KAMLOOPS – Federal NDP candidate Bill Sundhu is traveling to Tunisia, working to promote democracy and human rights, as part of a select international working group operating through the Human Rights Section of the International Bar Association.
The North African country of approximately 11 million people has undergone rapid change since street protests first began in late 2010. Presidential and parliamentary elections are set for later this month and November.
“The country has moved quickly from a one-party state toward a more democratic constitutional government with an interim coalition.” said Sundhu. “This is my second such trip to Tunisia and my visit will focus on helping them establish an independent judiciary, rule of law, and a fully implemented constitution.”
“The people of Tunisia have been part of what is often referred to as the ‘Arab Spring’ and they are eager to hold full political and human rights under a democratically elected government” said Sundhu. “Canada used to be a world leader in supporting these efforts to establish rule of law and democratic governance, before Prime Minister Harper tarnished our international reputation, with bellicose rhetoric and militarized our involvement in foreign affairs”.
Sundhu has been critical of Harper’s rush to establish a combat role for Canada in Iraq, without combining it with proper emphasis on humanitarian aid, diplomacy and a long-term strategy for the mission and stability in the region.
