Subcommittee on International Human Rights Committee on Feb. 26th, 2019

[Edison Antonio Lanza Robatto]

[Witness spoke in Spanish, interpreted as follows:]

I don't know whether Carlos is available via audio or if I'm alone now.

[Cheryl Hardcastle, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

You're alone now, Mr. Robatto.

[Edison Antonio Lanza Robatto]

[Witness spoke in Spanish, interpreted as follows:]

Yes, I think that the question is very important. Canada has a very important hemispheric role to play throughout the region, specifically in the situation of freedom of expression in Venezuela, as well as in the case of Nicaragua and of Cuba, and in investigative journalism in other countries. It is a very complex situation.

Therefore, to once again put democracy and freedom of expression in the Americas among its priorities would be a very important role that only Canada is in a position to play at this point, as was the case 15 or 20 years ago when Canada was very important for the creation of this very body, the special rapporteur for freedom of expression. Supporting Venezuela in civil society that works on matters of civil expression is crucial for me at this point in time.

There is also an ecosystem of digital media in Venezuela that operates both within Venezuela and outside. These are small websites that are very important for bringing information in this environment of choking of the media ecosystem, which we have discussed. Perhaps there could be a specific program to support digital journalism in Venezuela. This could be very important.

Moreover, I think that this type of meeting—having the Canadian House of Commons hear the situation and document the situation—is very relevant. For this, we are ready to heed your call whenever it may be necessary and to invoke Canadian media not only to cover the humanitarian and political crisis, which is very important, but also to cover the consequences that this is having for journalists and media outlets and to tell Canadians what the restrictions on freedom of speech are in a manner that is more relatable. It would be good for Canadians to hear of the everyday restrictions for people in Venezuela.

[Cheryl Hardcastle, NDP, Windsor—Tecumseh, ON]

It looks like we do have Mr. Correa and Mr. Vivas back on the line.

Did you wish for us to repeat the question? Can you hear us?

[Dr. Carlos Correa]

[Witness spoke in Spanish, interpreted as follows:]

Yes, I can hear you fine.

[The Chair]

We'll give you a few moments to respond either to the earlier question or to this one. If you need us to repeat the question, please just indicate that and we'll do so.

[Dr. Carlos Correa]

[Witness spoke in Spanish, interpreted as follows:]

Yes, as you wish.

[The Chair]

Go ahead and complete what you were going to say when we were cut off earlier.

[Dr. Carlos Correa]

[Witness spoke in Spanish, interpreted as follows:]

We were trying to answer the question related to the risks. Yes, in fact, being a journalist and doing journalism in Venezuela and trying to cover in a manner that is critical or independent, or to defend human rights or in any way to diverge from the state line, has consequences.

I was trying to say in the end that for us, collective action among Venezuelans is very important. We do that through a number of partnerships. Of course, our relationships with international organizations, multilateral organizations and others allow us to continue to do this work and to aim to protect journalism, journalists and all those citizens who wish to express themselves, and to provide information for Venezuelans to communicate.

[The Chair]

Thank you.

We do have an extra few minutes.

For the last three minutes, we'll have Mr. Anderson.

[David Anderson, Conservative, Cypress Hills—Grasslands, SK]

I just have one question. The opposition leader has risen to become the interim president of Venezuela, and more than 50 governments have now recognized him. I'm just wondering if you could talk a little bit about what role non-traditional media outlets have played in this rapid ascendance to this position and for his capacity to be able to do the job.

[Dr. Carlos Correa]

[Witness spoke in Spanish, interpreted as follows:]

This is what I was trying to explain before. First of all, Venezuelan society is undergoing a very difficult, very complex situation.

They began by doing consultations at the local level. These were personal, direct consultations and mobilizations by a number of MPs or deputies of the National Assembly. This was interpersonal contact. This meant that this initial round of consultations was successful, and very quickly, opposition sectors recognized Juan Guaido as a leader. That leadership drove him forward.

Last Saturday, there were 70 public protests throughout the country, in a number of cities. This means that society is finding ways to communicate and express themselves. There is agreement between Juan Guaido's message and the aspirations of the majority of Venezuelan society. That is why he has risen so quickly. It is a movement that is now very expectant to see what will come out of the events in Colombia this weekend.

[The Chair]

Thank you.

Did you want to add to that, Mr. Lanza? We have just one minute left.

[Edison Antonio Lanza Robatto]

[Witness spoke in Spanish, interpreted as follows:]

I also think that, for Venezuelans abroad, it has been very important to see the coverage by international media of this phenomenon embodied by Juan Guaido. This has also cornered the de facto government in Venezuela. Therefore, freedom of expression and freedom of the press are playing a fundamental role, hopefully for a peaceful solution to the situation in Venezuela.

[The Chair]

Thank you very much.

Thank you to our witnesses for your courage, your very informative testimony and your dedication.

Thank you, everybody.

With that, we will adjourn the meeting.