44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023e-4270e-4270 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TahirShaaranAliEhsassiWillowdaleLibéralON27 janvier 2023 à 14 h 22 (HAE)28 mars 2023 à 14 h 22 (HAE)31 mai 202316 août 202328 mars 2023Pétition à <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement </Addressee>Attendu que : Les Hazaras, un groupe ethnique et une minorité religieuse persécutés en Afghanistan, sont confrontés à une escalade d’attaques ciblées, de déplacements forcés, d’exécutions sommaires et d’atrocités de masse aux mains des talibans et de l’État islamique (IS-K); Le 30 septembre 2022, une attaque ciblée au centre éducatif de Kaaj, à Kaboul, a entraîné le massacre de 56 écoliers hazaras – des filles pour la plupart – et en a blessé 114 autres, ce qui a mobilisé les manifestations #StopHazaraGenocide dans 120 villes; Depuis 2002, il y a eu au moins 294 attaques documentées visant des civils hazaras en Afghanistan, dont les attaques de 2020 contre des maternités qui ont tué des nouveau-nés et des mères. Les attaques précédentes visaient des centres éducatifs, des lieux de culte, des clubs sportifs, des routes, des mariages, des funérailles et des manifestations de Hazara; Le 3 septembre 2022, un rapport multipartite du Parlement britannique a conclu : « Les Hazaras courent un risque sérieux de génocide aux mains des talibans et de l’État islamique-Khorasan »; Le 1er décembre 2022, le Dr Gregory Stanton, président fondateur de Genocide Watch, a averti : « Les talibans ont déjà commis un génocide contre les Hazaras lorsqu’ils étaient au pouvoir dans les années 1990 et maintenant, ils commettent à nouveau un génocide contre les Hazaras »; En octobre 2022, deux conseils municipaux de Melbourne, en Australie, ont reconnu le génocide en cours des Hazaras. Nous soussignés, résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Soutenir les enquêtes du Conseil des droits de l’homme des Nations Unies sur les atrocités commises contre les Hazaras; 2. Augmenter considérablement le nombre de visas pour les Hazaras demandant l’asile au Canada par le biais de programmes d’immigration spéciaux; Reconnaître la vulnérabilité des réfugiés Hazaras en raison des persécutions ethniques et religieuses dont ils font l’objet en Afghanistan et soutenir les réfugiés vulnérables en accordant la priorité aux demandes d’asile et à la réinstallation des Hazaras et en accélérant leur traitement.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.We remain firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of June 12, 2023, we have welcomed 32,745 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021, and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.ca.The Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.More information about other potential pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada - Canada.ca.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.Canada believes that ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination, and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has consistently expressed deep concern about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Alongside our international allies, Canada continues to call on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international obligations, including protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans.Ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly during the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan. Canada has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan, including the attack on April 19, 2022, against Hazara students in Kabul, and on September 30, 2022, at the Kaaj education center in Kabul that killed more than 50 people, mostly Hazara girls studying for exams. Attacks such as these are reprehensible, and underscore the threats that ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Hazara community, face in Afghanistan.Moving forward, Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara community, in every sphere of Afghan society. To this end, Canada welcomes the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and his efforts to document human rights violations in Afghanistan, including those targeting the Hazara community. Canada will also continue to support a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to enable UNAMA to monitor, report and advocate for the protection of human rights of all Afghans. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.Canada is also committed to supporting the needs of the most vulnerable Afghans. In 2022, Canada provided over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of Afghans in Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries. Canada supports a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, with a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. With Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided life-saving food assistance to 22.3 million people and nutrition assistance to 6.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women in Afghanistan in 2022.Moreover, Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals and their families, by the end of 2023. Canada’s commitment remains one of the largest in the world. To date, more than 33,000 Afghans have been welcomed to Canada. As part of our Afghan resettlement programs, Afghan Hazaras may be privately sponsored by groups in Canada or, as a persecuted religious or ethnic minority, may be among those referred for resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees through the humanitarian program for Afghans. The resettlement of vulnerable Afghans is an integral part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It reflects Canada’s commitment to share responsibility for the world’s displaced and persecuted.
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01413441-01413 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB3 mai 202316 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of May 26, 2023, we have welcomed 31,910 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021, and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.More information about potential other pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 juin 2023441-01404441-01404 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB2 mai 202315 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of May 11, 2023, we have welcomed 31,130 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021, and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.More information about potential other pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01386441-01386 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB28 avril 202312 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of May 8, 2023, we have welcomed 30,680 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.More information about potential other pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01357441-01357 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB26 avril 20239 juin 20239 novembre 2018PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu qu’il y a déjà eu des centaines de milliers d’hindous et de Sikhs en Afghanistan, mais qu’il en reste aujourd’hui moins de 5 000;Attendu qu’un attentat à la bombe, au début juillet, a tué des dirigeants de ces deux communautés en Afghanistan, ce qui démontre leur vulnérabilité constante, surtout dans la mesure où ces dirigeants se rendaient à une rencontre avec le président; Attendu que le ministre de l’Immigration est déjà habilité par la loi à permettre aux gens des minorités vulnérables de venir au Canada en tant que réfugiés parrainés par le secteur privé, et ce, directement du pays où ils sont persécutés; Attendu que les communautés sikhs et hindoues sont disposées à parrainer des réfugiés afghans issus de minorités.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de créer, en vertu des pouvoirs qui lui sont conférés, un programme spécial visant à aider les minorités persécutées de l’Afghanistan.Nous prions aussi la ministre des Affaires étrangères de soulever la question de la persécution dont fait l’objet cette communauté auprès de son homologue afghan et de demander fermement qu’on s’emploie davantage à la protéger.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of May 5th, 2023, we have welcomed 30,680 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. As with previous large-scale resettlement efforts, we welcome the support of the many Canadians who want to lend a helping hand. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world.Through this program, we’re expanding our partnership with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation (MSBF), a sponsorship agreement holder, to resettle hundreds of persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. In partnership with MSBF, we also created a dedicated public policy to resettle vulnerable members of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities on August 6, 2021.As part of a further measure to engage the goodwill of Canadians and bring vulnerable Afghans to Canada, on October 17, 2022, Canada put in place a temporary public policy to facilitate the sponsorship of up to 3,000 privately sponsored Afghan refugees by Groups of Five and Community Sponsors, which waived the Refugee Status Determination requirement for Afghan refugees outside of Afghanistan. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) received a significant number of requests, demonstrating once again the willingness of Canadians to contribute to our resettlement efforts. IRCC received the maximum number of applications to fill all spots in this program and the program is now full. However, Groups of Five and Community Sponsors can continue supporting refugees through other methods of private sponsorship, such as our regular PSR program. More information on how to sponsor a refugee can be found on our website at Sponsor a refugee - Canada.caThere are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caIRCC’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.caMore information about potential other pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practise their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. This is why Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic and religious minorities around the world including in Afghanistan, through both bilateral and multilateral forums. It is also why Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2015 to encourage and deepen coordination between like-minded countries to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief.Over the past four decades of conflict and instability, Sikhs, Hindus, and other religious minorities in Afghanistan have been persecuted and victims of targeted violence, including in the June 19, 2022, attack by Islamic State-Khorasan Province on a Sikh temple in Kabul.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. Over the last two decades, Canada’s international assistance in Afghanistan helped promote respect for diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups. Canada has repeatedly expressed its concerns about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities, and called for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender.Alongside its international allies, Canada continues to call on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international obligations, including protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Moving forward, Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including Sikhs and Hindus. To this end, Canada welcomes the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan’s strong human rights mandate, as well as the appointment of Richard Bennett as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and the publication of his two reports. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.Canada is also committed to supporting the needs of the most vulnerable Afghans. In 2022, Canada provided over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and Afghans in neighbouring countries. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, with a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. With Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided life-saving food assistance to 22.3 million people and nutrition assistance to 6.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women in Afghanistan in 2022.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals, including vulnerable Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and their families, which remains one of the largest commitments in the world. To date, more than 31,000 Afghans have been welcomed to Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is working closely with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation, a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, to identify and welcome these vulnerable Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and their families. The Government of Canada appreciates the Foundation's work in resettling Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and continuing its legacy to help the most vulnerable. Afghan Sikhs and Hindus may also be privately sponsored by other groups in Canada or may be among those referred for resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as a persecuted religious or ethnic minority, as part of the humanitarian program for Afghans.
