Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I also want to thank the witnesses for being here, for making a very compelling argument, not just about what is taking place in Uganda. I think all of us would agree that we're appalled by some of the legislation they're bringing forward and also the punitive legislation that is in place against gays and lesbians.
It is unfortunate that in this century there are still so many countries around the world where just being yourself, being gay and being lesbian, means you are also designated a criminal and could be subject to punishment under their various legal codes.
I think what was important about your presentation—and I want us to maybe have a further discussion about this—is that you brought home to Canada that it is not just about what is taking place in Uganda; it is about what Canada and the Canadian government can do to assist those who are fleeing persecution for being gay.
One of the things that maybe we as a committee could be doing as well is seeing if we can advocate for you with the IRB and also with the Minister of Citizenship to make sure that those who are fleeing are given a full, proper hearing, but also are given due consideration given the fact that the situation in Uganda is quite dire for gays and lesbians.
I know that Minister Kenney has also been working very closely with the gays and lesbians fleeing Iran and going through Turkey, especially the ones who have been designated as refugees who have been given passage to come to Canada, and we're very pleased with that.
I think this situation is just as bad, if not worse. The federal government and all of us need to do whatever we can to assist in bringing to Canada those who are fleeing persecution and have them recognized as legitimate refugees.
I'm wondering if you can briefly talk about two things. One, are there any organizations, any partners, we can work with in Uganda that can maybe facilitate us in helping us process the refugees to come to Canada? And two, have you been in discussions with other organizations, such as the one I mentioned that deals with bringing to Canada Iranians who are fleeing persecution?