Evidence of meeting #27 for Subcommittee on International Human Rights in the 40th Parliament, 3rd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was tanzania.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
David Sweet Conservative Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale, ON
For the clerk to revise it and bring it back to the committee.
Conservative
Conservative
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Scott Reid
Okay, good. We'll do that.
That leaves you with still two minutes, Mr. Sweet.
Conservative
David Sweet Conservative Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale, ON
No, that's fine, Mr. Chairman.
Again, thank you to Mr. Ash for all the great work that he and Under the Same Sun do.
Bloc
Johanne Deschamps Bloc Laurentides—Labelle, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I have one last question, Mr. Ash. During your visit to Tanzania, how were your actions and your presence seen not only by persons with albinism, but also by the general population? Was your presence possibly disruptive to the Tanzanian government because of the actions you took and the crimes you exposed?
Founder and President, Under the Same Sun
The reaction to my presence is for the most part quite welcome. The people in the albinism community are absolutely thrilled every time I and my team arrive in Tanzania.
I remember the very first time I arrived there, about two years ago. There were tears rolling down the faces of most people with albinism. They were suffering, and they were alone. They didn't think anybody in the world knew about their plight or cared about them.
I need the committee to understand that I have a very personal connection to this. Although I'm not Tanzanian and I'm not African, these people and I share the same genetic code. When I would come over, look them in the eye, and say, “I'm your brother”, they would get it. The fact that a person with albinism would take the effort to fly halfway around the globe, look them in the eye, hold their hand, and hear their stories meant a lot to them. I have tens of thousands of brothers and sisters in that country who celebrate my arrival.
With respect to the government, the reaction is mixed. Some are pleased to greet me and are cordial and kind. Somehow I get the doors of power opened to me every time I show up. Whether it be the Prime Minister, the chief justice, or cabinet ministers, they all take my calls and meet me. I think to some degree that's because of international media pressure and international governmental pressure. They want to be seen to be doing something. They want the media coverage. They know that the media are following me everywhere, and if they turn down my invitation to talk to me, that will be noted in the local media and it won't look good for them.
So most politicians are kind and polite and listen to me--and then I go home and they don't do as much as they need to do.
Conservative
David Sweet Conservative Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale, ON
Mr. Chair, I think I heard correctly that Madame Deschamps was asking about the Canadian government, but I think the witness answered about the Tanzanian government. I'm not certain. I just want to make sure there's some clarity in that answer.
Founder and President, Under the Same Sun
Did I misunderstand the question? Were you asking about the Canadian government's response?
Bloc
Johanne Deschamps Bloc Laurentides—Labelle, QC
No.
I apologize, Mr. Sweet, but I already asked the question during the first round. This time, I wanted to know how the Tanzanian government reacted.
Given the fact that you also met with Canadian diplomats during your visit to Tanzania, had the diplomats working there already voiced their concerns about, among other things, their poor relations with members of the Tanzanian government and, I would also assume, with the NGOs on site? Were measures taken?
Founder and President, Under the Same Sun
By the Government of Tanzania, or the Government of Canada in Tanzania?
Founder and President, Under the Same Sun
My contacts in Tanzania with respect to the Government of Canada have very much been confined to the High Commissioner.
Tanzania, just for the record, does have its own High Commissioner, Robert Orr. It's not through the embassy in Nairobi. We actually have a High Commission in Tanzania, and Robert Orr is the present High Commissioner. He has been very supportive.
We had an awareness-raising screening of our film last April. It was a big event with a lot of dignitaries, and the keynote speaker was Robert Orr. He has been very helpful and very vocal. I believe in my proposed resolution for the House I actually quote comments from Robert Orr about this.
What we need, though, is to see a stronger partnership than Robert simply making statements. If the government might be able to give some direction to CIDA to perhaps get involved in more concrete support actions, that might also be helpful.
Conservative
NDP
Wayne Marston NDP Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON
Well, it's not going to be so much a question, Mr. Chair, as a comment.
Mr. Ash, I just want to commend you on the individual courage you have. It's not been said in this place at this time, but you are very much at risk when you go to that country, and I'm sure you're well aware of that.
NDP
Wayne Marston NDP Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, ON
I'm not alluding to the government in any way but to the people who would love to sell you. It is such a horrible, horrible thought.
The other thing I took from your commentary here today is how you see yourself and how the people of this country see you as somewhat of--pardon the pun, it's not an intended one--a white knight. You are a person who puts a face to this from another country. The importance and the significance of that here today can't be overstated.
I want to commend Mr. Sweet for moving the acceptance of your resolution. I think it's important that this committee arm you not only with this resolution but also with a strong statement from the committee, aside from that resolution going forward, so that when you meet with government officials you'll be able to hand to them quite directly the commentary from our government and from this committee.
This is something that has to be wiped off the face of the earth. It is so reprehensible. In fact, as I think Madame Deschamps said, it defies understanding and acceptance. You know, committee members here are not that naive, but you struggle with even.... When you look at the pictures that you supplied to us of the child who was mutilated, you say to yourself, “How it is possible that a person, much less a segment of society, can do this?”
So I am really impressed with you, sir, and I just wanted to say so. Thank you very much for your good work.
Founder and President, Under the Same Sun
Thank you.
I have just one question, if I might, on the action of the committee at this point. The recommendation was made earlier to adopt this wording. Am I to understand as well that this would then proceed to the House? What is the mechanism to move this beyond this committee to getting a resolution in the House of Commons? Is that part of the committee's plan?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Scott Reid
Well, the committee would adopt a resolution. That can be publicized. That's, in a sense, as far as it goes. However, any member of the House of Commons can suggest that the House unanimously adopt the resolution. That seems to be the likeliest course to have the House adopt something. Then it is a matter for the House leaders to debate among themselves. They do that sort of thing during in camera sessions, typically on Tuesdays.
Founder and President, Under the Same Sun
My question following on that, then, is that all the members of this committee are presumably members of Parliament: is there someone on this committee who is planning to do that?
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Scott Reid
I think there are a lot of champions on this committee for that. That’s my guess.