Canada-based aid agencies canceled two containers of food destined for Afghanistan because of laws banning trade with the Taliban.
World Vision says it has been forced to cancel a mass shipment of "therapeutic food" it said could feed about 1,800 children.
Asuntha Charles, National Director of World Vision Afghanistan, said the country is facing a dire humanitarian crisis and food shipments must be canceled due to "unnecessary restrictions." said no.
In 2013, Canada passed a law designating the Taliban a terrorist organization and imposing up to 10 years in prison for Canadians who directly or indirectly provide property or funds to the Taliban. Did.
Aid agencies operating in Afghanistan are unable to help anyone who might formally do business with the current Afghan government, including those paying rent or taxes. They complain that formal laws are hindering their work.
It is time for Canada to decriminalize humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and take life-saving action before it is too late,” Charles said.
Canada is ``unwell,'' UN said
Canadian Red Cross attorney Amy Avis said Canada needed to find a way to get aid to the people of Afghanistan.
Ten humanitarian organizations presented to a parliamentary task force on Afghanistan earlier this year to urge ministers to operate on the ground in Afghanistan without fear of violating Canada's anti-terrorism laws. urged the government to relax the law.
They followed the December 2021 United Nations Security Council resolution stating that humanitarian assistance and other activities in support of basic human needs in Afghanistan do not violate the Security Council sanctions regime. criticized Canada for not adjusting its regulations.
Michael Messenger, President of World Vision Canada, told the Committee that Canada will work with other countries, including the United States, to make changes to facilitate humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. "We're not keeping pace," he said.
In its official report, the parliamentary committee urged the government to "ensure that Canadian registrants have the necessary clarity and assurance. "For providing humanitarian assistance, including waivers and exemptions, and meeting basic needs in Afghanistan, we risk being prosecuted for violating Canada's anti-terrorism laws."
Canada sees "needed change"
Haley Hodgson, a spokeswoman for International Development Minister Harjit Sajan, said she is working with the Ministry of Public Security and Justice to He said he was considering "necessary changes." changes to the law”.
"We continue to support the immediate needs of the Afghan people," she said. “In 2022, Canada has allocated her $143 million for humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and neighboring countries.”
Sajjan has previously said the government plans to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations. emphasized that there is no