AfghanistanHindouisme et hindousMinorités religieusesSikhisme et sikhs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01342441-01342 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB26 avril 20239 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of May 5, 2023, we have welcomed 30,680 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.More information about potential other pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada - Canada.ca.
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée6 juin 2023441-01326441-01326 (Citoyenneté et immigration)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB24 avril 20236 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of May 5th, 2023, we have welcomed 30,680 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.More information about potential other pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 juin 2023441-01319441-01319 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB21 avril 20235 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of April 28, 2023, we have welcomed 30,455 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 juin 2023441-01318441-01318 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB20 avril 20235 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of April 28, 2023, we have welcomed 30,455 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023441-01304441-01304 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB19 avril 20232 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of April 20, 2023, we have welcomed 30,455 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021, and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2023441-01206441-01206 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB28 mars 202311 mai 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of March 24, 2023, we have welcomed 29,325 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 mai 2023441-01190441-01190 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB21 mars 20234 mai 202315 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women leaders, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of March 16, 2023, we have welcomed 29,010 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2023441-01117441-01117 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB6 février 202322 mars 202313 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has consistently expressed deep concern about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Alongside our international allies, Canada continues to call upon all states to adhere to their obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups.Canada has also consistently called on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international commitments, including protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada believes that ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination, and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. The Government of Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.Ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and Canada has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan, including on April 19, 2022, against Hazara students in Kabul and on September 30, 2022, at the Kaaj education center in Kabul that killed more than 50 people, mostly Hazara girls studying for exams. Attacks such as this are reprehensible, and remind all of the persecution, discrimination, and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Hazara community, face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara community, in every sphere of the Afghan society, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace. Canada has been vocal in championing a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, and welcomed the appointment of Richard Bennett as the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan.Canada is also providing humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, contributing $143 million just last year alone. Canada is likewise supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. Thanks to Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided life-saving food assistance to more than 22 million people and nutrition assistance to more than 6 million women and children last year.Canada has a proud history of helping the world’s most vulnerable, including a longstanding commitment to the people of Afghanistan. At present, the Criminal Code’s anti-terrorist financing provisions inadvertently place significant constraints on the delivery of international assistance. That is why on March 9, 2023, The Minister of Public Safety, introduced legislation to facilitate humanitarian aid in Afghanistan and other geographic areas controlled by terrorist groups. Bill C-41, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, will make important changes to the Criminal Code to allow desperately needed aid to be delivered by Canadian organizations to the people of Afghanistan. These changes to the Criminal Code support Canada’s deep commitment to the people of Afghanistan, while upholding our domestic and international obligations to combat terrorism. Canada has also committed to resettling at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada through special immigration programs - one of the largest commitments in the world. This includes a humanitarian immigration stream, which focuses on vulnerable Afghans, including members of religious and ethnic minorities, women leaders, LGBTQ people, human rights defenders, journalists, and those who have helped Canadian journalists, and family members of former Afghan interpreters. Thanks to these efforts, Canada has already welcomed more than 28,000 Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2023441-01113441-01113 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB6 février 202322 mars 20239 novembre 2018PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu qu’il y a déjà eu des centaines de milliers d’hindous et de Sikhs en Afghanistan, mais qu’il en reste aujourd’hui moins de 5 000;Attendu qu’un attentat à la bombe, au début juillet, a tué des dirigeants de ces deux communautés en Afghanistan, ce qui démontre leur vulnérabilité constante, surtout dans la mesure où ces dirigeants se rendaient à une rencontre avec le président; Attendu que le ministre de l’Immigration est déjà habilité par la loi à permettre aux gens des minorités vulnérables de venir au Canada en tant que réfugiés parrainés par le secteur privé, et ce, directement du pays où ils sont persécutés; Attendu que les communautés sikhs et hindoues sont disposées à parrainer des réfugiés afghans issus de minorités.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de créer, en vertu des pouvoirs qui lui sont conférés, un programme spécial visant à aider les minorités persécutées de l’Afghanistan.Nous prions aussi la ministre des Affaires étrangères de soulever la question de la persécution dont fait l’objet cette communauté auprès de son homologue afghan et de demander fermement qu’on s’emploie davantage à la protéger.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practise their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. This is why Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic and religious minorities around the world including in Afghanistan, through both bilateral and multilateral forums. It is also why Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2015 to encourage and deepen coordination between like-minded countries to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief.Over the past four decades of conflict and instability, Sikhs, Hindus, and other religious minorities in Afghanistan have been persecuted and victims of targeted violence. Canada offers its heartfelt sympathy to all the victims and their families, including the June 19, 2022, attack by Islamic State-Khorasan Province on a Sikh temple in Kabul.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. Over the last two decades, Canada’s international assistance in Afghanistan has helped promote respect for diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups. Canada has repeatedly expressed its concerns about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities, and called for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender.Alongside its international allies, Canada continues to call on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international obligations, including protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Moving forward, Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including Sikhs and Hindus. To this end, Canada welcomes the UN Security Council’s decision to establish a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) during UNAMA’s most recent mandate renewal, as well as the appointment of Richard Bennett as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan on April 1, 2022. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban de facto authorities as the government of Afghanistan.Canada is also committed to supporting the needs of the most vulnerable Afghans. In 2022, Canada provided over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. With Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided life-saving food assistance to 22.3 million people and nutrition assistance to 6.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women in 2022.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals, including hundreds of vulnerable Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and their families, which remains one of the largest commitments in the world. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is working closely with Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation, a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, to identify and welcome these vulnerable Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and their families. The Government of Canada appreciates the Foundation's work in resettling Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and continuing its legacy to help the most vulnerable. Afghan Sikhs and Hindus may also be privately sponsored by other groups in Canada or may be among those referred for resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as a persecuted religious or ethnic minority, as part of the humanitarian program for Afghans. To date, more than 28,000 Afghans have been welcomed to Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of February 1, 2023, we have welcomed 27,870 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. As with previous large-scale resettlement efforts, we welcome the support of the many Canadians who want to lend a helping hand. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world.Through this program, we’re expanding our partnership with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation (MSBF), a sponsorship agreement holder, to resettle hundreds of persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. In partnership with MSBF, we also created a dedicated public policy to resettle vulnerable members of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities on August 6, 2021.As part of a further measure to engage the goodwill of Canadians and bring vulnerable Afghans to Canada, on October 17, 2022, Canada put in place a temporary public policy to facilitate the sponsorship of up to 3,000 privately sponsored Afghan refugees by Groups of Five and Community Sponsors, which waived the Refugee Status Determination requirement for Afghan refugees outside of Afghanistan. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) received a significant number of requests, demonstrating once again the willingness of Canadians to contribute to our resettlement efforts. IRCC received the maximum number of applications to fill all spots in this program and the program is now full. However, Groups of Five and Community Sponsors can continue supporting refugees through other methods of private sponsorship, such as our regular PSR program that continues to be available. More information on how to sponsor a refugee can be found on our website at Sponsor a refugee - Canada.caWe are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caIRCC’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca 
