Canada: Inclusive Government, Human Rights Conditions for Normalizing Ties With Taliban

DID Press: Canada said on the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan that it will not support normalizing relations with the group until there is tangible progress on human rights, the formation of an inclusive government and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

In a joint statement, Canada’s foreign minister and minister of state for international development said the Taliban had imposed widespread restrictions on women and girls since taking power, leaving millions of girls without access to education.

The statement said the Taliban have restricted the activities of journalists, human rights defenders and civil society groups, while ethnic and religious minorities have also faced pressure and persecution. Canada also stressed that the Taliban have so far taken no steps toward establishing an inclusive government representing all segments of Afghan society.

Canada warned that the continued presence of terrorist groups operating in a permissive environment in Afghanistan poses a serious threat to regional and global security, and said the Taliban must be held accountable for their actions.

Meanwhile, the Canadian government said it has provided more than $143 million since 2021 to meet basic needs in Afghanistan, including health and education, as well as more than $315 million in humanitarian and life-saving assistance.

Canada reiterated that it will continue to support the people of Afghanistan and their aspirations for a stable, peaceful and secure country in which the rights and dignity of all citizens are respected.