It being 3:30, we will call this meeting to order. This is the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, meeting number 8. Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), we are holding a briefing session with Philippe Kirsch, President of the International Criminal Court.
We certainly want to welcome Judge Philippe Kirsch to our committee today. He's going to talk to us about the International Criminal Court and provide us with an update on where the court stands today.
Since 2002, Canada's ICC and accountability campaign, funded by Foreign Affairs' human security program, has provided more than $3 million in funding to support events and projects that promote ratification and implementation of the Rome Statute. It also assists with the effective functioning of the ICC and other international criminal tribunals and it conducts education and outreach on the ICC and other tribunals.
In addition, and at the request of the ICC prosecutor, Canada has made a voluntary contribution of $500,000 to support ICC's investigation in Darfur. It was the first country to make such a pledge.
I understand you have an opening statement today. We've all received it in advance. I invite you to address our committee. At the close of your introductory remarks, we will proceed with questions.
The first round will be a five-minute one. That's five minutes for the questioner and for responses.
Mr. Kirsch, welcome.