Mr. Speaker, the protection of human rights is a universal concern. In this respect Canada has played a respectful role on the international scene.
Often we do not put a face to the issue of human rights. However today the city of Ottawa is graced with the presence of Ajit Singh Bains, retired Chief Justice of the Punjab High Court and the Chair of the Punjab Human Rights Organization. He has also been the victim of many human rights abuses at the hands of the Indian government, including being charged under the notorious Tada law.
Only international public outcry has assured that Justice Bains is able to travel to Canada to make his views known about the conditions in the Punjab.
I hope members will join with me in saluting the efforts of this remarkable man in bringing justice to the people of the Punjab.