In a joint statement on Thursday, August 15, three Canadian ministers expressed deep concern over the significant erosion of democracy, human rights, and education in Afghanistan since the Taliban seized power three years ago. The statement was issued by Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, and Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
“It has been 3 years since the Taliban took over Afghanistan. During this time, 2 decades of gains in democracy, human rights and education have eroded in the country and for its people,” the ministers stated. “The treatment of women and girls by the Taliban is nothing short of horrifying. The egregious violations of their human rights have led to severe restrictions on their freedom of movement, dress, and access to education, healthcare, and justice. Women and girls have become prisoners in their own homes and communities, with little hope for a brighter future.”
The ministers highlighted that under Taliban rule, ethnic and religious minorities, as well as other vulnerable groups, continue to face violence and marginalization. They specifically noted the persistent persecution of Hazaras, Ahmadis, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and LGBTQ individuals. “Peaceful demonstrations are met with arbitrary arrests and brutality,” they added, emphasizing that Afghanistan has once again become a haven for terrorist groups, with dire consequences for both regional stability and international security.
Canada, the ministers reaffirmed, has a longstanding tradition of supporting vulnerable populations. Since 2021, the country has provided $243 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, along with $108 million to support basic needs, health services, education, and the empowerment of women and girls. The ministers also noted Canada’s efforts to support human rights defenders in exile and its resettlement of more than 53,600 Afghans, making it the second-largest Afghan resettlement program in the world.
Furthermore, the ministers emphasized Canada’s involvement in the UN-led Doha process, which seeks a political solution for Afghanistan. “We will continue to use this forum to advocate strongly for the reinstatement of full respect for women’s and girls’ rights, and for their meaningful participation in the political process,” they said.
As the situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve, the ministers reaffirmed Canada’s commitment: “We stand by the people of Afghanistan in their fight for a stable, secure, and peaceful Afghanistan where no one lives in fear or under oppression.”