AfghanistanHindouisme et hindousMinorités religieusesSikhisme et sikhs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2023441-01110441-01110 (Affaires étrangères)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK6 février 202322 mars 202313 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has consistently expressed deep concern about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Alongside our international allies, Canada continues to call upon all states to adhere to their obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups.Canada has also consistently called on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international commitments, including protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada believes that ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination, and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. The Government of Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.Ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and Canada has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan, including on April 19, 2022, against Hazara students in Kabul and on September 30, 2022, at the Kaaj education center in Kabul that killed more than 50 people, mostly Hazara girls studying for exams. Attacks such as this are reprehensible, and remind all of the persecution, discrimination, and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Hazara community, face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara community, in every sphere of the Afghan society, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace. Canada has been vocal in championing a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, and welcomed the appointment of Richard Bennett as the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan.Canada is also providing humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, contributing $143 million just last year alone. Canada is likewise supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. Thanks to Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided life-saving food assistance to more than 22 million people and nutrition assistance to more than 6 million women and children last year.Canada has a proud history of helping the world’s most vulnerable, including a longstanding commitment to the people of Afghanistan. At present, the Criminal Code’s anti-terrorist financing provisions inadvertently place significant constraints on the delivery of international assistance. That is why on March 9, 2023, The Minister of Public Safety, introduced legislation to facilitate humanitarian aid in Afghanistan and other geographic areas controlled by terrorist groups. Bill C-41, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, will make important changes to the Criminal Code to allow desperately needed aid to be delivered by Canadian organizations to the people of Afghanistan. These changes to the Criminal Code support Canada’s deep commitment to the people of Afghanistan, while upholding our domestic and international obligations to combat terrorism. Canada has also committed to resettling at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada through special immigration programs - one of the largest commitments in the world. This includes a humanitarian immigration stream, which focuses on vulnerable Afghans, including members of religious and ethnic minorities, women leaders, LGBTQ people, human rights defenders, journalists, and those who have helped Canadian journalists, and family members of former Afghan interpreters. Thanks to these efforts, Canada has already welcomed more than 28,000 Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2023441-01093441-01093 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB31 janvier 202320 mars 202315 novembre 2018PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu qu’il y a déjà eu des centaines de milliers d’hindous et de Sikhs en Afghanistan, mais qu’il en reste aujourd’hui moins de 5 000;Attendu qu’un attentat à la bombe, au début juillet, a tué des dirigeants de ces deux communautés en Afghanistan, ce qui démontre leur vulnérabilité constante, surtout dans la mesure où ces dirigeants se rendaient à une rencontre avec le président; Attendu que le ministre de l’Immigration est déjà habilité par la loi à permettre aux gens des minorités vulnérables de venir au Canada en tant que réfugiés parrainés par le secteur privé, et ce, directement du pays où ils sont persécutés; Attendu que les communautés sikhs et hindoues sont disposées à parrainer des réfugiés afghans issus de minorités.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de créer, en vertu des pouvoirs qui lui sont conférés, un programme spécial visant à aider les minorités persécutées de l’Afghanistan.Nous prions aussi la ministre des Affaires étrangères de soulever la question de la persécution dont fait l’objet cette communauté auprès de son homologue afghan et de demander fermement qu’on s’emploie davantage à la protéger.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities.  As of February 1, 2023, we have welcomed 27,870 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. As with previous large-scale resettlement efforts, we welcome the support of the many Canadians who want to lend a helping hand. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world. Through this program, we’re expanding our partnership with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation (MSBF), a sponsorship agreement holder, to resettle hundreds of persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. In partnership with MSBF, we also created a dedicated public policy to resettle vulnerable members of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities on August 6, 2021.As part of a further measure to engage the goodwill of Canadians and bring vulnerable Afghans to Canada, on October 17, 2022, Canada put in place a temporary public policy to facilitate the sponsorship of up to 3,000 privately sponsored Afghan refugees by Groups of Five and Community Sponsors, which waived the Refugee Status Determination requirement for Afghan refugees outside of Afghanistan. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) received a significant number of requests, demonstrating once again the willingness of Canadians to contribute to our resettlement efforts. IRCC received the maximum number of applications to fill all spots in this program and the program is now full. However, Groups of Five and Community Sponsors can continue supporting refugees through other methods of private sponsorship, such as our regular PSR program that continues to be available. More information on how to sponsor a refugee can be found on our website at Sponsor a refugee - Canada.caWe are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caIRCC’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practise their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. This is why Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic and religious minorities around the world including in Afghanistan, through both bilateral and multilateral forums. It is also why Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2015 to encourage and deepen coordination between like-minded countries to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief.Over the past four decades of conflict and instability, Sikhs, Hindus, and other religious minorities in Afghanistan have been persecuted and victims of targeted violence. Canada offers its heartfelt sympathy to all the victims and their families, including the June 19, 2022, attack by Islamic State-Khorasan Province on a Sikh temple in Kabul.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. Over the last two decades, Canada’s international assistance in Afghanistan has helped promote respect for diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups. Canada has repeatedly expressed its concerns about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities, and called for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender.Alongside its international allies, Canada continues to call on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international obligations, including protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Moving forward, Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including Sikhs and Hindus. To this end, Canada welcomes the UN Security Council’s decision to establish a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) during UNAMA’s most recent mandate renewal, as well as the appointment of Richard Bennett as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan on April 1, 2022. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban de facto authorities as the government of Afghanistan.Canada is also committed to supporting the needs of the most vulnerable Afghans. In 2022, Canada provided over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. With Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided life-saving food assistance to 22.3 million people and nutrition assistance to 6.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women in 2022.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals, including hundreds of vulnerable Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and their families, which remains one of the largest commitments in the world. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is working closely with Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation, a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, to identify and welcome these vulnerable Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and their families. The Government of Canada appreciates the Foundation's work in resettling Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and continuing its legacy to help the most vulnerable. Afghan Sikhs and Hindus may also be privately sponsored by other groups in Canada or may be among those referred for resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as a persecuted religious or ethnic minority, as part of the humanitarian program for Afghans. To date, more than 28,000 Afghans have been welcomed to Canada.
