Tullivanaccuses philanthropic groups from being able to support poorAfghan, and the federal government Can be adjusted as follows: Increase flexibility to assist agencies.
International Development Minister Halgit Sajan said the government is considering changing the law to create "flexibility" to facilitate humanitarian assistance. rice field.
However, in an interview with the Canadian press, he insisted that Canada would not remove Tullivan's designation as a given terrorist organization.
"We are looking at options for what we can do to create the flexibility that other countries have," he said. "Currently, the United States can do more work than we do. At least there is an option to do more. Tullivan is a terrorist organization, so as long as we can maintain pressure on Tullivan, we will do the same. I'm considering an exemption. "
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Read more: Refugees fleeing Tullivan in Afghanistan facing a long hotel, Calgary
The law listing Tullivan as a terrorist organization withdraws allies and Tullivan takes control of Kabul And passed in 2013, before forming a de facto government last year.
Under anti-terrorist law, Canadians can face up to 10 years in prison if they directly or indirectly donate property or funding to Tullivan.
Because Canadian aid agencies operating in Afghanistan cannot help those who may have official transactions with the Afghanistan government, including those who are paying rent and taxes. Complains that the law is hindering their work.
They also stated that "humanitarian assistance and other activities to support the basic human needs of Afghanistan" would not violate parliamentary sanctions, the UN Security Director in December 2021. He criticized Canada for not adjusting regulations following the resolution.
Submitting evidence to the Afghanistan Special Assembly Committee earlier this year, Michael Messenger, President of World Vision Canada, said Canada was "out of step" with other countries, including the United States. rice field. Humanitarian assistance has become easier according to a UN resolution.
Ten humanitarian organizations are calling on parliamentary committees to ease the law so that ministers can work in the field in Afghanistan without fear of violating Canada's anti-terrorism law.
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In last month's official report The Commission said, "To provide humanitarian assistance and meet the basic needs of Afghanistan without fear that registered Canadian organizations will be accused of violating Canadian anti-terrorism law. We guarantee that we will ensure the necessary clarity and guarantees (curve-outs, exemptions, etc.). "
Sajan said Canada continues to provide Afghanistan with huge amounts of aid through agencies such as the United Nations and the Red Cross, despite the ban on trading with Tullivan.
But he admits that the legislation introduced before Tullivan took office hindered some aid efforts, including "development projects that must work through the structure of the government." rice field.
He said Canada has invested about $ 150 million in Afghanistan. This includes assistance to help people after the recent earthquake, which killed more than 1,000 people and injured more than 1,500. The
earthquake struck a remote area near the Pakistani border, damaging more than 10,000 homes, most of which were made of clay and mud. Immediately after the earthquake, Tullivan sought help from the international community.
"The law does not prevent us from helping the people of Afghanistan," said the Minister of International Development. "We can still help the people of Afghanistan, but we are still considering options for how to get an exemption."
Read more: Afghanistan earthquake patch relief efforts due to funding and access restrictions
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Afghanistan women Laurin Oates, Executive Director of Canadian Women for, said the humanitarian group has received conflicting legal advice on what the rules can and cannot do in Afghanistan.
She said the Anti-Terrorism Act has stopped Canadian aid workers from paying local taxes such as rent and salary. However, under local law, aid workers can be imprisoned in Afghanistan if they do not pay taxes.
She said the law also made it difficult to fund scholarships for women and girls in Afghanistan at private universities and created a huge amount of paperwork. Scholarships can only be granted now if the university has signed a promise that it will not be used to pay taxes, even if it is a small amount.
She said she was concerned that it would take years to amend the law if there was an urgent need for help in a poor country.
"Now we need an innovative tentative solution," she said. "Other countries can come up with them, and Canada is lagging behind."
© 2022 TheCanadian Press
