Although China and Canada are one of the most economically developed countries, they have a significant difference in the way they protect the human rights of their citizens. While China is a world economic powerhouse, there is a lack of political freedoms in this state with the Communist regime. At the same time, there is a great respect and recognition of human rights in Canada.
Human rights protection mechanism in Canada is based on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Human Rights Act, as well as on the human rights legislation of each province. Canada has a reputation of an international human rights defender and an active participant of international human rights conventions. All people in Canada have the right to be treated fairly and equally, and to resolve their disputes in a transparent way. Canadians have the same basic rights despite their sex, color of skin, religion, etc.
On the other hand, there is an authoritarian rule in China, which has become a norm for Chinese people. Government ensures the internal stability by the use of force and absolute control over politics. All political opponents are imprisoned; press and religion are strictly regulated. Chinese government has implemented a one-child law in order to regulate the number of population, which is one of the biggest human rights issues, along with the death penalties in China. Other issues include violations of rights of laborers, lack of independent judiciary and legal recognition of human rights. Another human rights issue is the political and legal status of Tibet.
All in all, human rights protection in China and Canada differs significantly, as Canadian government preserves the human rights of the citizens, while the Chinese government violates the human rights of its people.
Works Cited
"Canada." Canada. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 June 2014. <http://www.hrw.org/americas/canada>.
"China and Human Rights." - Global Issues. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 June 2014. <http://www.globalissues.org/article/144/china-and-human-rights#ChinaandAfricaconcernsoverrightsandexploitation>
