Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  So you're asking whether Canada should reach out to the elected officials?

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I think that's really a decision for the government to take. I understand that it's quite normal to reach out and congratulate elected officials in other countries. I don't know, Deborah, if you want to add to that.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Certainly, one avenue is through the parliamentary association. Also, engaging Sri Lanka on issues that as Commonwealth members we all ascribe to in terms of democracy, rule of law, etc., would be the way to try to engage. We're seeing that culture of impunity now that's a real c

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Thank you for raising the situation of women in Sri Lanka. This is an area of concern. We know that 52% of the population is female, yet only 6% of the government members are female. This is a very wide discrepancy. Of course, we know what kind of impact the greater participation

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I think our first recommendation would be for the Sri Lankan government to set up its own commission, an internal commission, and I believe that recommendation has been made. In order for an international commission to go into Sri Lanka, they would have to be invited by the elect

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  As I indicated earlier in my response to a similar question from Mr. Cotler, in many countries there are groups of parliamentarians who have contacts with Canadian parliamentarians or parliamentary associations and friendship associations. I'm not aware of one with Sri Lanka but

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Of course, that would be up to the government to decide. Should there be a decision to promote that visit then certainly you can count on the officials to provide support on the ground.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Canada has engaged in some demining activities, but I don't have exact details here. I don't know whether any of my colleagues do. We'll have to get back to you. I know Canada has contributed to that through our demining efforts.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I can't tell you but I will get that.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  We'll take your question and get back to the committee with an update on where that stands.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Absolutely.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I think the 2009 resolution came right on the heels of the peace agreement. I think it would be normal for the Human Rights Council to welcome the peace accord. In later resolutions, however, in later sessions of the Human Rights Council, it would be normal for the council to loo

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  To the extent that there are any parliamentary associations with Sri Lanka, people to people is always a good way to engage and to influence thinking. So to the extent to which parliamentarians are able to visit Sri Lanka or have contacts with parliamentary associations in Sir La

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  That's a good question. What we've seen is quite a bit of inflation. Purchasing power is diminished. The price of commodities is going up, and so the pressure on households has been difficult. The IMF has refused another loan to Sri Lanka because they feel that it would be used t

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  If I can just add, there is also a UN country team on the ground.