UN Rapporteur Calls on Canada to Uphold Human Rights Advocacy for Afghans Under Taliban Rule

Bennett noted that while Canada has been a vital donor and supporter of Afghanistan for more than two decades, international support has begun to dwindle amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Richard Bennett, the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, has urged Canada to maintain its commitment to improving the human rights situation for Afghans living under Taliban rule. Following a six-day mission to Canada, Bennett expressed his concerns about the alarming human rights violations occurring in Afghanistan, particularly against women, ethnic minorities, and other vulnerable groups.

During his visit, Bennett met with inspiring Afghan refugees, activists, and journalists in Toronto and Ottawa, who shared their harrowing experiences of discrimination and oppression under the Taliban regime. He highlighted the brutal treatment faced by young women and ethnic minorities, including Hazaras, Uzbeks, and Turkmen, stressing the urgent need for a coherent international strategy to address the worsening human rights landscape in Afghanistan.

In his statement, Bennett commended Canada for its stance that any normalization of relations with the Taliban should depend on verifiable improvements in human rights, especially for women and girls. He praised the Canadian government for taking initial steps alongside three other nations to hold Afghanistan accountable for its violations of international obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). He encouraged other countries to join Canada in this effort to foster accountability.

While expressing gratitude for Canada’s welcome of over 50,000 Afghans since August 2021, Bennett emphasized the ongoing need for international protection as the human rights situation continues to deteriorate. He acknowledged that neighbouring countries host the majority of Afghan refugees and called on Canada to assume a leadership role in supporting these nations while advocating for safe pathways for at-risk Afghans seeking refuge abroad.

Bennett noted that while Canada has been a vital donor and supporter of Afghanistan for more than two decades, international support has begun to dwindle amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis. He urged Canada to sustain its commitment to lifesaving and basic human needs initiatives while adhering to the principle of avoiding support to organizations designated as terrorist. It is crucial, he stated, that compliance processes do not inadvertently impede organizations working to promote human rights, feminist causes, and humanitarian efforts on the ground.

Bennett expressed his appreciation for the Canadian government's facilitation of his meetings with key officials, including Ambassador David Sproule and representatives from Global Affairs Canada, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, as well as members of Parliament and various Canadian-based international organizations.

As the humanitarian and human rights crisis deepens in Afghanistan, Bennett's call to action serves as a reminder of the global responsibility to protect vulnerable populations and advocate for their rights.