It was agreed, — That one meeting be dedicated to an update on the current situation in Ethiopia, including the situation in Tigray Regional State.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the subcommittee hold one meeting on the reintroduction of Georgia’s ruling party’s draft law on foreign agents, a law that designates non-governmental organisations and independent media outlets with 20 percent of their total funding sourced from abroad, as operatives of a foreign government and be monitored and investigated by the Ministry of Justice; that the subcommittee invite to appear any witnesses it deems relevant; and that the subcommittee issue a press release following the study.

ORDERED, — That the analysts prepare a briefing note on the women human rights defenders award to be distributed to subcommittee members.

It was agreed, — That the subcommittee prioritize the following studies to be undertaken before the House rises in June 2024: Georgia’s draft law on foreign agents; current human rights situation in Iran; and, current situation in Ethiopia.

At 4:30 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:36 p.m., the sitting resumed.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), recognizing that mental health is a universal human right; that almost all people affected by emergencies will experience psychological distress; that people with severe mental disorders are especially vulnerable during emergencies and need access to mental health care and other basic needs; that children exposed to conflict, natural disasters and other humanitarian crises can suffer severe psychological and social consequences; and that mental health and psycho-social support (MHPSS) in emergency settings are often underfunded, the subcommittee undertake a study on mental health in emergencies, including conflict and disasters;

That such a study examine: (i) Canada’s support for mental health in its humanitarian and development assistance; (ii) unmet needs in mental health services in global humanitarian emergencies; (iii) best practices in MHPSS in emergency settings;

That such a study hear from human rights, health and humanitarian experts working on mental health in emergencies, as well as officials from Global Affairs Canada; and

That it consist of a minimum of two meetings.

At 4:50 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:59 p.m., the sitting resumed.

The subcommittee resumed consideration of a draft report.

At 5:17 p.m., pursuant to Standing Order 115(5), it was agreed that the subcommittee continue to sit.

The subcommittee resumed consideration of a draft report.