They are especially critical of the federal government's emphasis on opening markets and global trade.
Alex Neve of Amnesty International said Thursday that strategy has not "delivered the goods" on the human rights agenda.
A spokesperson for the Canada Tibet Committee agreed. Tenzig Dargyal said he's seen no progress as a result of Canada's long-standing policy of economic engagement.
The two activists spoke out as Martin prepared for a nine-day Asian tour that will take him to Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Japan and China. He's scheduled to leave on Saturday morning.
Dargyal urged the prime minister to demand benchmarks from Beijing on human rights issues and the rule of law.
He also asked Martin to encourage China to negotiate a resolution of Tibet's status. Tibet is an autonomous region in southwest China.
The Dalai Lama, leader of Tibet's government in exile, is asking for autonomy for the Tibetan people within China. But the issue remains far from resolved as continual reports of human rights violations in Tibet surface.
Last spring, Martin became the first sitting prime minister to meet with the Dalai Lama. They discussed human rights in Tibet, and the Dalai Lama asked Martin to continue discussions of human rights with China.
"During the Dalai Lama's visit to Canada last year, a clear message of support for Tibet was sent by the Canadian Parliament and Canadian public," Dargyal said in a news release.
"It is our sincerest hopes that the prime minister will use the unique opportunity of his first visit to China to build on the goodwill and support conveyed by Canadians for the peaceful resolution of the issue of Tibet."
Related
Internal Links
More Canada Headlines »
- Bhutto's death could echo on Afghan mission: former diplomat
- The instability gripping Pakistan following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto could spill over to Canadian soldiers fighting in neighbouring Afghanistan, a former Canadian diplomat said.
- Avoid non-essential travel to Pakistan: Ottawa
- Ottawa updated its travel advisory to Pakistan on Thursday in light of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, telling people to avoid all non-essential trips to the country.
- Snow piles up in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Businesses and government offices were closed and flights delayed or cancelled in St. John's on Friday as parts of Newfoundland and Labrador dug out from more than 20 centimetres of snow.
- Driving schools dropped from Ont. list were closed for years: report
- Some of the nearly two dozen substandard driving schools that the Ontario government is taking credit for dropping have been out of business for years, CBC News learned Friday.
- Pakistanis in Toronto stop to remember Bhutto
- Torontonians of Pakistani origin hold a memorial service for Benazir Bhutto, but some fear her death could spark increased violence in Pakistan.
Canada Features
Blog Watch
Most Blogged about CBC.ca Articles
Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - link will open in new window