In a bid to provide essential aid and assistance to the war-ravaged people of Afghanistan, Canada has taken the initiative to revise its anti-terrorism laws. This move is expected to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and other services that were previously hindered since the Taliban took over the reins of the country.
Notably, Canada listed the Taliban as a terrorist group back in 2013, thereby making it illegal for Canadians to engage with the extremist organization. However, after the Taliban regained power in August 2021, aid groups were left in a state of quandary as they were warned that continuing to provide assistance to Afghans could attract criminal charges in Canada.
Even taxes imposed by the Taliban on goods and local salaries paid by foreign NGOs would amount to illegal contributions to a terror group, leaving humanitarian efforts in the country paralyzed.
However, a draft bill has been proposed, which would allow aid workers to provide assistance to individuals in crisis-stricken areas controlled by terrorist groups, without any legal repercussions in Canada. The amendments would enable the delivery of vital humanitarian aid, education, health services, resettlement programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting and safeguarding human rights.
The bill is still subject to parliamentary approval, but it is a welcome move that will go a long way in addressing the dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
Read more: