Written By David Gomez
Representatives and government leaders from 21 countries met in my hometown, Lima, from November 14 to 16. The important APEC economic forum took place during those days. But what is APEC, and what relevance does it have for Canada?
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is the main forum for facilitating economic growth, technical and economic cooperation, trade and investment liberalization in the Asia-Pacific region. This international meeting aims to intensify the Asia-Pacific community feeling and reduce the differences between the economies of the region through a path of sustainable growth. APEC is not a treaty or agreement of obligations, and does not pretend to be one. All decisions are made by consensus and commitments are assumed voluntarily between countries.
Canada is a crucial member of APEC due to its immense commercial and economic capacity, as well as its exemplary political system where freedom and democracy remain cornerstones of progress.
Unfortunately, there are situations that should not be tolerated by free countries. APEC 2024 was chaired by Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and her cabinet of ministers. Boluarte currently holds a national approval rating of less than 3%, according to the latest polls conducted in early November. This dismal popularity is attributed to serious corruption allegations involving her government, as well as her family.
Let us not forget that, after being sworn in as president through a democratic act of succession, Boluarte refused to call early elections and allowed the unpunished killing of more than 50 people at the hands of the national police and Peruvian army during the protests of December 2022 and January 2023. These human rights violations linger painfully in the memory of millions of Peruvians, myself included.
Boluarte’s government is also marked by corruption and collaboration with criminal mafias now dominating much of the country. Parliament, largely controlled by far-right factions, has facilitated this by passing laws that benefit criminal organizations. My country is in systemic chaos, and peace is almost non-existent.
The Peruvian government has spent millions of dollars on APEC, attempting to mask its corruption and failures by presenting world leaders with an image of a peaceful and harmonious nation. Nothing could be further from the truth. Across various cities in Peru, countless people have tried to protest against the corrupt government and rampant insecurity, but so far, their efforts have been futile.
In a diplomatic meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the forum, Boluarte highlighted the 80 years of diplomatic relations between Peru and Canada, as well as the 15th anniversary of their free trade agreement. Beyond these statements, her government’s lack of integrity, values, and diplomatic competence was glaringly evident.
Trudeau, on the other hand, underscored the importance of summits like APEC, which unite world economies to plan investments and trade benefits for the betterment of their citizens. He expressed gratitude for the hospitality he received in Lima, noting that he had been “spoiled” during his stay.
While diplomacy’s role is to build bridges for negotiation between countries, it should not mean turning a blind eye to governments disregarding the lives of their citizens. No country should participate in a forum organized by a government so fearful of its people it cancels classes for an entire week in all schools and universities across a city of more than 13 million residents to prevent potential protests.
Do not get me wrong, I trust that the economic and trade relations between Canada and Peru will continue to flourish, but it is troubling to see free nations indulge in the unnecessary pomp orchestrated by a corrupt regime.
We must remain informed and continue shedding light on these injustices. The world is vast, and everyone deserves to know what is happening. We are all part of a global community where human rights and democracy must be preserved.
