I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number seven 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), the subcommittee is meeting to study the situation of 2SLGBTQ+ people from Uganda.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are participating 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 would remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
Before we welcome our witnesses, I would like to provide this trigger warning. We will be discussing experiences related to violence. This may be triggering to viewers. If any participants feel distressed or need help, please advise the clerk. For all witnesses and for all members of Parliament, it's important to recognize that these are very difficult discussions. I know we'll all be compassionate in our conversation.
I would now like to welcome the witnesses.
As an individual, we have Mr. Paul Kanyamu, registered nursing assistant. Joining us by video conference, we have Mr. Nicholas Opiyo, founder and former executive director, Chapter Four Uganda. Also joining us by video conference, from DefendDefenders, we have Hassan Shire, executive director, East and Horn of Africa human rights defenders project. From Rainbow Railroad, we have Madame Rabab Al-Khatib, deputy head of programs; and Mr. Dennis Wamala, program officer, resettlement.
We welcome all the witnesses. Thanks for being with us.
I would like to give every one of you five minutes for your introduction and presentation. Please try to respect the time. Thank you.
We will start with Mr. Paul Kanyamu.
Mr. Kanyamu, the floor is yours.