AfghanistanHindouisme et hindousMinorités religieusesSikhisme et sikhs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2023441-01092441-01092 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB31 janvier 202320 mars 202313 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has consistently expressed deep concern about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Alongside our international allies, Canada continues to call upon all states to adhere to their obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups.Canada has also consistently called on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international commitments, including protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada believes that ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination, and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. The Government of Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.Ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and Canada has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan, including on April 19, 2022, against Hazara students in Kabul and on September 30, 2022, at the Kaaj education center in Kabul that killed more than 50 people, mostly Hazara girls studying for exams. Attacks such as this are reprehensible, and remind all of the persecution, discrimination, and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Hazara community, face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara community, in every sphere of the Afghan society, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace. Canada has been vocal in championing a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, and welcomed the appointment of Richard Bennett as the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan.Canada is also providing humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, contributing $143 million just last year alone. Canada is likewise supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. Thanks to Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided life-saving food assistance to more than 22 million people and nutrition assistance to more than 6 million women and children last year.Canada has a proud history of helping the world’s most vulnerable, including a longstanding commitment to the people of Afghanistan. At present, the Criminal Code’s anti-terrorist financing provisions inadvertently place significant constraints on the delivery of international assistance. That is why on March 9, 2023, The Minister of Public Safety, introduced legislation to facilitate humanitarian aid in Afghanistan and other geographic areas controlled by terrorist groups. Bill C-41, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts, will make important changes to the Criminal Code to allow desperately needed aid to be delivered by Canadian organizations to the people of Afghanistan. These changes to the Criminal Code support Canada’s deep commitment to the people of Afghanistan, while upholding our domestic and international obligations to combat terrorism. Canada has also committed to resettling at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada through special immigration programs - one of the largest commitments in the world. This includes a humanitarian immigration stream, which focuses on vulnerable Afghans, including members of religious and ethnic minorities, women leaders, LGBTQ people, human rights defenders, journalists, and those who have helped Canadian journalists, and family members of former Afghan interpreters. Thanks to these efforts, Canada has already welcomed more than 28,000 Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée30 janvier 2023441-00942441-00942 (Affaires étrangères)HeatherMcPhersonEdmonton StrathconaNPDAB8 décembre 202230 janvier 202329 novembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous, soussignés citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que:Abdul Rahman Khan, l’émir d’Afghanistan, installé par le gouvernement britannique et subventionné par lui, a mené une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, anéantissant la grande majorité de ce groupe ethnique; Des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras ont été déplacés de force de leurs terres tandis que des milliers d’autres ont été victimes de prosélytisme (de chiites à sunnites), de viols et d’esclavage entre 1891 et 1893;En août 1998, des centaines, voire des milliers d’hommes, de femmes, d’enfants et d’anciens Hazaras ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et de Bamiyan;Les Hazaras continuent de faire l’objet de persécutions systémiques et ciblées dans l’Afghanistan de l’après 2001, comme les meurtres de nouveau-nés dans la maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques incessantes contre les centres éducatifs hazaras visant les jeunes femmes et les futures générations de Hazaras, comme en septembre 2022, avril 2022 et mai 2021;Le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en aide à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux hommes et femmes en uniforme dans la lutte contre les Talibans;L’Afghanistan est à nouveau contrôlé par les Talibans depuis août 2021 et que les Hazaras continuent d’être persécutés sous ce nouveau régime. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement le nettoyage ethnique de 1891-1893 perpétré contre les Hazaras comme un génocide;2. Désigner le 25 septembre comme Journée de commémoration du génocide des Hazaras.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan. The Minister of Foreign Affairs publicly denounced the tragic attack of April 19, 2022, against Hazara students in Kabul. Canada was also deeply troubled by the attack of September 30, 2022, at the Kaaj education center in Kabul. Attacks such as this are reprehensible, and serve as a grave reminder of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Hazara, Sikh and Hinds communities, face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and persecution of the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again.Canada has repeatedly expressed deep concern about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada has also consistently called on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international commitments, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.So far, in 2022, Canada has allocated over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided food and livelihoods support to 21.7 million people in need and acute malnutrition support to 5.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women between January and September 2022.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu, in every sphere of the Afghan society, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. Over the last two decades, Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups. Canada was vocal in championing a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) during UNAMA’s last mandate renewal, and welcomed the appointment of Richard Bennett as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan on April 1, 2022. Canada is also exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders. Through engagement with like-minded countries, international organizations, and civil society organizations, the Government of Canada has been able to access unbiased and verified accounts of human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Such information is essential to inform the international community’s analysis, advocacy and engagement with the Taliban, and to lay the groundwork for accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada, one of the largest commitments in the world, through special immigration programs. This includes a humanitarian immigration program which focuses on vulnerable Afghans, including women leaders, LGBTQ people, human rights defenders, journalists, and those who have helped Canadian journalists, members of religious and ethnic minorities, and family members of former Afghan interpreters. Thanks to these efforts, Canada has already welcomed more than 27,000 Afghans, including Hazaras and Afghan Sikh and Hindu to Canada.
AfghanistanGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée30 janvier 2023441-00941441-00941 (Affaires étrangères)AlexisBrunelle-DuceppeLac-Saint-JeanBloc QuébécoisQC8 décembre 202230 janvier 202329 novembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous, citoyens canadiens soussignés, attirons l'attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit:Attendu que :Abdul Rahman Khan, l'émir d'Afghanistan, qui a été installé par le gouvernement britannique et a reçu une subvention de leurs part, a mené une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, anéantissant la grande majorité de ce groupe ethnique;Des dizaines de milliers d'Hazaras ont été déplacés de force de leurs terres ancestrales tandis que de nombreux autres milliers ont été converti de force (du chiisme aux sunnism), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;En août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers d'hommes et femmes, enfants et des aînés hazaras ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et de Bamiyan;Les Hazaras continuent de faire face à une persécution systémique et ciblée en Afghanistan depuis 2001, comme le meurtre des nouveau-nés dans l'hopital de maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques incessantes contre les centres éducatifs Hazara ciblant les jeunes femmes et les futures générations des Hazaras comme en septembre 2022, avril 2022 et mai 2021;Le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en aide à l'Afghanistan et perdu 158 braves hommes et femmes en uniforme dans la lutte contre les talibans;L'Afghanistan est à nouveau contrôlé par les Talibans depuis août 2021 et que les Hazaras continuent d'être persécutés sous ce nouveau régime.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • i. Reconnaître formellement le nettoyage ethnique de 1891-1893 perpétré contre les Hazaras comme un Génocide;
  • ii. Désigner le 25 septembre comme Journée commémorative du génocide des Hazaras.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan. The Minister of Foreign Affairs publicly denounced the tragic attack of April 19, 2022, against Hazara students in Kabul. Canada was also deeply troubled by the attack of September 30, 2022, at the Kaaj education center in Kabul. Attacks such as this are reprehensible, and serve as a grave reminder of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Hazara, Sikh and Hinds communities, face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and persecution of the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again.Canada has repeatedly expressed deep concern about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada has also consistently called on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international commitments, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.So far, in 2022, Canada has allocated over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided food and livelihoods support to 21.7 million people in need and acute malnutrition support to 5.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women between January and September 2022.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu, in every sphere of the Afghan society, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. Over the last two decades, Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups. Canada was vocal in championing a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) during UNAMA’s last mandate renewal, and welcomed the appointment of Richard Bennett as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan on April 1, 2022. Canada is also exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders. Through engagement with like-minded countries, international organizations, and civil society organizations, the Government of Canada has been able to access unbiased and verified accounts of human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Such information is essential to inform the international community’s analysis, advocacy and engagement with the Taliban, and to lay the groundwork for accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada, one of the largest commitments in the world, through special immigration programs. This includes a humanitarian immigration program which focuses on vulnerable Afghans, including women leaders, LGBTQ people, human rights defenders, journalists, and those who have helped Canadian journalists, members of religious and ethnic minorities, and family members of former Afghan interpreters. Thanks to these efforts, Canada has already welcomed more than 27,000 Afghans, including Hazaras and Afghan Sikh and Hindu to Canada.