SDEV Committee Meeting

The Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Development of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met at 9:07 a.m. this day, in Room 308 West Block, the Chair, David Kilgour, presiding.

On motion of Ed Broadbent, it was agreed, — That the meeting on activities of a Canadian mining company, TVI Pacific, Inc., in Mindanao, Philippines scheduled for December 16, 2004 be postponed to February 2004.

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

Stockwell Day moved, — That Canada use its leadership role in the G20, its close ties to the present leadership of the World Bank and the IMF, as well as the impending visit of President GeorgeW. Bush to forge and agreement linking any assistance on the external debt of Sudan to real steps taken by the Khartoum government to stop the actions of the janjaweed militias against the Darfur civilian population, to implement the peace agreements, to negotiate in good faith with representative groups in Darfur and that Canada would also initiate integrated actions combining, but not limited to the departments of Foreign Affairs, development and defense to assist the African Union in resolving the Sudan Crisis.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the motion as amended was agreed to and reads as follows:

That Canada use all available means and channels, including its leadership role in the G20, its close ties to the present leadership of the World Bank and the IMF, as well as the impending visit of President George W. Bush to forge an agreement linking any assistance on the external debt of Sudan to real steps taken by the Khartoum government to disarm and dismantle the janjaweed militias, to implement a comprehensive peace agreement, and to negotiate in good faith with representative groups in Darfur and elsewhere. That Canada initiate integrated actions combining, but not limited to the departments of Foreign Affairs and Defence and the Canadian International Development Agency to assist the African Union in resolving the Sudan Crisis. That Canada take steps to ensure that those responsible for the gross human rights violations in Sudan are brought to justice. That Canada take action to establish a full no-fly zone to protect civilians, to bring about a comprehensive arms embargo, and to put in place appropriate monitoring mechanisms. That the government consider putting in place travel bans against targeted individuals and a freeze on Sudanese assets as a means to pressure the government of Sudan to comply with its obligations under international law and the peace agreements

At 10:56 a.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.