Evidence of meeting #16 for National Defence in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was military.
A recording is available from Parliament.
12:35 p.m.
NDP
Jack Harris NDP St. John's East, NL
You did say earlier in your presentation that some of the leading countries in the world didn't seem to be pushing this idea of the United Nations engaging in the protection of the civilian side over there. Were you thinking of anybody in particular?
12:35 p.m.
Manager, Humanitarian Programs, Humanitarian Unit, Oxfam Canada
The support for the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the number of troops being contributed by the countries with more capacity has declined over the last ten years. It's not only Canada; it's other countries as well. It has not been so radical as Canada pulling out of the UN mission, but that has been the case.
I know that my colleagues in Europe are having conversations with European officials on the European force that's being formed and also with ministries of defence in their own countries about the importance of bringing progressive players with lots of credibility to the peace operations discussion and to the debate on the protection of civilians. That is an increasingly big problem.
12:35 p.m.
NDP
Jack Harris NDP St. John's East, NL
I take it you see the Medak Pocket, even though it was contrary to the operations, as a high point in Canada's action to protect civilians.
12:35 p.m.
Manager, Humanitarian Programs, Humanitarian Unit, Oxfam Canada
I don't know that it was a high point. They were there late. The whole village, and everything, was burnt down. But it was a principled action based on the values of protecting civilians, protecting civilian property, and so on. And once they were there, they were able to protect civilians. They did protect civilians in 1995 during Operation Storm by providing refuge within the UN barracks to those who didn't have any escape and protecting them.
12:35 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Maxime Bernier
Thank you very much.
On behalf of all members, I would like to thank you for your participation, Ms. Vukojevic. I think it was very useful for all the members. Thank you for being with us today.
That will end meeting number 16. I want to thank all members. Have a nice day. Merci.
The meeting is adjourned.