Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Congo has never been on any list.
I wanted to draw your attention to the problem of sexual violence against women and children. The Congo believes that Canada should play a leadership role by mobilizing the most powerful Western countries to put an end to the pillage of our natural resources, which is behind all the violence the Congolese people are experiencing, particularly sexual violence against women and children.
Mr. Chairman, we will have meetings and more meetings. CIDA can send its staff to the Congo, in relation to what is going on in two Kivus, but I believe that if Canada, which wields a lot of influence at the UN, does not help us put an end to this war, all the atrocities and sexual violence will continue. I also wanted to let you know that the funding provided by CIDA to the Congo through NGOs, is not benefiting women.