Madam Chair, on the issue of the DRC, again, the argument that we're making is that there has been no change in policy and there has been no change in words. With regard to DRC, for example, the minister issued a press statement only on February 25 in which the minister states very clearly, “Canada encourages the Government of the DRC to pursue its efforts to ensure that individuals who commit major violations of international humanitarian law and human rights are held accountable for their actions”.
On December 16, our ambassador to the United Nations, in a speech that was approved by the minister's office, made exactly the same statement with regard to the use of sexual violence:
Canada welcomes the jurisprudence of international courts and tribunals that confirms that rape and sexual violence can be war crimes and crimes against humanity. Individuals responsible for these crimes must be brought to justice.