SDIR Committee Meeting

The Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development met in camera at 1:09 p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chair, Scott Reid, presiding.

It was agreed, — That Dr. Joseph D’souza of the Dalit Freedom Network be invited to appear before the Subcommittee on March 26, 2009, to report on the Dalit situation in India.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee undertake a study of the human rights situation in Iran.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, taking note of the witness testimony of Februrary 23, 2009, on the persistant and pervasive assault on the human rights of the Bahá’í community in Iran, alarmed by the escalation of the prosecution and persecution of the Bahá’í leadership, alarmed further by the state-backed demonization of and incitement against the Bahá’í community in Iran, resolve to take all necessary measures both domestically and internationally to address and redress this state-backed assault on the human rights of the Bahá’í community.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee review and report to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development on Canada’s approach to the provision of consular services to Canadians who are detained abroad in circumstances where their human rights are vulnerable.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee hear witnesses on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, in the context of its study of the human rights situation in Iran.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee meet on Tuesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Ève Mary Thaï Thi Lac gave notice of the following motion: “That the Subcommittee on Human Rights study the human rights situation in Colombia and the possible repercussions on human rights of the free trade agreement between Canada and Colombia and that the Subcommittee hear testimony from officials with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of International Trade, representatives of civil society groups, etc and that the Subcommittee table a report on the situation of the human rights in Columbia with the Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs and International Development so that it can then be tabled in the House.”

At 1:54 p.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.