
- Foreign Investment in developing Countries
Foreign investment with assistance the Canadian treasury should be discouraged, because our major concern should be to develop our resources first and employ our valuable work force.
Before I conclude, I humbly submit that if the Canadian government is sincere in its approach to international relations and is confident that it can improve them and still maintain its decisive role on human rights, then our organization along with other Canadians will be proud of our role. However, if on the other hand, the government wishes to improve its international relations at the cost of’ a minority groups, as is evident in the case of Sikhs and Muslims in India, then we are all wasting our energies.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 21, 1986
