Canada to Allow Aid Organization to Operate in Afghanistan
The Canadian government on Thursday announced that ‘terrorism financing laws’ will be amended to allow Canadian humanitarian aid organizations to help needy families in Afghanistan, following pressure from aid agencies.
Currently, Canadian aid organizations have ceased operations in Afghanistan due to some legal constraints which are in conflict with the established laws in Canada.
Over the past year and a half, humanitarian aid organizations have repeatedly complained about the Canadian government’s strict regulations. According to the aid organizations will have to pay taxes to the Taliban authorities while operating in Afghanistan.
Since Canada considers the Taliban as a de facto regime that forcefully seized power, operating under the group’s regime, will cause legal issues for aid agencies, as per the terrorism financing laws. To amend the laws, the government sent a bill to the parliament on Thursday.
As per the suggested bill, in order to operate in Afghanistan, humanitarian organizations will have to apply for an exemption from anti-terrorist laws, according to CBC news. After a thorough assessment, the Minister of Public Safety of Canada will either accept or reject the application.
Therefore, Canadian organizations will not have the full freedom to operate in Afghanistan.
Marco E. L. Mendicino, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety said that amending the laws does not mean engaging with the Taliban, and as per the Canadian laws, the group will remain a de facto regime, not a legitimate government to represent Afghanistan.
Mr. Mendicino further added the Taliban have demonstrated that they do not value human rights and have committed “massive violations” against people, especially Afghan women and girls.
As per the new law, aid organizations can provide essential assistance including food, shelter, healthcare services, and education to the people of Afghanistan during these difficult times. They can also launch programs to finance and help formers, and displaced people in the war-torn country.
The post Canada to Allow Aid Organization to Operate in Afghanistan appeared first on The Khaama Press News Agency.