Mr. Chair, first of all, I want to thank and commend the two witnesses today for their extremely important testimony. It's very important for this subcommittee.
I feel very privileged, as well, because as a jurist specializing in international law and international human rights law, these are issues that I've dealt with my entire life, so thank you for that testimony.
I would like to ask Mr. Shaheed some questions.
I know the very important universal periodic review mechanisms at the United Nations are important for the kinds of issues that we deal with. Having participated in those different mechanisms over the years, for 23 years, as a matter of fact, I know very well the halls of the Palais des Nations in Geneva. I know their relative influence sometimes on the member states that are being reported on. I know the limited possibilities of the conclusions and recommendations being actually implemented by the member states.
How important is it still to pursue those mechanisms?
I know Canada has been introducing resolutions to the UN every year condemning the human rights violations in Iran. How important are these initiatives for a country like Iran, and situations in Iran?