Justice For All Canada Joins Complaint against Dynasty Gold Corp for Participation in the Forced Labour of Uyghur Muslims

July 12th, 2023 

Justice For All Canada, a genocide prevention organization, is proud to announce its participation in a 28-member coalition that has filed a complaint against Dynasty Gold Corp (DYG) with the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). Together, we demanded an investigation into DYG’s participation in the forced labour of Uyghur Muslims.

Following the submission of our joint complaint, CORE launched an official investigation into two Canadian companies: DYG and Nike Canada. This is a significant development for the Canadian government, made possible by the tireless efforts of Uyghur activists and human rights groups across Canada. We commend this investigation and ask for additional inquiries into other Canadian corporations complicit in the forced labour of Uyghur Muslims.

“The launch of an investigation by CORE into Dynasty Gold Corp and Nike Canada is a crucial step towards accountability. We commend this development and urge further inquiries into other Canadian corporations involved in the forced labour of Uyghurs. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Canadian companies uphold human rights standards and do not contribute to the genocide of Uyghur communities.” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.

Our joint complaint highlights serious human rights abuses about DYG's mining operations in East Turkestan, also known as northwest Xinjiang in China, specifically the use or benefit from Uyghur forced labour. The coalition, consisting of diverse human rights groups, such as the Canadians in Support of Refugees in Dire Need (CSRDN), has united to address alarming Uyghur testimonies and raise awareness about the exploitation of Uyghur forced labour in the mining industry. Together, we seek to hold DYG accountable for violating labour laws abroad and demand accountability for those affected.

The allegations outlined in the complaint are deeply concerning, indicating the violation of internationally recognized human rights standards, including freedom from forced labour and the right to just and favourable working conditions. These abuses have occurred under the context of state-imposed human rights abuses and the Chinese Communist Party's overall campaign of genocide and repression.

When it comes to safeguarding minority rights and safety, responsible business conduct is essential, especially for Canadian companies operating abroad. We join fellow activists and call upon DYG to take these reports seriously, cooperate fully with the investigation launched by CORE, and provide transparent and comprehensive information about its operations in East Turkestan (Xinjiang). We also urge DYG to conduct thorough human rights due diligence and take immediate steps to prevent and address any instances of forced labour in its supply chains. Justice For All Canada is a human rights advocacy organization with UN consultative status. Our work focuses on preventing genocides and challenging crimes against humanity and persecution facing Indigenous, ethnic and religious minorities.