Mr. Speaker, the Rwanda situation has opened the eyes of many across the world to the incredible obstacles that the international community must face in the days to come.
The civil war in Rwanda is certainly of incredible concern to Canada. Our leadership role in international relief demonstrates our deep concern for the peoples of the world.
Unfortunately we have witnessed the civil war become ten times worse in only the last few weeks. The estimated casualties have ranged from 500,000 dead, 500,000 wounded and two million refugees. The largest refugee camp in the world now exists in Tanzania where over 300,000 refugees are taking shelter from the massacres in Rwanda.
The inability of the factions in Rwandan society to settle their differences and establish effective government is no longer an issue facing Rwanda alone, nor is it an issue solely for Africa. Rather, it is an issue for the international community and we must step up and face it.
To some degree we have done this. Nearly every major world relief organization is operating either in Rwanda or in the neighbouring countries in order to assist the hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing from this area.
We have great respect for the individuals from all over the world who are there doing what they can to make a difference in this war torn place.
We also hold in high esteem Canadians who operate the only flights going into Kigali. I can accurately say that we are all proud of the role Canada plays in relieving international tensions and handling international traumas.
The position of CIDA on the forefront of this situation is highly respected and appreciated by many in the international community. A comprehensive understanding of the role Canada is playing requires the study of our goals and methods in this region.
It is clear that we all desire to see a country that could be united with political and economic stability.
We must play a role in foreign countries. However, we must make the decision making process much more transparent. We cannot operate in an ad hoc arrangement and Canadians are demanding accountability when it comes to our decisions on programs like this, particularly with regard to aid.
It is hard for me to really understand what is happening in Rwanda, as I was fortunate enough to visit this country; a rich country in terms of its natural scenery, its wild animals and, yes, its people. I will always remember those market scenes of people smiling and happy, trading their goods, everybody with a baby on their back. It is difficult to understand how that could change. I guess it really demonstrates how fragile all democracies or all types of situations are.
In summary, I would applaud the statements that the secretary of state made. However, I would ask that we always remember the accountability. We must provide the criteria so that the people of Canada understand what we are doing in such aid projects as this.