The Liberal Party of Canada is calling on the government to appoint an independent administrator to deal with the crisis of confidence and governance of the well-respected Rights and Democracy organization.
“We need to get to the bottom of what’s happening at Rights and Democracy,” said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff. “Something very serious is happening when the entire staff of a reputable human rights organization is in open revolt against a number of Conservative appointees to their board.”
“It is extremely troubling to see Rights and Democracy – an internationally-recognized, non-partisan organization – being discredited after decades of work promoting human and democratic rights around the world,” said Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic Bob Rae, commenting from Nepal while attending a conference on constitutional issues.
After the sudden and tragic death of Rights and Democracy President Rémy Beauregard last week, 47 employees of the organization signed a letter calling for the resignation of three Harper-appointed board members who have severely harmed the effectiveness of the organization. Rights and Democracy was created by a unanimous act of Parliament in 1988.
“The Conservative government has tried to undermine the Rights and Democracy organization with partisan appointments and now the organization’s credibility and ability to function is in serious doubt,” said Mr. Rae. “The government needs to address the internal chaos that they have created within Rights and Democracy.”
Mr. Rae also expressed his concern for three Rights and Democracy workers who are missing and unaccounted for in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake.
“At times of crisis like this, Rights and Democracy needs internal leadership. The Conservatives need to act now to permit this organization to perform its important duties around the world. Canada’s international credibility is at stake,” Mr. Rae concluded.
