SDIR Committee Meeting

The Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development met in camera at 1:10 p.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chair, Scott Reid, presiding.

It was agreed, — That in relation to the study of human rights situation in Eritrea, the proposed budget in the amount of $7,550, for the period of 2011-12 be adopted and that the Chair present the said budget to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee study the current human rights situation in Myanmar, paying particular regard to freedom of expression, freedom of the press, the continued detention of political prisoners, and the status of the Karen, Karenni and Shan ethnic minorities.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee invite the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to appear before the Subcommittee in a public hearing in order to discuss the report of the Commission of Inquiry on Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation, November 2011.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee authorize the use of the following documents if necessary for the drafting of Subcommittee reports:

- Canadian legislation and regulations;

- International treaties, declarations and Security Council Resolutions;

- Work of the United Nations special rapporteurs, treaty bodies and Universal Periodic Review documentation;

- Relevant United Nations reports;

- Relevant national legislation or policy documents from the countries concerned;

- United States State Department Country Reports on Human Rights Practices; United States State Department Report on International Religious Freedom; United States Commission on International Religious Freedom reports and documents.

It was agreed, — That the motion adopted on Tuesday, November 29, 2011, “that the Subcommittee invite representatives from the Peace Brigades International“ be rescinded.

At 2:04 p.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.