Although we are living in arguably one of the most peaceful times in human history, we cannot ignore the human rights violations currently ongoing worldwide from key economic players on the world stage.
In China, the new social credit system is being used to oppress minority populations. Those found in violation of certain unspecified rules, or those whose social score drops to low, are being brought to “re-education” camps, often for an indeterminate period of time. Those who have escaped report torture, solitary confinement, and being kept in leg chains for months at a time.
In Syria, an investigation by the New York Times revealed that the Russian Air Force has been repeatedly bombing hospitals that treat citizens and refugees injured in the ongoing conflicts. Bombing hospitals is a war crime, and a serious violation of human rights.
In the United States, detained migrant children are being held away from their families in deplorable conditionals. The children live in overcrowded cages, are unwashed, and underfed. There aren’t enough hygiene supplies, and food is often spoiled.
It is easy to view the upcoming federal elections as only affecting Canada, but Canadians have a presence in the international community, and how we vote at home affects those outside as well.
Canada is a member of the United Nations, which works with its sometimes limited resources to protect those whose human rights have been violated by their governments. Canada has sent personnel on a number of peacekeeping missions and is perceived worldwide as diplomatic and humanitarian, to the point that American travellers will often sew Canadian flags on their backpacks to get a warmer reception while abroad. However, Canada has recently been criticized for not doing enough. It pulled out early from a peacekeeping mission in Mali despite a request from the UN to stay longer. The lack of action on drinking advisories on First Nation reserves has also been criticized. Currently there are still 56 long-term advisories on First Nations reserves, though 87 have been lifted since November 2015. The Liberals have promised all water restrictions on reserves would be lifted by 2021, but the progress has come only after internal and international pressure.
Despite the unrest overseas and next door there has been little meaningful discussion on foreign policy in the federal election debate or candidate platforms. Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau didn’t take part in the ***Maclean’s debate that had a small section discussing foreign policy. Green Leader Elizabeth May, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, and New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh stumbled through the regular disappointing clichés regarding China’s security state, Ukraine’s resistance to Russian expansion, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); it was, as Maclean’s called it, “a bit of a mess.”
It might be best said by the Washington Post’s motto: “Democracy dies in darkness.” This can refer not only to when citizens lack access to reliable information, but also when citizens willingly turn a blind eye to both the federal and global political climates.
Looking away won’t help. One of the best ways to make meaningful change is by being politically active, and that starts with voting. For more information on voting procedures see the Election Canada website. The CBC has a feature outlining the main federal party platforms, as well as a “Vote Compass” quiz that informs you what party your interests are most in line with.
Advanced polling is over, but regular polling will be up in numerous locations on Oct. 21. The Cascade does not endorse a specific political party, but we strongly endorse you exercising your democratic right to vote.
