Evidence of meeting #36 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 pakistan.
A recording is available from Parliament.
2 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Scott Reid
At the last meeting, our witness, Reverend El Shafie, gave us a document that we're in the process of getting translated. It indicates that a group of around 25 recent converts from Islam to Christianity--I think I'm right--were suffering from having been arrested, and were facing prosecution and trial.
Are you aware of that? Is it within your power to engage in some form of intervention or protest if that seems appropriate?
2 p.m.
Director, Policy and Advocacy Division, Afghanistan Task Force, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
I'm not personally aware of that particular case. Certainly in terms of Afghanistan signing on to various international covenants and conventions regarding the freedom of choice, freedom of expression, freedom of opinion, freedom of religion....
Oh, I stand corrected; I was not personally aware of it, but my colleague is. That particular case has been raised with officials in Kabul with Afghan officials.
But certainly, yes, indeed we are, because Afghanistan has acceded to various international covenants and conventions. We have that ability, as we do with this action plan as well, in terms of approaching them on their commitments, so holding them to their commitments under their international obligations.
2 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Scott Reid
I see. So the commitments are not merely under the Afghan constitution but under documents and treaties they've signed on to, effectively?
2 p.m.
Director, Policy and Advocacy Division, Afghanistan Task Force, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Exactly--including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but in terms of the covenant on civil and political rights.
2:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Scott Reid
Thank you very much.
Thank you to all of our witnesses for being here today. We are very grateful indeed that you were able to take the time and that so many of you could come and give us such fulsome answers.
Witnesses, you are free to leave, with our thanks.
I do have one item of unrelated committee business that I want to address now with the members of the committee.
[Proceedings continue in camera]