Madam Speaker, next I would like to table a petition regarding the human rights situation in Eritrea, as well as implications for foreign interference here in Canada. Petitioners observe that Eritrea has been ruled by an authoritarian, brutal dictator under a totalitarian system for the last 30 years with no constitution, no elections, no parliament, no freedom of the press, and no freedom of movement and association. It has been called the North Korea of Africa. Many Eritreans have been forced to flee and have sought asylum in various places. There is now a large, very productive and well-respected Eritrean community here in Canada.
The Eritrean community in Canada continues to be concerned about the long arm of the oppressive Eritrean government and threats of foreign interference that affect even people living in Canada. Petitioners therefore call on the House and the government to strengthen engagement with Eritrean political and human rights activists and pro-democracy groups, to take a stronger role opposing the Eritrean government's human rights abuses and support for Russia's neocolonial agenda in Africa. Petitioners also want to see additional steps to ensure that agents of the Eritrean government are not able to come to Canada and engage in political interference here.
Petitioners are also calling for the release of a number of political prisoners in Eritrea, including Swedish Eritrean journalist Dawit Isaak and 11 imprisoned Eritrean parliamentarians. They are also calling for strengthened sanctions against human rights abusers in Eritrea.