It has been an honour and a privilege to serve in the Senate of Canada
Senator Ratna Omidvar welcomed Tjorven Bellmann and Matthias Lüttenberg to their new posts.
human rights
News Release: Senators Call for Release of Jimmy Lai, Hero for Hong Kong Democracy
The Senate adopted a motion jointly introduced by members of each group calling on Hong Kong authorities to release peaceful pro-democracy campaigner and publisher Jimmy Lai.
News Release: Majority of Canadians Support Seizing the Canadian-Held Assets of of Russia and Iran to Assist Victims, Poll Shows
The poll was commissioned jointly by independent senators Donna Dasko and Ratna Omidvar.
Panel Discussion: The Evolving Situation in Afghanistan and Canada’s Role
Senator Omidvar joined the Canadian International Council’s Toronto Branch to discuss the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan.
Russian Political Prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza Should Receive Honorary Canadian Citizenship
Senator Omidvar spoke in support of the motion that the Senate bestow the title “honorary Canadian citizen” on Vladimir Kara-Murza and call for his immediate release.
Is the Government Working with Regional Partners to Protect LGBTQ2+ People in Uganda?
Senator Omidvar asked Senator Gold if the government will consider a special refugee program that goes beyond the existing numbers of the current immigration plan.
MPs say Russian Activist Vladimir Kara-Murza Should be Given Honorary Citizenship
In this excerpt from The Canadian Press, Senator Omidvar calls for Russian political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza to be granted honorary Canadian citizenship.
Press Release: All Party Group Calls for Honorary Canadian Citizenship for Detained Russian Dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza
Senator Omidvar hosted a press conference with Irwin Cotler and the Co-Chairs of the All-Party Caucus for Freedom for Vladimir Kara-Murza.
WATCH: The Inaugural Virtual Meeting of the Canadian Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group for a Free Iran
Senator Omidvar and MP Ehsassi were joined by an esteemed panel of guests, including Irwin Cotler, Farrokh Zandi, Hadi Ghaemi, and Nazanin Afshin-Jam.
Will the Government Seize and Repurpose the Assets of Sanctioned Iranians? And Why Hasn’t the IRGC Been Designated as a Terrorist Group?
Senator Omidvar asked Senator Gold if the government will seize the assets of sanctioned Iranians, while Senator Miville-Dechêne asked why the IRGC hasn't been designated as a terrorist group.