March 16, 2011
OTTAWA – Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West and Liberal Party Multiculturalism Critic, travelled to Washington, DC this week to meet with members of the United States House of Representatives. Mr. Oliphant, a strong defender of human rights around the world, has been working to raise the issue of human rights in Vietnam in the House of Commons.
Earlier this month, Mr. Oliphant introduced a motion at the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights calling on the committee to conduct a study into the human rights situation in Vietnam. The study would focus on the ongoing repression and detention of activists and dissidents; restrictions on freedom of expression, association and assembly; limitations and restrictions on access to the internet; restrictions on free speech and peaceful civil society; and opposition to the government and its policies. The committee voted to support Mr. Oliphant’s motion.
In Washington, Mr. Oliphant met with Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Congressman Chris Smith, Congressman Frank Wolf, Congresswoman Susan Davis, and staff from the office of Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. In addition, he met with members of the U.S. Viet Tan (Reform) Party and members of the Democratic Party of Vietnam from a variety of U.S. States who were in Washington for the week. “I am eager to have the opportunity to meet with my American counterparts, to discuss how we can work together to continue raising the issues surrounding human rights in Vietnam,” Oliphant said. “It is my hope that these meetings will serve as the foundation for a continued relationship between American Members of Congress and Canadian Members of Parliament, working on these and other issues pertaining to international human rights,” Oliphant concluded.
Contact:
Noah Farber
Office of Rob Oliphant, M.P.
613-992-2855
