Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
Right off the bat, I would like to make it clear that I am not a big expert in military matters or strategy. But human rights, the rights of women and democracy interest me greatly.
Mr. Manley, in your report, you state that Canada should invest in projects that meet the urgent needs of the Afghan people. In connection with the present mission in Afghanistan, a witness recently told this committee, and I quote: "The priorities and the efforts of the mission seem confused. Everyone has their own priorities." By "everyone", he was speaking of the United Nations, NATO, the United States and Canada. He also asked himself this question: "Are we really in Afghanistan because the Afghans asked us to be there?"
I refer to the questions from the witness because I am also pondering the words of Ms. Malalai Joya, the Afghan parliamentarian who was expelled because of her criticism of, among others, the Afghan government. She claims that the Canadian presence in Afghanistan is changing absolutely nothing in the situation of women in the country. Many Afghan women commit suicide. Just a few days ago, an Afghan woman set herself on fire in front of a court because she could not obtain justice.
Through her website, Ms. Malalai Joya provides information to women's groups here about the situation in Afghanistan. She also says that the great majority of the Afghan population sees Canadian troops as invaders, not as an allied force that is trying to help them. What is your response to that?
Let me conclude by repeating her words: the Canadian presence is changing absolutely nothing in the situation of women in the country.