The Honourable Deepak Obhrai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and for International Human Rights, issued the following statement:

Canada is saddened and concerned by reports that Chinese human rights activist Cao Shunli passed away on March 14. We send our condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Cao Shunli worked tirelessly and peacefully over the years to request that her government allow the public to participate in preparations for the review of China’s human rights record at the United Nations.

Her arrest last year and subsequent death is disturbing, and we call on the Government of China to fully respect the human rights of all Chinese citizens.