SDIR Committee Meeting

The Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development met in camera at 1:13 p.m. this day, in Room 306, La Promenade Building, the Chair, Scott Reid, presiding.

It was agreed, — That a proposed budget in the amount of $6,200, for the study of the sexual violence against women used systematically as a weapon of war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, be adopted and that the Chair present the said budget to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — Whereas the subject of Corporate Social Responsibility has been a recurring theme of numerous studies undertaken this session;

Whereas various Canadian corporations that have testified in these studies made reference to the world-wide standards of Corporate Social Responsibility that they have adopted in their business operations;

Whereas witnesses from civil society continue to cite ongoing human rights violations even in places where Corporate Social Responsibility principles have been adopted;

Whereas Professor Richard Janda of McGill University is one of the world leading experts on Corporate Social Responsibility principles, their success and shortcomings;

That Richard Janda be invited to appear before the Subcommittee on the subject of Corporate Social Responsibility for the purpose of having a broader and more complete picture of this phenomenon for the benefit of its ongoing related studies in the fall.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — Whereas the Subcommittee has agreed in principle to complete its ongoing study of violence against women during times of conflict;

Whereas war and violence in Eastern DRC continues to cause massive human rights violations against women and children in that country;

Whereas Professor Jandayi Frazer of the Carnegie Mellon University is one of the world leading experts of the Great Lakes region of Africa and that her particular insight would be of great use to the Sub-Committee;

That Mrs. Frazer be invited to appear before the Subcommittee to discuss the issue of violence against women during times of armed conflict and in the DRC-Great Lakes region of Africa in particular.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee invite witnesses to appear in relation to the human rights situation in Iran following the summer adjournment.

At 1:57 p.m., the Subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.