What is happening in Tibet this week is very disturbing and raises many concerns. Latest news stories are reporting increased military activities that are suppressing demonstrations in Tibet. Today, there was a demonstration in Ottawa calling on the government to react in condemning the Chinese government. There have also been calls to boycott this year’s Olympic Games in China because of its tradition of denying human rights and suppression of democratic reforms.

Undoubtedly, the Chinese government has a troubling history when it comes to transparency and respect for human rights. The international community must be clear that such practices are unacceptable and institutions such as the UN need to act as a multilateral, coordinated voice in strongly demanding an improved record of human rights and freedom in China.

I am not convinced that boycotting the Olympics would be the best way to send that message though. In fact, I believe, that these games will help further increase pressure on the Chinese government. It will also help civil society and athletes interact constructively to cooperate and strengthen their link with the international community. It can be argued that boycotting at this stage will mostly hurt the people that need our help the most, the Chinese people. This healthy discussion that we are having about the situation in China is probably a direct result of the upcoming Olympics. The Games are already helping to shed a light on serious matters that may have been neglected if it weren’t for this attention.

The Olympic Games do not belong to the Chinese government, they belong to the citizens of the world and the fact that they are happening in China should be utilized as an opportunity to press universal values of equality, fairness, dignity and justice.

There is room for applying the boycott strategy to help make a point, but at this stage, I prefer constructive engagement. The spirit of the Olympic Games is intended to promote exchange and competition in a basic human form. It inspires determination, encapsulates struggle for good and fair competition. I believe that such a message could only help the Chinese population economically, socially and politically.

In the meantime, the rest of the world must be vocal in expressing its rejection of unacceptable behaviour towards civilians and pressure the Chinese government to end its military oppression of its citizens.

On a different note, I want to wish you all a happy Easter. It is also Norouz, the Persian New Year’s celebration that coincides with the arrival of spring. Wishing all of you the best and hopefully we have seen the end of snow!