As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That the Government of Canada attempt to compel online platforms to collect and make data publicly available about instances of harassment and promoting violence against journalists and other human rights defenders and information regarding how those cases have been addressed.

Recommendation 2

That the Government of Canada grant Raif Badawi Canadian citizenship and reunite him with his family in Canada.

Recommendation 3

That the Government of Canada call on the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Media Freedom Coalition to investigate Dawit Isaak’s case and mount an international pressure campaign calling for his immediate release.

Recommendation 4

That the Government of Canada engage its international partners to impose coordinated Magnitsky sanctions under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Magnitsky Act) on senior Eritrean officials involved in rights violations against Dawit Isaak and his colleagues.

Recommendation 5

That the Government of Canada form an international coalition of like-minded countries to raise awareness and secure the release of imprisoned journalists and other human rights defenders around the globe. The Government of Canada should also mandate its diplomatic personnel to work with families and civil society organizations to coordinate advocacy efforts for the release of imprisoned journalists and other human rights defenders. Where possible, the Government of Canada should also direct diplomatic personnel to insist on meeting with imprisoned journalists and other human rights defenders to amplify their voices.

Recommendation 6

That the Government of Canada increase efforts to support journalists and other human rights defenders by taking concrete measures against governments that violate their rights. This includes working with like-minded nations to impose coordinated sanctions under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Magnitsky Act) on responsible officials and, in the most serious cases, referring violations to the International Criminal Court. The Government of Canada should use every opportunity in international fora to condemn countries violating the rights of journalists and other human rights defenders—whether or not they are allies.

Recommendation 7

The Government of Canada impose sanctions under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Magnitsky Act) against Hong Kong officials responsible for violating the human rights of Hong Kong journalists and other human rights defenders through the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Recommendation 8

That the Government of Canada work with international allies and support international efforts to establish and train independent judiciaries to better handle cases concerning journalists and other human rights defenders. In doing so, the Government of Canada should also advocate for greater transparency of judicial proceedings concerning journalists and other human rights defenders.

Recommendation 9

That the Government of Canada support media literacy efforts in Canada and across the globe. Additionally, the Government of Canada should increase its international development budget towards supporting media development, part of which should include training for journalists to expose disinformation campaigns and human rights violations.

Recommendation 10

That the Government of Canada ensure that the freedom press centre in Ukraine is well‑equipped with bulletproof vests, flak jackets, helmets, tourniquets and first aid kits to help protect journalists working in the conflict.

Recommendation 11

That the Government of Canada increase the number of spaces available in its dedicated refugee stream for human rights defenders at risk, including for journalists and other media professionals.

Recommendation 12

That the Government of Canada appoint a special envoy for human rights defenders detained abroad who will work to raise awareness and advocate for their freedom.