SDIR Committee Meeting

The Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development met in camera at 1:05 p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, Scott Reid, presiding.

It was agreed, — That the evidence and documentation received by the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development in relation to its study of the Canada-China Bilateral Human Rights Dialogue during the First Session of the 39^th Parliament, be taken into consideration by the Subcommittee in this session.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee adopt the report entitled: “Canada-China Bilateral Human Rights Dialogue”.

It was agreed, — That the Chair of the Subcommittee present the report to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development asking that it be adopted as soon as possible by the Committee and tabled in the House before this summer's Olympic Games in China, while the international community has the most leverage.

It was agreed, — Whereas Omar Khadr, a Canadian born citizen is being held as an enemy combatant in the United States Detention Facility at Guantanamo Bay Cuba;

And whereas Canada is a signatory to the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict;

And whereas this Protocol defines a child combatant to be children under the age of eighteen years;

And whereas the crimes Mr. Khadr is alleged to have committed in battle, took place when Mr. Khadr was fifteen years old and by the definition of the Optional Protocol was a child soldier at that time;

And whereas the trial of Omar Khadr is expected to take place in June of this year;

Be it resolved that the Subcommittee set as a priority order of business to hear witnesses regarding Mr. Khadr`s case, including Mr. Khadr`s lawyers, experts and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to garner evidence and prepare a report to the Foreign Affairs and International Development Committee for Parliament on the case of the detention and prosecution of Omar Khadr, unless the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development commences hearings on the same matter.

It was agreed, — That the analysts prepare a draft report for the Subcommitte's consideration on its study of Human Rights in Cuba.

At 2:05 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 2:06 p.m., the sitting resumed in public.

On motion of Jason Kenney, it was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development express its grave concern about the March 29, 2008, elections in Zimbabwe and the harassment of opposition parties and candidates, and call on the Government of Canada to take all reasonable measures, including the participation of election observers to promote free and fair elections in Zimbabwe.

It was agreed, — That the Sucommittee meet on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.

At 2:07 p.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.