SRID Committee Meeting

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

Meeting No. 21

Wednesday, February 27, 2002

The Sub-Committee on Human Rights and International Development of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade met at 3:46 p.m. this day, in Room 308, West Block, the Chair, Beth Phinney, presiding.

Members of the Sub-Committee present: Colleen Beaumier, Irwin Cotler, Antoine Dubé, Marlene Jennings, Beth Phinney and Svend Robinson.

Acting Members present: Keith Martin for Deepak Obhrai.

In attendance: From the Library of Parliament: James Lee, Research Officer.

Pursuant to the Standing Order 108(2), the Sub-Committee proceeded to consideration of the situation of human rights in Zimbabwe (See Minutes of Proceedings of Wednesday, January 30, 2002).

Antoine Dubé moved, - Strongly condemning Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe’s increasingly flagrant abuse of human rights, and his refusal to uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law with the approach of the Presidential election on 9-10 March 2002;

Recognizing the attempt by the Commonwealth to encourage a change in these policies;

Considering the recent expulsion by the Mugabe regime of the European Union’s Chef de Mission, and the decision of both the European Union and the United States to impose “targeted sanctions” on the Mugabe regime;

Noting that torrential rains in Zimbabwe have exacerbated problems with food supply and famine is now anticipated;

Noting that Non-Governmental Organizations in the field have underlined the need to maintain contact with the Government of Zimbabwe in order to assist in meeting humanitarian needs there;

The Sub-Committee on Human Rights and International Development recommends that the Government of Canada consider immediately sending additional independent Canadian election observers to Zimbabwe.  The government should also grant humanitarian aid to NGOs recognized by Canada and currently working in Zimbabwe in order to help them cope with the anticipated humanitarian crisis.

Should the upcoming interim report of the Commonwealth election observers not reflect sufficient positive change, however, the Sub-Committee recommends that the Government of Canada then:

1)      Call for the immediate suspension of Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth;

2)      Urge the Commonwealth to prevent Mr. Mugabe and senior members of his regime from visiting Commonwealth countries, and take other measures, such as the freezing of assets;

3)      Continue the current Canadian policy of not selling offensive military goods to Zimbabwe, and encourage the Commonwealth and the international community to impose an arms embargo on that country.

4)      Encourage the international community to take appropriate action against Zimbabwe, including through the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

5)      Continue to work with regional allies to address the immediate humanitarian needs of Zimbabweans.

Irwin Cotler moved, - That the motion be amended by adding after the words “assist in meeting humanitarian needs there;” the following:

Noting the work undertaken by Canadian NGO’s to help address the problems in Zimbabwe, including the twinning of Canadian and Zimbabwean legislations;

The question being put on the amendment, it was agreed to.

Keith Martin moved, - That the motion, as amended, be further amended by adding after the words “urge the Commonwealth”, the following: “and other nations”.

The question being put on the amendment, it was agreed to.

Keith Martin moved, - That the motion, as amended, be further amended by adding after the words “freezing of assets” the following: “ of Mr. Mugabe and 19 identified members of his leadership.”

The question being put on the amendment, it was agreed to.

Mr. Dubé moved, - That the motion, as amended, be further amended by adding after the words “election observers to Zimbabwe” the following:  “if conditions permit, and insist on the presence of an adequate number of inspectors.

The question being put on the amendment, it was agreed to.

The question being put on the motion, as amended, it was agreed to.

On motion of Colleen Beaumier, it was agreed,

-         That the resolution be adopted as the Second Report of the Sub-Committee on Human Rights and International Development of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

-         On motion of Irwin Cotler, it was agreed,

-         - That the Chair, Researcher and Clerk be authorized to make such typographical and editorial changes as may be necessary without changing the substance of the Report.

-         On motion of Keith Martin, it was agreed,

-         - That the Chair or her designate be instructed to present the Second Report of the Sub-Committee to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade at the earliest opportunity for its agreement, prior to tabling it in the House of Commons.

-         On motion of Antoine Dubé, it was agreed,

-         - That letters be sent to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of State for Latin America and Africa, and the Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific informing them of the sub-committee’s resolution.

-         On motion of Colleen Beaumier, it was agreed,

-         - That a Press Release be sent outlining the sub-committee’s resolution.

At 4:14 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:19 p.m., the sitting resumed in camera.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Sub-Committee resumed consideration of its study of human rights, development and other matters in Colombia.

The Sub-Committee proceeded to the consideration of options for a draft report on human rights development, on other matters in Colombia.

At 4:56 p.m., the Sub-Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.

Elizabeth B. Kingston
Clerk of the Sub-Committee