SDIR Committee Meeting

The Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development met in camera at 12:24 p.m. this day, in Room 853, 131 Queen St., the Chair, Scott Reid, presiding.

The Subcommittee resumed consideration of a report.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That, notwithstanding the motion adopted June 10, 2010, concerning the report on human rights in Iran, the Subcommittee allow the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development to make the changes required for the report to be adopted.

At 12:47 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 12:48 p.m., the sitting resumed in public.

The Committee resumed consideration of the motion of Jean Dorion, — That the Subcommittee on International Human Rights request that the government renew its candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council and show its support for the Council;

That the Subcommittee also request that the Government of Canada take advantage of the review of the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council to help strengthen the effectiveness and credibility of the Universal Periodic Review by suggesting:

• That more time be devoted to the review than the current three hours;

• That NGOs and national human rights institutions (NHRIs) be given a broader role in interactive dialogue; and

• That independent experts be heard from. Further, that the Subcommittee report this motion to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development to be reported to the House.

The Committee resumed consideration of the amendment of Mario Silva, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “and show its support for the Council” with the words “and show its support for reforming and strengthening the Council”.

The debate continued.

Jean Dorion moved, — That the amendment be amended by replacing the word “reforming” with the word “improving”.

Debate arose thereon.

After debate, the question was put on the subamendment of Jean Dorion and it was negatived.

By unanimous consent, after debate, the question was put on the amendment of Mario Silva and it was agreed to.

The question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 4; NAYS: 2.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That the Subcommittee on International Human Rights request that the government renew its candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council and show its support for reforming and strengthening the Council;

That the Subcommittee also request that the Government of Canada take advantage of the review of the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council to help strengthen the effectiveness and credibility of the Universal Periodic Review by suggesting:

• That more time be devoted to the review than the current three hours;

• That NGOs and national human rights institutions (NHRIs) be given a broader role in interactive dialogue; and

• That independent experts be heard from. Further, that the Subcommittee report this motion to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development to be reported to the House.

At 1:05 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 1:06 p.m., the sitting resumed.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the draft report, as amended, be adopted.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the report be entitled: Canada’s universal periodic review and beyond—upholding canada’s international reputation as a global leader in the field of human rights.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Chair, Clerk and analyst be authorized to make such grammatical and editorial changes as may be necessary without changing the substance of the report.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the Chair present the report to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.

At 2:11 p.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.