Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Human Rights

Issue No. 35 - Minutes of Proceedings - October 31, 2018

OTTAWA, Wednesday, October 31, 2018
(72)

[English]

The Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights met this day at 11:30 a.m., in room 9, Victoria Building, the chair, the Honourable Wanda Elaine Thomas Bernard, presiding.

Members of the committee present: The Honourable Senators Ataullahjan, Bernard, Cordy, Coyle and Hartling (5).

In attendance: Jean-Philippe Duguay and Alexandra Smith, Analysts, Parliamentary Information and Research Services, Library of Parliament.

Also present: The official reporters of the Senate.

Pursuant to the order of reference adopted by the Senate on Thursday, September 20, 2018, the committee continued its study to examine and monitor issues relating to human rights and, inter alia, to review the machinery of government dealing with Canada's international and national human rights obligations. (For complete text of the order of reference, see proceedings of the committee, Issue No. 34.) (Topic: The Human Rights Situation of the Rohingya)

WITNESSES:

Global Affairs Canada:

Donald Bobiash, Assistant Deputy Minister, Asia Pacific;

Rhonda Gossen, Senior Policy Advisor, South Asia Division;

Rosaline Kwan, Executive Director, Southeast Asia, APEC and ASEAN;

Stephen Salewicz, Director General, International Humanitarian Assistance;

François Lafrenière, Director, Myanmar and Philippines Development.

Rohingya Human Rights Network:

Raïss Tinmaung, Director, Overseas Projects;

Fareed Khan, Director, Advocacy and Media Relations.

As an individual:

Payam Akhavan, Professor, International Law, McGill University.

The chair made a statement.

It was agreed that filming by a private company during this meeting be authorized.

Mr. Bobiash made a statement and, together with Ms. Kwan, Mr. Salewicz, Mr. Lafrenière and Ms. Gossen, answered questions.

At 12:26 p.m., the committee suspended.

At 12:32 p.m., the committee resumed.

Mr. Tinmaung made a statement and, together with Mr. Khan, answered questions.

Mr. Akhavan made a statement and answered questions.

At 1:26 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the chair.

ATTEST:

Barbara Reynolds
Clerk of the Committee