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Sikhs and Advocacy: A Continued Commitment to Human Rights

Remarks by Hon. David Kilgour, MP for Edmonton Southeast and Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) to The World Sikh Organisation

“Moving Toward a More Just Society”

Parliament Hill, Ottawa

June 5, 2003

Wahe guru ji ka Khalsa                                    

Wahe guru ji ke Fateh                                                  

 It is always a privilege to address the Sikh community, but it is truly an honour to speak to you about human rights given your long, brave, and unwavering commitment to respecting each other and your fellow man regardless of faith, race, or condition. 

Since addressing you at this event last year, I was fortunate enough to travel to India and Punjab.  While visiting the new Canadian Consulate in Chandigargh, I was moved and inspired by how much this tie to Canada meant to the Punjabi residents.  During the process of establishing the Consulate, many Sikhs on both sides of the globe voiced gratitude and excitement over the new connection of communities who together could be more effective in human rights advocacy.

This time also makes the theme of the evening all the more poignant.  June marks a very trying period for the Sikh community; it is the month that saw the martyrdom of Guru Arjun Dev ji and the storming of the Golden Temple.  The past two years have seen the resurfacing of old challenges with the prohibition of Kirpans on airplanes, new immigration laws and procedures, and even violent attacks on turbaned Sikhs.  The reaction of the Sikh community to these recent obstacles has been consistent with the reaction of Sikhs throughout history to stand up and strengthen our society by challenging its prejudices. 

The community that fought for the right to wear a turban while serving our country in the R.C.M.P. challenged Canada’s commitment to cultural pluralism.  The community that supported a young boy who fought for his right to carry the kirpan to school helped define religious freedom within the educational system.  The community that not only speaks of, but acts for truth, equality, and justice makes our nation and global community a more vibrant and just place not only for Sikhs, but for all of us.  For this, the Sikh community has my thanks and respect. 

The fact that you are raising concerns over human rights and trade is a testament to your ability to adapt historic concerns to modern phenomena.  The issue is indeed a serious one.  Asia‑Pacific has become Canada’s second largest trade partner, and as such, we have a responsibility to apply our concern over human rights violations to our economic relationships in the region. 

It would be negligent to attempt to find a balance between human rights advocacy and the promotion of trade without recognizing three points.

First, our commitment to human rights advocacy should not be compromised in an effort to increase trade.  The argument has been made that the primary goal of the government ought to be to promote trade, and if means to that end includes turning a blind eye to human rights violations, so be it.  I could not disagree more.  Fundamental rights -- the right to life, the right to religious freedom, the right to live in a system where torture is absolutely prohibited, and the right to cultural heritage are simply non-negotiable.

Second, promoting human rights protection and international trade are not mutually exclusive.  Quite the opposite, I would argue that in most cases, Canada is far more influential with states with which we have strong economic ties.  Canada has been one of the most effective human rights advocates in the world largely because other states trust us, and this trust is built on interdependence, familiarity, and common interest– all things developed and strengthened by trade. 

Furthermore, human rights are absolutely tied to standard of living.  According to the United Nations Development Programme, 1.2 billion people live on less than $1 a day.  Poverty has denied them the right to an education, the right to freedom of movement, and for an estimated   24 000 people each and every day, poverty denies the right to life. 1   Canadian trade with the Asia‑Pacific countries helps combat poverty and enable individuals to live the rights they deserve.  In 2002, the trade between Canada and the Asia-Pacific region amounted to $70 billion (CDN).  This money created jobs and opportunities for people to escape the grip of poverty.  It is clear that promoting trade and ensuring that people live with basic human rights are in fact complimentary and must be approached hand in hand.

Third, this is not a problem that exists solely because of governments, nor is it a problem that can be fixed exclusively by government lobbying or action.  Corporations need to act in a socially responsible manner, and civil society needs to promote justice and equality rather than reinforce prejudices and divides.  The most effective way to guarantee rights and freedoms is with civil society acting positively as the eyes, ears, and mouth of the cause.  In the age of the nation state, civil groups and NGOs are the most effective means of monitoring and reporting what goes on within other countries.  I understand the WSO is attempting to gain NGO status.  With our without it, I am sure that you will continue to speak out for those who are unable to speak, and bring their plight to our attention and conscience.  Together, governments and civil society stand the best chance at finding and helping those in need. 

This past January, I had the privilege of traveling to India, and visiting the city of Chandigargh in the Punjab.  The friendliness, ease and warmth of the many teachers, businessmen, children, and community members did little to betray that you have been fighting for over 500 years for human rights.  It is truly an inspiration, and I am honoured to join you in this fight. 

 

 
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