Ann Fitz-Gerald, Ardi Imseis, Michael Lawson, Meredith Preston McGhie and Youssef Jai made statements and answered questions.

At 5:15 p.m., the meeting was suspended.

At 5:26 p.m., the meeting resumed in camera.

It was agreed, — That the subcommittee work toward the completion of the report on its study of the current situation for democracy and human rights defenders around the world, before the end of June.

The subcommittee proceeded to give drafting instructions to the analysts for a draft report on the current situation for democracy and human rights defenders around the world.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to the motion adopted by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the subcommittee hold an update meeting on the situation of Tibetan children placed in boarding schools and preschool institutions administered by the government of the People's Republic of China in Tibet; that the subcommittee give particular consideration to the findings of the report published in 2025 by the Tibet Action Institute, which documents allegations of abuse, neglect, political indoctrination, and infringements on Tibetan language, culture, and identity; and that the subcommittee invite representatives of the Tibet Action Institute, as well as any other witnesses deemed relevant, to appear before it.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to the motion adopted by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the subcommittee undertake a study on the human rights situation of children around the world and assess how the Government of Canada can address and potentially mitigate violations of children's rights, by:

1. studying the severe human rights violations affecting children globally, including child labour, and the use of children in armed conflict;
2. investigating the root causes of children's rights violations, including systemic poverty, armed conflicts, displacement, lack of access to education and healthcare;

that the study consist of a minimum of two meetings; that the subcommittee reports its findings to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, and request that it be reported to the House.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to the motion adopted by the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the subcommittee hold one hearing with experts to discuss the situations in Haiti and Cuba.

It was agreed, — That the subcommittee meet on the following schedule:

1. Monday, June 1, 2026, study of the human rights situation of children around the world;
2. Monday, June 8, 2026, briefing on the situation of Tibetan children placed in schools administered by the People's Republic of China;
3. Monday, June 15, 2026, briefing on the situations in Haiti and Cuba.

It was agreed, — That, for the study of the human rights situation of children around the world, the witness lists be submitted to the clerk of the subcommittee by 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.