The Canadian government can help us by using its diplomacy to convince its western partners, whether they be European or American, to harden their position toward Mauritania by stating that the military and economic assistance and co-operation they provide to Mauritania are conditional on its efforts to respect human rights, end slavery, stop its persecution of, lift restrictions on, and put an end to the harassment and imprisonment of human rights advocates and anti-slavery activists.
The Canadian government itself can also help us exfiltrate activists and individuals who are very much in danger in Mauritania and provide them with compassionate asylum here. Here these people would be safe and would be able to study and make their contribution to the struggle through international forums and organizations. Many officials in Mauritania experience nothing but prison and repression. They can be of great use to us by leaving Mauritania and coming here and taking training in a climate of peace.
Families, and thus children and women as well, are very much in danger and suffer under police actions. The families of activists are targeted. Members of certain families have been attacked, tortured, and seriously injured by police on numerous occasions. It is the families that suffer the consequences. Every time the government has a problem with our organization, it starts by punishing our families.
Canada is a big country, a land of welcome for endangered populations around the world. It is extremely important that those persons in danger, particularly women, children, and certain activists, be able to come here with your assistance. It is especially important that active members of our organization be able to take university training here, human rights training of all kinds, and to enhance their ability to act. This is important in developing our movement and expanding its scope and activity in Mauritania.