RASC News Agency: Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has urged Canada to intensify its support for human rights protections in Afghanistan. During his visit to Canada, Bennett emphasized the critical need for the Canadian government to advocate persistently for improved human rights conditions for individuals living under Taliban rule. In a statement released on Wednesday by the UN Human Rights Office, Bennett expressed his appreciation to the Canadian government for facilitating his visit, calling for continued Canadian solidarity with the Afghanistani people.
According to the statement, Bennett commended Canada’s firm position that any normalization of relations with the Taliban must be conditional upon substantial human rights improvements, especially concerning women and girls. He also lauded Canada’s commitment to accepting over 50,000 Afghanistani refugees and urged sustained support for Afghanistani citizens amid growing humanitarian needs. Bennett further emphasized the importance of Canada’s ongoing support for Afghanistani refugees and the establishment of secure asylum pathways for those facing threats. He noted that Canada’s dedication to Afghanistani migrants is both vital and deserving of recognition.
The statement continued, “Canada and its people have served as indispensable supporters of Afghanistan for over two decades. However, as the humanitarian crisis deepens, international support including from Canada has shown signs of decline.” Bennett arrived in Canada on Sunday to engage with Canadian officials about the human rights landscape in Afghanistan. His meetings and discussions extended throughout the week, concluding on Saturday.
During his stay, Bennett also met with Afghanistani journalists and was honored by Afghanistan’s “House of Freedom of Expression” for his commitment to advancing human rights in Afghanistan.
