Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue 9 - Minutes of Proceedings - May 26, 2014

OTTAWA, Monday, May 26, 2014
(13)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 5 p.m. in room 160-S, Centre Block, the chair, the Honourable Mobina S. B. Jaffer, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Ataullahjan, Hubley, Jaffer, Ngo and Seidman (5).

In attendance: Julia Nicol and Shauna Troniak, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Library of Parliament.

Also in attendance: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, the committee began its study to examine and report on how the mandates and practices of the UNHCR and UNICEF have evolved to meet the needs of displaced children in modern conflict situations, with particular attention to the current crisis in Syria.

It was agreed that senators' staff be allowed to stay in the room.

Pursuant to rule 12-16(1)(d), the committee proceeded in camera to consider a draft agenda (future business).

At 6:08 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 6:30 p.m., the committee resumed in public.

WITNESSES:

Citizenship and Immigration Canada:

Sarita Bhatla, Director General, Refugee Affairs.

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada:

Leslie E. Norton, Director General, International Humanitarian Assistance;

Dave Metcalfe, Director General, Development Europe and Middle-East;

Mark Gwozdecky, Director General, Development, Trade and Diplomacy Middle East.

The chair made an opening statement.

Ms. Norton and Ms. Bhatla each made a statement and, together with Messrs. Metcalfe and Gwozdecky, answered questions.

At 7:40 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Adam Thompson

Clerk of the Committee