Canada continues to deny aid to Afghanistan

Ottawa’s Delay in Unblocking Aid to Afghanistan Frustrates Humanitarian Organizations

Ottawa’s prolonged delay in unblocking Canadian development aid to Afghanistan has left humanitarian organizations frustrated as the Taliban continues to control the country. While other countries swiftly adjusted their laws to allow aid to flow, Canada has lagged behind, causing significant setbacks for those in need of assistance.

Asma Faizi, head of the Afghan Women’s Organization, expressed her frustration at the delay, highlighting the impact on women and children in Afghanistan. The organization, which supports Afghan newcomers in Canada and runs an orphanage in Kabul, has been blocked from receiving Canadian aid since the Taliban takeover.

The current law prohibits aid workers from paying taxes to the Taliban government, as it is considered support to a terrorist organization. While a blanket exemption was passed last June for humanitarian workers, the process for development workers to apply for exemptions is still pending.

Martin Fischer, policy director for World Vision Canada, emphasized the need for clarity on what constitutes humanitarian versus development work. The lack of clear definitions has hindered aid organizations from effectively carrying out their projects in Afghanistan.

Despite efforts to operationalize the authorization regime, Ottawa has fallen behind its own timeline. The delay has raised concerns among advocates like Ontario Sen. Ratna Omidvar, who stressed the urgency of providing aid to the Afghan people, especially women.

As the world watches the situation in Afghanistan unfold, the need for a more flexible and efficient approach to humanitarian aid becomes increasingly apparent. The delay in unblocking aid to Afghanistan serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by aid organizations in delivering assistance to those in need, both in Afghanistan and beyond.