I read with a little disbelief your statement that Canada is “disappointed in the extreme” that China and Russia have vetoed a United Nations Security Council directive condemning the Syrian government’s crackdown on civilian protests.
Actually, I am in 100% agreement with your statement and with Canada's official posture in this matter. But what I find hard to believe is the current Canadian government's hypocrisy in regard to the United Nations.
A few weeks ago, the Committee Against Torture under the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights requested that the Canadian government stand by its word and its commitment to human rights and a refugee's right not to be deported to countries where they might be subject to torture. The urgent request was in regard to Rwanda dictator Paul Kagame's demand for the extradition of his former political opponent Leon Mugesera from Canada. Two weeks ago, Conservative MP Jason Kenney instructed his Ministry of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism to blatantly ignore that request. Mugesera was deported.
Canada, as a charter UN member (and a signatory to the Committee Against Torture), should have shown respect for their request. How can this government expect other nations and private citizens to have any respect for it when it arbitrarily heeds the UN and disregards it as it serves its agendas? This is the kind of cheap amoral posturing we've come to expect from certain other countries, not Canada.
Mr Baird, I have no problem with your own public record. I merely wanted to bring to your attention the duplicitous nature of the government you work for.
Sincerely,
Jeff Dwyer
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