OTTAWA — The Canadian government has issued a stark warning to its citizens, urging them to avoid all travel to Afghanistan due to what it described as a “volatile security situation, terrorist attacks, ongoing armed conflict, the risk of kidnapping, arbitrary arrest and detention, the high crime rate, and widespread violations of human rights” by the Taliban authorities.
In a statement released on Thursday, Canadian officials underscored the dangers posed by the deteriorating security landscape in Afghanistan. “If you are in Afghanistan, you should shelter in a safe place and exercise caution if you need to move to a more secure location,” the advisory read. It emphasized that Canadians in Afghanistan are ultimately responsible for their own safety.
The government also noted that the Embassy of Canada in Afghanistan has suspended operations since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, significantly limiting the country’s ability to provide consular assistance. “Our ability to provide consular assistance and other support in this country is extremely limited. If you require consular assistance, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre,” the statement said.
Since the fall of the U.S.-backed Afghan government, Canada has repeatedly condemned the Taliban for what it has called “misogynistic” policies targeting women and girls. Canadian officials have also highlighted the risks posed by Afghanistan’s status as a haven for extremist groups.
According to a United Nations report, Afghanistan is home to more than 20 terrorist organizations, including al-Qaeda. The U.N. has raised alarms about the resurgence of militant groups under the Taliban regime, complicating the security landscape not only within Afghanistan but across the region.
The advisory is the latest in a series of warnings from Western governments about the risks posed to citizens traveling to or remaining in Afghanistan, where human rights abuses and instability continue to mount.
