Canadian Officials: Taliban Treatment of Women and Girls is Horrific

The statement, released on the third anniversary of the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan, said that the gains of the past two decades in democracy, human rights, and education in the country have been completely wiped out.

Canadian officials emphasized in the statement that "the Taliban's treatment of women and girls is nothing short of horrific." They noted that gross human rights violations have led to severe restrictions on freedom of movement, dress, access to education, work, health services, and justice.

According to the statement, Afghan women and girls are imprisoned in their homes and communities and have little hope for a brighter future.

Furthermore, the statement said that under Taliban rule, ethnic and religious minorities, including Hazaras, Sikhs, Hindus, Ahmadis, and other vulnerable groups, continue to face violence and marginalization.

Canadian officials also pointed to the Taliban's suppression of peaceful protests and the transformation of Afghanistan into a safe haven for terrorist groups.

They emphasized that Canada is cooperating with Afghanistan's neighbors to strengthen their counterterrorism capabilities and has allocated $234 million in humanitarian aid and $108 million to support basic needs, health, education, and the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan since 2021. Additionally, the country has resettled over 53,600 Afghans and supported human rights defenders in exile.

Canadian officials also stated that Canada is an active participant in the United Nations-led Doha process on Afghanistan and will use this process to restore the rights of women and girls.

They emphasized, "We stand with the people of Afghanistan in their struggle for a stable, secure, and peaceful Afghanistan where no one lives in fear or under oppression."