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée30 janvier 2023441-00940441-00940 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB8 décembre 202230 janvier 202321 novembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous, soussignés citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que:Abdul Rahman Khan, l’émir d’Afghanistan, installé par le gouvernement britannique et subventionné par lui, a mené une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, anéantissant la grande majorité de ce groupe ethnique; Des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras ont été déplacés de force de leurs terres tandis que des milliers d’autres ont été victimes de prosélytisme (de chiites à sunnites), de viols et d’esclavage entre 1891 et 1893;En août 1998, des centaines, voire des milliers d’hommes, de femmes, d’enfants et d’anciens Hazaras ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et de Bamiyan;Les Hazaras continuent de faire l’objet de persécutions systémiques et ciblées dans l’Afghanistan de l’après 2001, comme les meurtres de nouveau-nés dans la maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques incessantes contre les centres éducatifs hazaras visant les jeunes femmes et les futures générations de Hazaras, comme en septembre 2022, avril 2022 et mai 2021;Le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en aide à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux hommes et femmes en uniforme dans la lutte contre les Talibans;L’Afghanistan est à nouveau contrôlé par les Talibans depuis août 2021 et que les Hazaras continuent d’être persécutés sous ce nouveau régime. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement le nettoyage ethnique de 1891-1893 perpétré contre les Hazaras comme un génocide;2. Désigner le 25 septembre comme Journée de commémoration du génocide des Hazaras.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan. The Minister of Foreign Affairs publicly denounced the tragic attack of April 19, 2022, against Hazara students in Kabul. Canada was also deeply troubled by the attack of September 30, 2022, at the Kaaj education center in Kabul. Attacks such as this are reprehensible, and serve as a grave reminder of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Hazara, Sikh and Hinds communities, face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and persecution of the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again.Canada has repeatedly expressed deep concern about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada has also consistently called on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international commitments, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.So far, in 2022, Canada has allocated over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided food and livelihoods support to 21.7 million people in need and acute malnutrition support to 5.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women between January and September 2022.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu, in every sphere of the Afghan society, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. Over the last two decades, Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups. Canada was vocal in championing a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) during UNAMA’s last mandate renewal, and welcomed the appointment of Richard Bennett as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan on April 1, 2022. Canada is also exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders. Through engagement with like-minded countries, international organizations, and civil society organizations, the Government of Canada has been able to access unbiased and verified accounts of human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Such information is essential to inform the international community’s analysis, advocacy and engagement with the Taliban, and to lay the groundwork for accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada, one of the largest commitments in the world, through special immigration programs. This includes a humanitarian immigration program which focuses on vulnerable Afghans, including women leaders, LGBTQ people, human rights defenders, journalists, and those who have helped Canadian journalists, members of religious and ethnic minorities, and family members of former Afghan interpreters. Thanks to these efforts, Canada has already welcomed more than 27,000 Afghans, including Hazaras and Afghan Sikh and Hindu to Canada.
AfghanistanGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée30 janvier 2023441-00932441-00932 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB6 décembre 202230 janvier 202313 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan. The Minister of Foreign Affairs publicly denounced the tragic attack of April 19, 2022, against Hazara students in Kabul. Canada was also deeply troubled by the attack of September 30, 2022, at the Kaaj education center in Kabul. Attacks such as this are reprehensible, and serve as a grave reminder of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Hazara, Sikh and Hinds communities, face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and persecution of the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again.Canada has repeatedly expressed deep concern about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada has also consistently called on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international commitments, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.So far, in 2022, Canada has allocated over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided food and livelihoods support to 21.7 million people in need and acute malnutrition support to 5.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women between January and September 2022.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu, in every sphere of the Afghan society, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. Over the last two decades, Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups. Canada was vocal in championing a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) during UNAMA’s last mandate renewal, and welcomed the appointment of Richard Bennett as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan on April 1, 2022. Canada is also exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders. Through engagement with like-minded countries, international organizations, and civil society organizations, the Government of Canada has been able to access unbiased and verified accounts of human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Such information is essential to inform the international community’s analysis, advocacy and engagement with the Taliban, and to lay the groundwork for accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada, one of the largest commitments in the world, through special immigration programs. This includes a humanitarian immigration program which focuses on vulnerable Afghans, including women leaders, LGBTQ people, human rights defenders, journalists, and those who have helped Canadian journalists, members of religious and ethnic minorities, and family members of former Afghan interpreters. Thanks to these efforts, Canada has already welcomed more than 27,000 Afghans, including Hazaras and Afghan Sikh and Hindu to Canada.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée30 janvier 2023441-00900441-00900 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 novembre 202230 janvier 202315 novembre 2018PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu qu’il y a déjà eu des centaines de milliers d’hindous et de Sikhs en Afghanistan, mais qu’il en reste aujourd’hui moins de 5 000;Attendu qu’un attentat à la bombe, au début juillet, a tué des dirigeants de ces deux communautés en Afghanistan, ce qui démontre leur vulnérabilité constante, surtout dans la mesure où ces dirigeants se rendaient à une rencontre avec le président; Attendu que le ministre de l’Immigration est déjà habilité par la loi à permettre aux gens des minorités vulnérables de venir au Canada en tant que réfugiés parrainés par le secteur privé, et ce, directement du pays où ils sont persécutés; Attendu que les communautés sikhs et hindoues sont disposées à parrainer des réfugiés afghans issus de minorités.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de créer, en vertu des pouvoirs qui lui sont conférés, un programme spécial visant à aider les minorités persécutées de l’Afghanistan.Nous prions aussi la ministre des Affaires étrangères de soulever la question de la persécution dont fait l’objet cette communauté auprès de son homologue afghan et de demander fermement qu’on s’emploie davantage à la protéger.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several programs, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of November 30, 2022, we have welcomed 25,865 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. As with previous large-scale resettlement efforts, we welcome the support of the many Canadians who want to lend a helping hand. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world.Through this program, we’re expanding our partnership with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation (MSBF), a sponsorship agreement holder, to resettle hundreds of persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. In partnership with MSBF, we also created a dedicated public policy to resettle vulnerable members of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities on August 6, 2021.As part of a further measure to leverage the goodwill of Canadians and bring vulnerable Afghans to Canada, on October 17, 2022, Canada put in place a temporary public policy to facilitate the sponsorship of up to 3,000 privately sponsored Afghan refugees by Groups of Five and Community Sponsors, which waives the Refugee Status Determination requirement for Afghan refugees outside of Afghanistan. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) received a significant number of requests to fill all spots for this special program, demonstrating once again the willingness of Canadians to contribute to our resettlement efforts. Groups of Five and Community Sponsors can continue supporting refugees through other methods of private sponsorship, such as our regular PSR program that continues to be available. More information on how to sponsor a refugee can be found on our website at Sponsor a refugee - Canada.caWe are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan, which compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our mission. Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe IRCC’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practise their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. This is why Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic and religious minorities around the world including in Afghanistan, through both bilateral and multilateral forums. It is also why Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2015 to encourage and deepen coordination between like-minded countries to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief.Over the past four decades of conflict, Hazaras, Sikhs, Hindus, and other religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan have been persecuted and victims of targeted violence. Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathy to all the victims and their families, including the June 19, 2022 attack by Islamic State-Khorasan Province on a Sikh temple in Kabul.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. Over the last two decades, Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote respect for diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups. Canada has repeatedly expressed its concerns about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities, called for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender, and publicly denounced attacks against Afghan Hazaras, Sikhs, and Hindus.Alongside its international allies, Canada continues to call on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Moving forward, Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including Hazaras, Sikhs and Hindus. To this end, Canada welcomes the UN Security Council’s decision to establish a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) during UNAMA’s most recent mandate renewal, as well as the appointment of Richard Bennett as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan on April 1, 2022. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban authorities as the Government of Afghanistan.Canada is also committed to supporting the needs of the most vulnerable Afghans. In 2022, Canada has allocated $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable Afghan populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada continues to respond through experienced humanitarian partners, such as United Nations agencies, both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries, to address the needs of the most vulnerable. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided food and livelihoods support to 21.7 million people in need and acute malnutrition support to 5.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women between January and September 2022.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals, including vulnerable Afghan Hazaras, Sikhs, Hindus, and their families, which remains one of the largest commitments in the world. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is working closely with Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation, a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, to identify and welcome these vulnerable Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and their families.  At a meeting with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation in July 2022 in Calgary, the Government of Canada expressed its continued appreciation for the Foundation's work in resettling Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and continuing its legacy to help the most vulnerable.
