Local Member of Parliament John Weston, who was among a delegation that paid a visit to Iraq last week, came away with the impression that despite the human rights concerns that remain in the country, Iraqi leaders appear receptive to internal and international efforts to improve that record.
"The most surprising aspect of the trip was the degree to which senior Iraqi authorities opened the door to discussion of freedom of conscience," Weston, the MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, said in a statement issued on Monday (Sept. 19), the first day of the new parliamentary session.
"Other freedoms typically follow freedom of conscience. Iraq suffers from a denial of basic freedoms, the security situation remains perilous, and factional conflict creates fear and distrust. But Canada's economic aid, its peaceful approach to engaging Iraqis, and the large number of refugees welcomed to our shores in recent years have made Iraqi leaders receptive to our message on human rights. They also open the door to greater commercial, diplomatic, and political engagement," Weston said.
Weston accompanied Rev. Majed El Shafie of the Canadian international human rights organization One Free World International (OFWI) as an observer on the human rights mission last week. OFWI, which paid for the trip, focuses on securing the rights of religious minorities around the world, without regard to religion or creed. Ontario Sen. Don Meredith also participated.
The group's mandate was to discuss human rights violations in Iraq, to open bridges of communication with Canada, to meet Iraqi refugees and speak to the victims of the October 2010 attack on the Church of Our Lady of Salvation in Baghdad, which left 52 dead.
The group met with Iraq's vice president, vice prime minister, minister of human rights, minister of the environment and the head of Iraq's Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs.
"While the country presents significant opportunities to promote human rights and economic development, Iraq is still a politically-turbulent and dangerous place, and travelers should be sure to make comprehensive security provisions," Weston said. "I feel honoured to have visited Iraq, and fortunate to have returned safely."
