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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 51

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development met in a televised session at 1:06 p.m. this day, in Room C-110, 1 Wellington Street, the Chair, Scott Reid, presiding.

Members of the Subcommittee present: Hon. Irwin Cotler, Johanne Deschamps, Russ Hiebert, Wayne Marston, Scott Reid, Mario Silva and David Sweet.

In attendance: Library of Parliament: Melissa Radford, Analyst ; Erin Shaw, Analyst.

Witnesses: Inter Pares: Rachel Gouin, Africa Program Manager.

The Subcommittee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to Subcommittee business.

On motion of David Sweet, it was agreed, — That the Subcommittee initiate a study of actions taken by the Government of Ukraine to suppress political dissent, free speech, freedom of the press, and academic freedom in Ukraine. The study will focus on allegations of wrongdoing by Government of Ukraine officials and implicated bodies in cases including, but not limited to:

- The murder of independent journalist Georgy Gongadze and the case of editor and investigative journalist, Vasyl Klymentyev, who is missing and feared dead;

- Recent imprisonment and launching of criminal investigations and imprisonment against opposition party members including former Presidential candidate Yuliya Tymoshenko;

- Actions taken to remove the autonomy of academic institutions, and harassment and intimidation of the academic community, focusing on historians who draw attention to Ukrainian national resistance to Soviet rule;

- The use of improper election tactics in local elections of Sunday, October 31, 2010.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), and the motion adopted by the Subcommittee on Thursday, October 21, 2010, the Subcommittee resumed its study of sexual assault on women and children during peacekeeping operations, in fragile states and/or in situations of conflict.

The witness made a statement and answered questions.

The Subcommittee resumed consideration of matters related to Subcommittee business.

By unanimous consent, on motion of Russ Hiebert, it was agreed, — That the motion on North Korea adopted by the Subcommittee on Tuesday, February 8, 2011, be referred to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development and tabled in the House.

At 1:56 p.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Mariane Beaudin
Clerk of the Subcommittee

2011/03/28 4:05 p.m.