Good afternoon, everyone. I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 60 of the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. All witnesses have completed the required connection tests in advance of the meeting.
I'd like to remind participants of the following points. Participants must wait until I recognize them by name before speaking. All comments should be addressed through the chair. I would like to ask committee members to raise their hand if they wish to speak, whether they're in the room or participating through Zoom. The subcommittee clerk and I will do our best to maintain the speaking order.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the subcommittee on September 24, 2024, the committee is beginning its study of transnational repression in developing democracies.
I'd like to issue a friendly reminder to my esteemed colleagues and the witnesses that, as the title of our study states, it focuses specifically on international issues, not national ones.
I'd like to welcome the witnesses.
We have with us Uma Ruthiramoorthy, a legal volunteer with Tamil Rights Group, who is taking part in the meeting in person.
We also have Frances Hui, a policy and advocacy coordinator with The Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation.
You will each have a maximum of five minutes for your opening remarks. Then we'll open the floor to questions.
Welcome, Ms. Ruthiramoorthy. I invite you to make your opening remarks of up to five minutes.
The floor is yours.