I'd be hard pressed to comment specifically on the benefits of having an embassy. I would instead go back to what I said earlier about connecting with communities in exile, to obtain intelligence, and connecting with communities in the actual countries.
Canada has a role to play in supporting human rights defenders once they are out, sometimes just across the border. For example, in Central America, there are a lot of activists in Costa Rica right now. They are doing their work from there. We don't yet have the mechanisms to properly support, equip and communicate with these activists in exile.
Therefore, I would encourage Global Affairs Canada to look at ways to develop trans-border programs. Right now, most programs are launched based on a country's specific needs.
There are offices overseeing bilateral cooperation, and we have a long-term program there. We don't have that flexibility, and I feel it's a way to not only support the movements, but also to obtain intelligence on what's going on inside through these activists.