Evidence of meeting #4 for Subcommittee on International Human Rights in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was rohingya.
A recording is available from Parliament.
1:50 p.m.
Conservative
David Sweet Conservative Flamborough—Glanbrook, ON
Let me change topics, and thank you for your courage.
You mentioned 120 camps for displaced people. Is there any singular leadership to look after the housing and care of the Rohingya in those camps?
1:50 p.m.
As an Individual
In fact, there are some camp leaders appointed by the Myanmar government, but they don't have any power. The situation in all the camps is very bad. A huge number of families share a very small space. They don't have proper water, they don't receive proper food, most of the children are suffering from malnutrition, and most of the elders are suffering from chronic diseases. If they try to go a hospital, their relatives always find them dead. It becomes like a Nazi hospital, so people are now afraid to go there.
In the camps I don't see any systematic management to treat these Rohingya as human beings. It's a mess there.
1:50 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Michael Levitt
Thank you.
We've have a very short amount of time left, but I'm going to give an opportunity to Mr. Saini for a very short question. It has to be short, because we still have an item of business to deal with at the end.
1:50 p.m.
Liberal
Raj Saini Liberal Kitchener Centre, ON
Thank you very much, Mr. Maung, for presenting yourself today.
I have a quick question for you. The last constitution was drafted by the military, and that constitution was put to a referendum. According to reports, 92% of the public accepted that constitution. However, within that constitution, 25% of those seats were guaranteed for the military. Is that true?
1:55 p.m.
Liberal
Raj Saini Liberal Kitchener Centre, ON
It's true.
I'm wondering, now that you have a new government in power and there is going to be tension to some extent between the military and the civilian government, do you not think that now is the time to start changing the constitution again or have another referendum to remove the 25% seat requirement for the military?
1:55 p.m.
As an Individual
Personally, I fully agree with your idea because we don't want to see any unelected member of parliament in the house of parliament because they don't know what they should do.
Members of parliament should be elected according to the 2008 constitution. It's very difficult to amend this. We wish to amend it, but it's totally up to the wishes of the Myanmar military chief, because all MPs in parliament are talking, proposing, and asking questions under the direct instruction of the Myanmar military chief.
If these military MPs are not willing, it's not possible to amend the constitution, because it requires more than 75%.
1:55 p.m.
Liberal
Raj Saini Liberal Kitchener Centre, ON
In your 2008 constitution, from what I understand, certain states, where there was a smaller proportion of ethnic groups, would be given an ethnic minister. Is that something that has been helpful to the states to represent the ethnic minorities, or do you think that's just something the government has done just to appease the people?
1:55 p.m.
As an Individual
Legally, it is helpful. It is a good idea, but the main idea of the previous military regime is to play the divide and rule policy. For example, in Shan State they created many self-administered zones. Since then, they have had a number of arguments in Shan. In some areas it is helpful, but in Shan State, it created more problems.
Appointing ethnic ministers is not so important, in my view. The most important thing is equal treatment for all Myanmar people with one standard. That is more important.
1:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Michael Levitt
Thank you.
I want to echo the sentiments that have been expressed by everybody on this committee. We really thank you for making yourself available today.
Thank you for being a human rights defender and ensuring the plight of the Rohingya is known around the world. This was so important for us to hear directly from you.
Your courage and persistence in being a voice for the Rohingya is incredibly valuable. I thank you for taking the time to testify before us here today.
1:55 p.m.
As an Individual
Thank you so much, Mr. Chair, for giving me a great opportunity to be a witness and testify on the plight of the Rohingya and their human rights issues.
Thank you so much, Mr. Chair.
1:55 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Michael Levitt
Thank you very much.
We're going to go in camera for literally three minutes. We have some budget details to deal with.
[Proceedings continue in camera]