I call this meeting to order.
Welcome, everyone, to meeting number 17 of the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the subcommittee on Monday, January 26, 2026, the subcommittee is meeting as part of its study on the current situation of defenders of human rights and democracy around the world.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room and remotely using the Zoom application.
I would like to make a few comments for the benefit of the witnesses and members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mic, and please mute yourself when you are not speaking.
For those on Zoom, at the bottom of your screen you can select the appropriate channel for interpretation—floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel.
I'll remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
I would now like to welcome the witnesses.
As an individual, I have Mozn Hassan, head of the board for Nazra for Feminist Studies. She is with us by video conference.
I also have Mr. Omaid Sharifi, president of ArtLords, also by video conference.
From Equitas international centre for human rights education, we have Madame Odette McCarthy, executive director, and Mr. Gerardo Ducos, senior manager in impact and accountability.
From Resilient Societies, we have Abdoulaye Bah, fellow, and Ghazaal Habibyar, human rights advocate.
From UN Watch, we have Hillel Neuer, executive director, also by video conference.
Welcome to you all. I would like to give every one of you five minutes for an introduction. I appeal to you to respect the time, please.
I would like to start by inviting Mozn Hassan to take the floor for five minutes.
The floor is yours, Madame Hassan.