Good afternoon, members of the committee.
Being born and raised in Canada, a nation that prides itself on freedom and equality, I did not find it easy to grasp the complete concept of what it means to be a stateless person. Now, as a firsthand witness of this tragic disregard for human rights, I would describe the effects of statelessness as much, much more than destitution. To be stateless is to be stripped of your sense of belonging and to be exposed to a complete lack of options.
While in the Philippines, I witnessed impoverished Vietnamese as targets of discrimination, bribery, and violent crimes, yet they were unable to turn to the local authorities for fear of arbitrary arrest and denial of equal protection in front of the law. I spoke to countless hardworking men and women imprisoned for selling goods on the street, even though it was their only method of survival. As stateless persons, they are denied the right to legal employment. I met children and became friends with young adults just like myself, yearning to learn and go to school, yet denied a right to further education.
I urge you to turn to section 10 of the booklet in front of you and put faces to the 188 people we have mentioned. They are real people. Notice the families and the children.
I have been on the ground in the Philippines. I have volunteered my time, but there is only so much I can do. However, you have the power to do much more. Let's come together and do the right thing. We can give these 188 remaining stateless faces recognition, nationality, and a future.
Thank you.