Canada Visa Petition

We, the undersigned, request that measures be taken to address human rights abuses against Roma citizens of the European Union and that these measures suffer no delay or curtailment as a result of the recent discussions about the imposition of visa requirements on Czech citizens visiting Canada. The European Union should hold its member states accountable for ensuring the basic rights and freedoms of its citizens.

We bring to your attention that under the 1951 Geneva Convention on Refugees, a country that fails to protect a minority from persecution by elements of its population is just as guilty of persecution as a country that has an official policy of persecution of this minority, because it makes no difference to the victims. Both Canada and EU member states are signatories of this Convention. Preventing refugees from leaving a country violates international human rights laws. Imposing a visa restriction at this time for Czech citizens coming to Canada demonstrates a lack of willingness on the part of the current Canadian government to listen to the victims of human rights abuse and prevents victims from fleeing their persecutors.

Visa restrictions do not address the fundamental problems. Visa restrictions alone would show that the Canadian government values expediency over transparency and is counting on the indifference of its electorate to the issue of human rights abuse. Visa restrictions applied in 1997 proved to be ineffective, as the situation for Roma in Eastern Europe has deteriorated. Visa restrictions will not suffice to quell the voices of concerned citizens in Canada and the EU, nor will they quash the spirit of those dedicated to helping refugees find asylum around the world.

The Canadian government has a responsibility to its citizens and the free world to openly address human rights abuses with its trading partners. The EU has a responsibility to ensure the safety of minority peoples within its member states. The goal of governments on both sides of the Atlantic should be to improve the well-being of all its citizens -- this is impossible as long as Roma are prevented from fleeing their persecutors and as long as these persecutors are not being apprehended or prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We welcome your support in achieving this common goal.

Sincerely,