Afghanistan: UN expert urges Canada to stand firm on commitment to human rights of Afghans

OTTAWA - The Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan has urged Canada to continue to insist on improvements in the human rights situation of Afghans living under Taliban rule.

“I had the privilege of meeting inspiring Afghans in Toronto and Ottawa, including recently resettled refugees, activists, and journalists, many of whom shared their experiences of discrimination and oppression under the Taliban, said Richard Bennett after a six-day mission to Canada. “I heard from young women and ethnic minorities like Hazaras, Uzbeks and Turkmen about the brutal treatment their communities face, in the absence of a coherent international strategy to address the worsening human rights situation in the country.”

In a longer statement,  the Special Rapporteur commended Canada for standing firm in its decision that normalisation of the Taliban should be contingent on verified human rights improvements, especially for women and girls.

“I commend the Government of Canada for taking an important first step, alongside three other States, to hold Afghanistan accountable for its violations of international obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and urge other nations to join this effort,” he said.

While he thanked Canada for welcoming more than 50,000 Afghans since August 2021, the Special Rapporteur emphasised that there is an ongoing need for international protection as the human rights situation deteriorates.

Recognising that neighbouring countries host the majority of Afghan refugees; he also called on Canada to take a leadership role in supporting them while advocating for safe pathways for at-risk Afghans seeking refuge farther afield.

“Canada and its people have been a vital donor to and supporter of Afghanistan for more than two decades. However, while the humanitarian crisis continues, international support — including Canada’s — has begun to dwindle. I encourage Canada to sustain its commitment to lifesaving and basic human needs initiatives, while ensuring that the principle of avoiding support to organisations designated terrorist is adhered to. It is imperative that compliance processes do not inadvertently hinder organisations working to support human rights, feminist and humanitarian efforts on the ground,” Bennett said.

“I am grateful to the Government of Canada for facilitating my meetings with key officials, including Ambassador David Sproule, the Special Representative for Afghanistan, as well as other representatives from Global Affairs Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and members of Parliament, academia and Canadian-based international organisations,” Bennett said.