Welcome, everybody.
I am very pleased to be here once again for our study on women human rights defenders.
Today we have two witnesses. First, Fernanda Elena San Martin Carrasco is coming to us by video conference from Bolivia. I want to extend the apologies of the committee to you, Ms. San Martin. We understand that your last appearance was cancelled due to the House's continuing overnight. We regret terribly that we weren't able to meet with you when you were here in Ottawa, but we're very pleased that you are with us today by video conference.
We also have today Joshua Cooper from ALQST, an organization that advocates on human rights violations in Saudi Arabia.
Normally, we do these by geographic regions, but because we weren't able to have Ms. San Martin the last time, we have to cover Bolivia and Saudi Arabia in one meeting. My apologies for that. I am sure the committee members will have many questions for you.
As you know, you have 10 minutes to begin your opening remarks.
I would like to invite Ms. San Martin to do her 10-minute opening remarks.
For the committee members, we will have Spanish interpretation, so there may be a delay.