New Democrats call for committee inquiry into crisis at Rights & Democracy

OTTAWA – An international backlash against Conservative meddling at Rights and Democracy is yet another reason to conduct an inquiry into the crisis at the organization, says New Democrat Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar.

“The international community is condemning the Conservative government for trying to infect Rights and Democracy with its ideology,” says Dewar. “This is a devastating blow to Canada’s reputation on the international stage – it’s time for parliament to take action.”

In an op-ed printed today, Sima Samar, chair of Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission, writes “Sadly, this is not the glorious image of the tolerant and fair Canada that inspires us in Afghanistan. This is a denial of rights and democracy, and the destruction of a great Canadian institution.”

“Ms. Samar’s observations are deeply troubling to Canadians,” says Dewar. “Her concerns are expressed only days after the International Federation for Human Rights denounced the Conservatives’ meddling in the organization.”

Dewar’s motion could be debated and adopted at the Foreign Affairs committee this week. Text of the motion follows:

That the Committee study the situation at the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development (Rights & Democracy) and report its findings and recommendations to the House of Commons.