AfghanistanHindouisme et hindousMinorités religieusesSikhisme et sikhs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée30 janvier 2023441-00896441-00896 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 novembre 202230 janvier 202313 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan. The Minister of Foreign Affairs publicly denounced the tragic attack of April 19, 2022, against Hazara students in Kabul. Canada was also deeply troubled by the attack of September 30, 2022, at the Kaaj education center in Kabul. Attacks such as this are reprehensible, and serve as a grave reminder of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Hazara, Sikh and Hinds communities, face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and persecution of the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again.Canada has repeatedly expressed deep concern about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada has also consistently called on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international commitments, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.So far, in 2022, Canada has allocated over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided food and livelihoods support to 21.7 million people in need and acute malnutrition support to 5.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women between January and September 2022.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu, in every sphere of the Afghan society, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. Over the last two decades, Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups. Canada was vocal in championing a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) during UNAMA’s last mandate renewal, and welcomed the appointment of Richard Bennett as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan on April 1, 2022. Canada is also exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders. Through engagement with like-minded countries, international organizations, and civil society organizations, the Government of Canada has been able to access unbiased and verified accounts of human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Such information is essential to inform the international community’s analysis, advocacy and engagement with the Taliban, and to lay the groundwork for accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada, one of the largest commitments in the world, through special immigration programs. This includes a humanitarian immigration program which focuses on vulnerable Afghans, including women leaders, LGBTQ people, human rights defenders, journalists, and those who have helped Canadian journalists, members of religious and ethnic minorities, and family members of former Afghan interpreters. Thanks to these efforts, Canada has already welcomed more than 27,000 Afghans, including Hazaras and Afghan Sikh and Hindu to Canada.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2022441-00797441-00797 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB24 octobre 20227 décembre 202215 novembre 2018PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu qu’il y a déjà eu des centaines de milliers d’hindous et de Sikhs en Afghanistan, mais qu’il en reste aujourd’hui moins de 5 000;Attendu qu’un attentat à la bombe, au début juillet, a tué des dirigeants de ces deux communautés en Afghanistan, ce qui démontre leur vulnérabilité constante, surtout dans la mesure où ces dirigeants se rendaient à une rencontre avec le président; Attendu que le ministre de l’Immigration est déjà habilité par la loi à permettre aux gens des minorités vulnérables de venir au Canada en tant que réfugiés parrainés par le secteur privé, et ce, directement du pays où ils sont persécutés; Attendu que les communautés sikhs et hindoues sont disposées à parrainer des réfugiés afghans issus de minorités.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de créer, en vertu des pouvoirs qui lui sont conférés, un programme spécial visant à aider les minorités persécutées de l’Afghanistan.Nous prions aussi la ministre des Affaires étrangères de soulever la question de la persécution dont fait l’objet cette communauté auprès de son homologue afghan et de demander fermement qu’on s’emploie davantage à la protéger.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several programs, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of October 19, 2022, Canada has welcomed 22,915 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. As with previous large-scale resettlement efforts, we welcome the support of the many Canadians who want to lend a helping hand. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world.Through this program, we’re expanding our partnership with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation (MSBF), a sponsorship agreement holder, to resettle hundreds of persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. In partnership with MSBF, we also created a dedicated public policy to resettle vulnerable members of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities on August 6, 2021. As part of a further measure to leverage the goodwill of Canadians and bring vulnerable Afghans to Canada, on October 17, 2022, Canada put in place a temporary public policy to facilitate the sponsorship of up to3,000 privately sponsored Afghan refugees by Groups of Five and Community Sponsors, which waives the Refugee Status Determination requirement for Afghan refugees outside of Afghanistan. We received a significant number of requests, which once again demonstrates the willingness of Canadians to contribute to our resettlement efforts. Groups of Five and Community Sponsors can continue supporting refugees through other methods of private sponsorship, such as our regular PSR program that continues to be available. More information on how to sponsor a refugee can be found on our website at Sponsor a refugee - Canada.caWe are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan, which compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our mission. Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practise their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. This is why Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic and religious minorities around the world including in Afghanistan, through both bilateral and multilateral forums. It is also why Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2015 to encourage and deepen coordination between like-minded countries to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief.Over the past four decades of conflict, Hazaras, Sikhs, Hindus, and other religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan have been persecuted and victims of targeted violence. Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathy to all the victims and their families, including the June 19, 2022 attack by Islamic State-Khorasan Province on a Sikh temple in Kabul.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. Over the last two decades, Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote respect for diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups. Canada has repeatedly expressed its concerns about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities, called for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender, and publicly denounced attacks against Afghan Hazaras, Sikhs, and Hindus.Alongside its international allies, Canada continues to call on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Moving forward, Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including Hazaras, Sikhs and Hindus. To this end, Canada welcomes the UN Security Council’s decision to establish a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) during UNAMA’s most recent mandate renewal, as well as the appointment of Richard Bennett as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan on April 1, 2022. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban de facto authorities as the Government of Afghanistan.Canada is also committed to supporting the needs of the most vulnerable Afghans. In 2022, Canada has allocated $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable Afghan populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada continues to respond through experienced humanitarian partners, such as United Nations agencies, both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries, to address the needs of the most vulnerable. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided food and livelihoods support to 21.7 million people in need and acute malnutrition support to 5.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women between January and September 2022.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals, including vulnerable Afghan Hazaras, Sikhs, Hindus, and their families, which remains one of the largest commitments in the world. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is working closely with Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation, a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, to identify and welcome these vulnerable Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and their families.  At a meeting with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation in July 2022 in Calgary, the Government of Canada expressed its continued appreciation for the Foundation's work in resettling Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and continuing its legacy to help the most vulnerable.
