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MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
 
Meeting No. 33
 
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
 

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 237-C, Centre Block, the Chair, Scott Reid, presiding.

 

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

 

Acting Members present: James Lunney for Russ Hiebert and Michael John Savage for Mario Silva.

 

In attendance: Library of Parliament: Melissa Radford, Analyst.

 

Witnesses: Pearson Peacekeeping Centre: Kristine St-Pierre, Research Analyst. University of Ottawa: Joanne Lebert, Coordinator, Progress and Opportunities for Women's Equality Rights (POWER)/Africa-Canada, Human Rights Research and Education Centre.

 
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), and the motion adopted by the Subcommittee on Thursday, October 21, 2010, the Subcommittee commenced its study of Sexual Assault on Women and Children during Peacekeeping Operations, in Fragile States and/or in Situations of Conflict.
 

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

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

Irwin Cotler moved, — That the Subcommittee condemn the systematic abuse of Sergei Magnitsky – including his arbitrary arrest, torture, and death in custody – by those Russian officials implicated in the largest known corporate tax fraud and misappropriation of assets in Russian history, that Sergei Magnitsky sought to expose;

That the Subcommittee deplore the denial by Russian Federation authorities of any justice or legal remedies to Mr. Magnitsky during the nearly twelve months he was detained without trial in torturous conditions, before his death in an isolation cell on November 16, 2009;

That the Subcommittee denounce the ongoing impunity – and indeed rewarding – of Russian officials for their involvement in the corporate tax fraud and related corruption, and the arbitrary arrest, torture and death in detention of Sergei Magnitsky, and subsequent cover-up of their crimes;

That the Subcommittee call upon the Government of Canada to impose visa restrictions and asset freezes on those Russian officials where there is documented evidence supporting their implication in the corporate tax fraud corruption, and the arbitrary arrest, torture and death in detention of Sergei Magnitsky, and subsequent cover-up of their crimes; and

That the Subcommittee call upon the Russian Federation to conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into:

a) the detention, torture, and resulting death in custody of Sergei Magnitsky;

b) the identification of Russian officials implicated in the largest tax fraud in Russian history; and

c) that the individuals responsible be brought to justice pursuant to the laws of the Russian Federation and its international legal obligations.

Debate arose thereon.

 

David Sweet moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “Government of Canada” the following: “to explore options”.

Debate arose thereon.

 

It was agreed, — That the debate be ajourned immediately and be carried foward to an ulterior date.

 

At 2:00 p.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

 



Julie Pelletier
Clerk of the Subcommittee

 
 
2011/05/06 10:04 a.m.