Like my colleague, I have extensive experience working internationally in many of the worst places in this world. I'm highly honoured to speak on behalf of the Yazidi people and other minority groups. I've visited there three times, and I know what I've seen and observed. I'd like to clarify that we don't represent a sponsorship interest in this. Although we're sympathetic to the situation that they face, and want to speak on behalf of what we've seen on the ground, we're responders, not involved in this end of the equation.
As a Christian organization, Samaritan's Purse Canada recognizes the universally accepted humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. These principles are central to Canadian foreign policy and to all international humanitarian action.
I disagree with some of what I've heard in previous testimony regarding these principles. By definition, humanitarian principles of humanity and impartiality recognize that there are priorities of need that must be directed towards those most vulnerable and most affected. There should be no discrimination in applying these principles, no favouritism or partiality shown. However, once a vulnerability is deemed to be genocide, the discrimination argument disappears because genocide is the worst. It's recognized that way.
On the worldwide spectrum of refugee vulnerability, we see plenty of war crimes and crimes against humanity. That's widespread. Even these terms themselves imply a scale or degree of criminality. What we've personally observed and what is unique with the Yazidis is this term “genocide”. Arguably, this merits the Government of Canada's highest priority on all levels, including immigration. Yes, some refugee groups are more vulnerable than others. This is irrefutable when there is genocide.
How should Canada respond? The brief that we've provided outlines four recommendations in detail.
In summary, we recommend that the government accelerate and prioritize the Yazidi refugee process, including the internally displaced.
Second, we recommend that Canada prepare a specifically designed support for Yazidi refugees who've experienced a variety of genocide traumas and will need special care when they arrive here in Canada.
Third, we recommend that Yazidi refugees who have left Syria and Iraq, yet remain in the region in places like Turkey, be identified as the most vulnerable and be the first priority.
Finally, we recommend that the recommendations contained in the United Nations Human Rights Council's report on Yazidi genocide be enacted by the entire Government of Canada. It speaks to many aspects other than immigration.
I'd like to thank you for this opportunity and welcome questions.