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Minutes of Proceedings

Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (SDIR)
44th Parliament, 1st Session
Meeting 49
Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 3:33 p.m. to 5:39 p.m.
In Camera
Presiding
Fayçal El-Khoury, Chair (Liberal)

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• Brian Masse (NDP)
Library of Parliament
• Laura Carter, Analyst
• Brendan Naef, Analyst
Committee Business
The subcommittee proceeded to the consideration of matters related to subcommittee business.

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; and

That it consist of a minimum of two meetings.

Situation of the Hazaras in Afghanistan
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the subcommittee on Friday, April 28, 2023, the subcommittee resumed its study of the situation of the Hazaras in Afghanistan.

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.

At 5:39 p.m., the subcommittee adjourned to the call of the Chair.



Danielle Widmer
Clerk of the Subcommittee