Skip to main content

Featured

Myanmar Earthquake: Death Toll Climbs to 3,145 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago has claimed at least 3,145 lives, with search and rescue teams continuing to recover bodies from the rubble. The 7.7 magnitude quake, which had its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, caused widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and destroyed bridges.  Humanitarian aid groups are working tirelessly to provide survivors with medical care and shelter, as thousands remain homeless and vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The United Nations estimates that over 17 million people have been affected by the disaster, with more than 9 million severely impacted.  In response to the crisis, Myanmar's military government has declared a temporary ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts. However, ongoing challenges, including communication blackouts and difficult-to-reach areas, have hindered the full assessment of the disaster's impact.  The coming days will be critical in d...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

U.S. Urges Canada to Collaborate on Curbing Imports of Forced-Labour Goods from China

 

The U.S. State Department’s top human rights official, Uzra Zeya, has called for Canadian cooperation in addressing the importation of goods made from forced Uyghur and Tibetan labor in China. Zeya emphasized the need for joint efforts to combat this pressing issue.

Key Points:

  1. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act: The U.S. has taken a strong stance against forced labor by passing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. This law presumes that any goods from China’s northwestern region of Xinjiang are made using coerced labor of Muslim Uyghurs. Importers must demonstrate that products are not produced under forced servitude, or shipments from the region are blocked.

  2. Canada’s Commitment: Under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Canada pledged to bar imports manufactured with forced labor. However, as of December 2023, Ottawa had not halted any shipments of such goods entering the country since the agreement took effect in July 2020.

  3. Collaboration and Accountability: Zeya highlighted the importance of collaboration between the U.S. and Canada to prevent forced-labor products from entering North America. She expressed readiness to share experiences and best practices to tackle this issue effectively.

  4. Global Impact: Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley raised concerns that Chinese companies have redirected goods made in Xinjiang to Canada and Europe following the U.S. ban. The Global Slavery Index estimates that over $18.5 billion worth of goods imported annually into Canada are at risk of being produced with forced labor.

As the international community grapples with this human rights challenge, joint efforts between the U.S. and Canada can play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity of supply chains and protecting vulnerable workers.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment