I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 63 of the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Today is the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, capable of the best and the worst, but we must not give in to the temptation to be cynical when faced with the disgusting spectacle of the affairs of nations in recent times. Human history requires that we forget that the inconceivable is conceivable, for both individuals and masses. Advancing human rights will continue to depend on gradually building mutual trust between nations and the work of non-state actors. It will be achieved over time through regular co‑operation among them.
On a small scale, little victories occur in the macabre dance of human incomprehension and ignorance. Let's celebrate the work of our subcommittee, which has, over the years, been able to offer these small victories to various causes that exist in the shadows. We are bringing some humanity to places that really need it.
I want to thank my colleagues for their work and for their efforts to stand together to improve the human condition and support the universality of human rights.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on September 24, 2024, the subcommittee is resuming its study of patterns of forced migration in different regions of the world.
I'd like to welcome the witnesses. We have with us, as an individual, Napas Thein, research fellow. From the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, we have Alice Baillat, policy adviser, by video conference.
Each witness will have up to five minutes for their opening remarks, after which we will proceed with a round of questions.
We'll start with you, Mr. Thein.
I invite you to take the floor for five minutes.