Canada to discuss human rights, respect for diversity and the empowerment of women and girls with President of Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Commission
News Release
November 2, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, today announced they would discuss human rights in Saudi Arabia with Bandar Bin Mohammed Al-Aiban, President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, during his October 31 to November 4, 2016, visit to Canada.
In their meeting on November 2, ministers Bibeau and Hajdu will focus on the importance of women and girls as powerful agents for change.
On November 3, Minister Dion will take the opportunity to further engage Saudi Arabia in an open dialogue on a full range of human rights issues, including on the case of Saudi blogger Raif Badawi.
On the same day, Minister Dion will also host a round table with Canadian human rights and civil society leaders. Mr. Al-Aiban will be a special guest at the round table, during which participants will share their experiences and perspectives related to human rights, inclusion and respect for diversity.
Quotes
“It is through engagement and frank dialogue that universal human rights may progress in the world, including in Saudi Arabia.”
- Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Associated links
Contacts
Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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