AfghanistanHindouisme et hindousMinorités religieusesSikhisme et sikhs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2022441-00796441-00796 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB24 octobre 20227 décembre 202213 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan. The Minister of Foreign Affairs publicly denounced the tragic attack of April 19, 2022, against Hazara students in Kabul. Canada was also deeply troubled by the attack of September 30, 2022, at the Kaaj education center in Kabul. Attacks such as this are reprehensible, and serve as a grave reminder of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Hazara, Sikh and Hinds communities, face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and persecution of the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly expressed deep concern about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada has also consistently called on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international commitments, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.So far, in 2022, Canada has allocated over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided food and livelihoods support to 21.7 million people in need and acute malnutrition support to 5.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women between January and September 2022.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, Sikh and Hindu, in every sphere of the Afghan society, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. Over the last two decades, Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups. Canada was vocal in championing a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) during UNAMA’s last mandate renewal, and welcomed the appointment of Richard Bennett as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan on April 1, 2022. Canada is also exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders. Through engagement with like-minded countries, international organizations, and civil society organizations, the Government of Canada has been able to access unbiased and verified accounts of human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Such information is essential to inform the international community’s analysis, advocacy and engagement with the Taliban, and to lay the groundwork for accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada, one of the largest commitments in the world, through special immigration programs. This includes a humanitarian immigration program which focuses on vulnerable Afghans, including women leaders, LGBTQ people, human rights defenders, journalists, and those who have helped Canadian journalists, members of religious and ethnic minorities, and family members of former Afghan interpreters. Thanks to these efforts, Canada has already welcomed more than 25,200 Afghans, including Hazaras and Afghan Sikh and Hindu to Canada.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée17 août 2022441-00604441-00604 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB16 juin 202217 août 202213 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. The Minister of Foreign Affairs publicly denounced the tragic attack of April 19, 2022, against Hazara students in Kabul. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.So far, in 2022, Canada has allocated over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided food assistance to 8.9 million people and treatment for acute malnutrition to over 230,000 children under the age of five inside Afghanistan in the last four months of 2021.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40, 000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada through the special immigration program, for Afghan citizens who have had an enduring or significant relationship with the Government of Canada, and the humanitarian program which focuses on vulnerable Afghans, including women leaders, LGBTQ people, human rights defenders, journalists, and those who have helped Canadian journalists, members of religious and ethnic minorities, and family members of former Afghan interpreters. These programs have already brought over 16,000 Afghans, including some Hazaras, to Canada and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature229Non certifiée28 juin 2022e-4024e-4024 (Citoyenneté et immigration)Abdul WadoodDilsozJennyKwanVancouver-EstNPDBC20 mai 2022 à 11 h 01 (HAE)19 juin 2022 à 11 h 01 (HAE)28 juin 2022Pétition au <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : Les Canadiens sont reconnus pour le leadership qu’ils ont toujours exercé dans les activités humanitaires au sein de la communauté mondiale;Ils expriment leur appui à la fois aux Ukrainiens face à l’invasion dévastatrice et non provoquée de leur pays par le président russe Vladimir Poutine, et aux Afghans, qui connaissent des niveaux sans précédent de pauvreté, d’insécurité alimentaire, d’instabilité économique, d’insuffisance de services de santé de base ainsi que de déplacements internes, en raison des actes de violence brutaux, de la persécution, des violations des droits de la personne et d’autres violations commises par les talibans, en particulier à l’égard des femmes, des filles, des membres des groupes ethniques et religieux vulnérables, notamment les Hazaras, et de la communauté LGBTQ+, ainsi que des défenseurs des droits de la personne;Même si les Canadiens appuient entièrement les mesures spéciales en matière d’immigration pour les ressortissants ukrainiens destinées à les mettre en sécurité le plus rapidement possible, nous nous opposons fermement à la pratique discriminatoire du gouvernement consistant à ne pas appliquer le même traitement aux Afghans, qu’il est également urgent de mettre en sécurité;Bon nombre de petites entreprises au Canada désirent apporter leur soutien aux Afghans en leur offrant un emploi.Nous soussignés, citoyens ou résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada : 1. D’appliquer aux Afghans les mêmes mesures spéciales en matière d’immigration qu’aux ressortissants ukrainiens;2. De permettre aux Afghans de pays tiers, y compris les réfugiés dans les camps d’Ukraine, de demander l’asile au Canada;3. De renoncer à s’en remettre au HCR pour que celui-ci reconnaisse leur statut de réfugié; 4. De permettre aux Afghans qui se trouvent en Afghanistan de demander un recours aux mesures spéciales en matière d’immigration;5. D’établir un programme spécial de permis de travail pour les Afghans afin que ceux-ci puissent contribuer à pallier la pénurie de main-d’œuvre qualifiée au Canada.AfghanistanRéfugiés44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée17 juin 2022441-00436441-00436 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB10 mai 202217 juin 202213 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. The Minister of Foreign Affairs publicly denounced the tragic attack of April 19, 2022, against Hazara students in Kabul. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.So far, in 2022, Canada has allocated over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided food assistance to 8.9 million people and treatment for acute malnutrition to over 230,000 children under the age of five inside Afghanistan in the last four months of 2021.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40, 000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada through the special immigration program, for Afghan citizens who have had an enduring or significant relationship with the Government of Canada, and the humanitarian program which focuses on vulnerable Afghans, including women leaders, LGBTQ people, human rights defenders, journalists, and those who have helped Canadian journalists, members of religious and ethnic minorities, and family members of former Afghan interpreters. These programs have already brought over 14,000 Afghans, including some Hazaras, to Canada and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée30 mai 2022441-00392441-00392 (Affaires étrangères)JennyKwanVancouver-EstNPDBC8 avril 202230 mai 202223 mars 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Pendant des décennies, après avoir risqué leur vie en aidant les Forces armées canadiennes, de nombreux interprètes afghans, d’autres collaborateurs et les membres de leur famille élargie se sont retrouvés dans une situation très précaire, à la merci des talibans; La réponse initiale du gouvernement pour les mettre à l’abri a été de les référer aux programmes d’immigration existants; Ce retard à agir a prolongé les menaces et mis encore davantage leurs vies en danger; En raison de la crise humanitaire qui frappe actuellement l’Afghanistan, bon nombre souhaitent désespérément trouver refuge, mais dans le contexte actuel, les Afghans sont incapables d’obtenir la documentation requise pour voyager, par exemple un visa valide; Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada: 1. d’adopter immédiatement une mesure d’immigration d’urgence pour accorder un permis de résident temporaire et des documents de voyage temporaires tout en suspendant l’exigence de documentation habituelle jusqu’à ce que soient en sécurité au Canada : a) tous les Afghans et les membres de leur famille élargie qui ont soutenu les militaires canadiens; b) les militants afghans des droits de la personne et les membres de leur famille élargie; c) les Afghans dont des membres de leur famille immédiate ou élargie sont au Canada; 2. d’accroître la portée du volet de réunification familiale pour inclure les membres de la famille élargie; 3. d’accorder des places supplémentaires aux titulaires d’ententes de parrainage privé; 4. d’ouvrir tous les volets de parrainage privé de réfugiés et suspendre l’exigence relative à la documentation pour la détermination du statut de réfugié (pour les groupes de cinq et répondants communautaires).
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals. There are several distinct and specialized pathways that we have implemented for Afghan refugees since August 2021. This includes previous commitments and comprises the following: 
  • 18,000 Afghan nationals and their families who closely assisted Canada’s efforts in Afghanistan anticipated through Special Immigration Measures;
  • 5,000 Afghan nationals as part of a special family reunification program launched to help extended family members of former Afghan interpreters who came to Canada under earlier programs in 2009 and 2012. Extended family members that are eligible to apply include: adult children, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, and siblings of former Afghan interpreters who came to Canada under programs in 2009 and 2012;
  • Additional resettlement for vulnerable afghans (including women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities) through the humanitarian stream, which includes both Government Assisted and Privately Sponsored refugees.  
