By Uyghur Times Staff
On February 1, 2023, the Canadian Parliament unanimously passed Motion M-62 by a vote of 322 to 0, introduced by Liberal MP Sameer Zuberi. This motion addresses the persecution of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims by the Chinese government and outlines Canada’s commitment to resettle 10,000 refugees over two years starting in 2024.
The law was widely welcomed by Uyghur organizations and diaspora communities around the world, as Canada became the first country to enact legislation specifically aimed at protecting stateless Uyghurs facing transnational repression, unlawful deportations, constant fear, and displacement.
Here are the 5 key takeaways from the new Uyghur Refugee Resettlement Law:
1. Legal Commitment to Resettle 10,000 Refugees
The law mandates Canada to admit 10,000 Uyghur and Turkic Muslim refugees over two years (2024–2026) under the Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program. This move is designed to prioritize those stranded in third countries facing imminent deportation to China.
2. Official Recognition of Transnational Repression
The law acknowledges that Uyghurs outside China face surveillance, threats, and extradition pressure from Beijing. It positions Canada as a global safe haven for individuals targeted by China’s authoritarian reach.
3. Binding Implementation Plan and Oversight
Unlike the original non-binding motion, the law requires the government to submit a detailed implementation report to Parliament. This includes timelines, numbers, resources, and coordination with international partners and civil society groups.
4. Broad Parliamentary and Public Support
The legislation passed with unanimous support across party lines, reflecting Canada’s consensus on addressing human rights abuses in China’s Uyghur region. Prime Minister Trudeau’s cabinet endorsed the law, signaling strong executive backing.
5. A Global Model for Refugee Policy
By translating its recognition of genocide into concrete action, Canada sets a precedent. It becomes the first country to codify a large-scale Uyghur refugee resettlement plan into national law—urging other democracies to follow suit.
This landmark law transforms Canada’s moral stance into tangible action, offering a new beginning to thousands fleeing tyranny—and reaffirming the country’s leadership in global human rights protection.
Also see the video introduces the law: