Canada Must do More for Afghans: Evacuations, Humanitarian Aid Must Continue
August 27th, 2021
On August 26th, Canada announced $50 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada’s funding announcement comes at a critical time of increasing humanitarian needs. However, Afghans will require a greater substantial commitment from Canada; their lives are being impacted by the fast-developing, ongoing crisis in the region.
Experts are also warning of eventual extreme food insecurity as Afghans continue fleeing their homes due to the escalating conflict. Making matters worse, COVID-19 has created an economic downturn leading to rising food prices.
Justice For All Canada appreciates Global Affairs Canada for directing aid through the United Nations and other humanitarian partners with operational capacity in Afghanistan. But we cannot forget that Canada’s longest war was in Afghanistan, exceeding 12 years.
“It’s unacceptable that Canada has already completed its evacuation of people out of Afghanistan. We’re talking about refugees, interpreters, activists, journalists, support staff, and other Afghans who risked their lives to help Canada during our war. We’re failing these people,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
Through Canada’s highest level of government, more needs to be done for Afghans trapped in the evolving crisis. By comparison, the United States has dedicated over $266 million in humanitarian assistance to help the people in Afghanistan, and the European Union is planning to step up resettlement initiatives for refugees.
Justice For All Canada supports human rights groups in urging these crucial actions from Canada’s Federal Government:
We urge Canadians to write to their local Member of Parliament, cabinet ministers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau using this action alert tool: https://www.justiceforallcanada.org/afghanactioncanada.html
On August 26th, Canada announced $50 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada’s funding announcement comes at a critical time of increasing humanitarian needs. However, Afghans will require a greater substantial commitment from Canada; their lives are being impacted by the fast-developing, ongoing crisis in the region.
Experts are also warning of eventual extreme food insecurity as Afghans continue fleeing their homes due to the escalating conflict. Making matters worse, COVID-19 has created an economic downturn leading to rising food prices.
Justice For All Canada appreciates Global Affairs Canada for directing aid through the United Nations and other humanitarian partners with operational capacity in Afghanistan. But we cannot forget that Canada’s longest war was in Afghanistan, exceeding 12 years.
“It’s unacceptable that Canada has already completed its evacuation of people out of Afghanistan. We’re talking about refugees, interpreters, activists, journalists, support staff, and other Afghans who risked their lives to help Canada during our war. We’re failing these people,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada.
Through Canada’s highest level of government, more needs to be done for Afghans trapped in the evolving crisis. By comparison, the United States has dedicated over $266 million in humanitarian assistance to help the people in Afghanistan, and the European Union is planning to step up resettlement initiatives for refugees.
Justice For All Canada supports human rights groups in urging these crucial actions from Canada’s Federal Government:
- With international allies, reach an agreement with the Taliban to extend evacuations out of Afghanistan, to protect thousands at risk of a humanitarian disaster and reprisal attacks
- Safely evacuate all at-risk Afghans who must leave the country, including Canadian citizens and permanent residents; Canada ending its airlift mission is a betrayal to these people
- Establish an airbridge between Kabul and Toronto for the transportation of urgent relief supplies
- Increase humanitarian funding to at least $300 million. Half a million displaced Afghans in Kabul have no government to provide them with food, basic supplies or protection
- Accept 100,000 refugees. Expedite the exit of Afghan refugees and internally displaced peoples, and engage Afghan Canadian civil society to develop solutions and policies ensuring the wellbeing and fulfilled needs of those most at risk
We urge Canadians to write to their local Member of Parliament, cabinet ministers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau using this action alert tool: https://www.justiceforallcanada.org/afghanactioncanada.html