CCEVI was formed in the wake of violence against Chinese-Indonesians in May 1998. The 1998 protests that toppled Suharto also included a welling-up of anti-Chinese violence. This inspired investigations and advocacy by Indonesian human rights groups, as well as the mobilization of the Chinese-Indonesian community in several cities in Canada. Toronto community members formed a group called “Canadians Concerned about Ethnic Violence in Indonesia” (CCEVI), then broadened their critique beyond the treatment of Chinese-Indonesians to include all aspects of ethnic discrimination and human rights. CCEVI was able to influence immigration decisions and make human rights more of a concern.