While the Government is unwavering in its commitment, we are navigating a constantly evolving situation in which the Government of Canada has no military or diplomatic presence. The key persistent challenge is that many Afghans in need of protection are still in Afghanistan, and movement out of the country both by air and by land continues to be very difficult and dangerous. Afghans who wish to flee are faced with a lack of safe, secure and reliable routes out of the country, the absence of stable conditions, and ever-changing circumstances around exit documentation requirements at check points and international crossings into third countries. IRCC carefully assesses and balances security, operational and humanitarian considerations when making decisions on exempting certain visa requirements. For Afghan nationals in third countries, the Government of Canada is already issuing Temporary Residence Permits (TRP) and Single Journey Travel documents (SJTD) to the most vulnerable. A TRP is a document issued by IRCC that allows people who are inadmissible to Canada to enter the country on a temporary basis. A SJTD is issued under certain exceptional circumstances to specified client groups who do not possess an acceptable passport or travel document and are approved for travel to Canada.It is important to note that SJTDs are only issued to foreign nationals who have been approvedfor resettlement and; SJTD with TRP are issued for entry to Canada and not for entry to third countries.  In order for individuals to leave Afghanistan they must be in possession of travel documents that would be acceptable to both the Afghan authorities for departure and the receiving state for legal entry. While the Government of Canada cannot control the exit and entry requirements of other countries, we monitor developments closely and  we continuously engage with countries in the region as part of our efforts to address challenges with safe passage.Canada is pursuing a range of options to ensure that international assistance and support for safe passage can continue to be given to vulnerable people in Afghanistan. We continue to work with existing and new referral partners to identify and refer these at-risk individuals, including the UNHCR, Front Line Defenders/Protectdefenders.eu, and sponsorship agreement holders.Our officials have established new partnerships, and continue to build on existing ones, to address safety and security constraints limiting the mobility of Afghans. In addition to engaging closely with countries in the region and developing new partnerships, IRCC has added more employees and resources in our missions abroad, ensuring individuals qualified for our Special Immigration Measures are quickly processed to completion once out of Afghanistan. Canada’s approach aligns with like-minded countries in their tireless work to assist Afghans in finding safe refuge.IRCC has worked with various partners to date, including Aman Lara to support the movement of Afghan nationals out of Afghanistan. The situation in Afghanistan remains very challenging, and we are truly appreciative for all the work that these organizations and others have done to support this collective effort.In light of the current situation in Afghanistan, and as an exceptional measure, we will waive the requirement for a Refugee Status Determination for some private sponsorship applications, broadening sponsor access to the program. We are also working with partners to welcome Afghans through the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot. These are the additional ways we’re continuing to work with the thousands of Canadians across the country who want to help any way they can.Afghan Nationals who are not eligible for any of our pathways are encouraged to explore other immigration programs they may be eligible via the Government of Canada website.
AfghanistanPasseports et visasRéfugiésRéunification des familles
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mai 2022441-00370441-00370 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB6 avril 202220 mai 202211 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.Since August 2021, Canada has allocated $106 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. This includes $56 million announced on December 21, 2021. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance.Canada continues to respond through experienced humanitarian partners, such as United Nations agencies both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries to address the needs of the most vulnerable. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided 8.9 million people with food assistance and treatment for acute malnutrition to over 230,000 children under the age of five inside Afghanistan in the last four months of 2021.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2022441-00300441-00300 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB29 mars 202212 mai 202213 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.Since August 2021, Canada has allocated $106 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. This includes $56 million announced on December 21, 2021. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance.Canada continues to respond through experienced humanitarian partners, such as United Nations agencies both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries to address the needs of the most vulnerable. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided 8.9 million people with food assistance and treatment for acute malnutrition to over 230,000 children under the age of five inside Afghanistan in the last four months of 2021.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2022441-00295441-00295 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB28 mars 202211 mai 202213 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.Since August 2021, Canada has allocated $106 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. This includes $56 million announced on December 21, 2021. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance.Canada continues to respond through experienced humanitarian partners, such as United Nations agencies both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries to address the needs of the most vulnerable. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided 8.9 million people with food assistance and treatment for acute malnutrition to over 230,000 children under the age of five inside Afghanistan in the last four months of 2021.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 mai 2022441-00231441-00231 (Affaires étrangères)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON22 mars 20225 mai 20229 mars 2022Pétition au très honorable Justin Trudeau, premier ministre ATTENDU QUE :
  • Quand le personnel de la mission canadienne a été évacué d’Afghanistan en août, de nombreux Afghans qui avaient appuyé le gouvernement, l’armée et les ONG du Canada pendant le conflit avec les talibans (2001-2014) ont été laissés sur place;
  • Ces loyaux Afghans et leurs familles sont toujours gravement menacés de représailles par les talibans pour avoir aidé le Canada, et des anciens combattants de partout au Canada qui ont servi avec eux sont profondément préoccupés;
  • Des ONG canadiennes et d’autres ONG bénévoles prennent des mesures efficaces pour assurer leur protection et leur évacuation;
  • Le Réseau de transition des vétérans (RTV) du Canada, dont les fonds proviennent essentiellement de dons de citoyens et d’organismes privés, dirige l’opération;
  • Cette opération est toujours confrontée à de nombreux obstacles : un grave manque de fonds adéquats et réguliers; les fonds privés ne suffisent pas; des retards dans le traitement des visas par Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC); la politique du gouvernement du Canada interdisant le financement des foyers d’hébergement; la dépense imprévue liée à l’accueil de 1 700 personnes dans des foyers d’hébergement pendant trois mois; la rapidité d’exécution est primordiale compte tenu de l’instabilité et de la dangerosité du milieu;
  • Le Canada peut accélérer le processus de recommandation comme nous l’avons fait dans le cas de la crise syrienne et obtenir la participation des ONG qui connaissent si bien le milieu;
  • Cette approche permettra d’éviter le processus de « recommandation des réfugiés », qui est lourd, long et coûteux.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le très honorable Justin Trudeau, premier ministre :
  • d’éviter de nombreuses morts potentielles, en offrant immédiatement des fonds aux opérations du RTV en Afghanistan pour l’établissement de foyers d’hébergement, le soutien aux demandes de visas, la logistique sur le terrain, la sécurité et les services d’évacuation (y compris le transport aérien) à l’intention de ces familles afghanes;
  • d’ordonner à IRCC de délivrer des documents de voyage à usage unique et des lettres de facilitation à l’appui des documents, afin d’aider ces familles à traverser les frontières pour sortir d’Afghanistan.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.As of March 22, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has approved applications of more than 10,180 persons under our Special Immigration Measures to resettle Afghan nationals who assisted the Government of Canada along with their family members. We continue to move vulnerable Afghan nationals as quickly as conditions allow.We are navigating a constantly evolving situation in which the Government of Canada has no military or diplomatic presence. Movement out of Afghanistan both by air and by land continues to be very difficult and dangerous.IRCC recognizes many vulnerable at-risk Afghans remain in Afghanistan and are unable to leave due to their personal circumstances, a lack of safe travel routes or because they do not have the required travel documents accepted by other nations to be able to transit through their borders. A Single Journey Travel Document issued by the Government of Canada does not replace the need of a passport or visa to legally enter a third country. Similar to Canada, most nations define what is an acceptable travel document aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.Our officials have established new partnerships, and continue to build on existing ones, to address safety and security constraints limiting the mobility of Afghans.  In addition to engaging closely with countries in the region and developing new partnerships, IRCC has added more employees and resources in our missions abroad, ensuring individuals qualified for our Special Immigration Measures are quickly processed to completion once out of Afghanistan. Canada’s approach aligns with like-minded countries in their tireless work to assist Afghans in finding safe refuge.IRCC has worked with various partners to date, including the Veteran’s Transition Network (VTN), and more recently Aman Lara to support the movement of Afghan nationals out of Afghanistan. The situation in Afghanistan remains very challenging, and we are truly appreciative for all the work that these organizations and others have done to support this collective effort. IRCC is also engaging with dozens of organizations from civil society and the private sectorwho are ready and willing to support the arrivals of Afghan families via temporary accommodations, volunteer offers, monetary donations, in-kind donations of goods and services, and possible job opportunities.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is committed to supporting regional efforts and providing assistance to Afghan refugees and host communities. On July 23, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a special immigration measures program focused on Afghans who provided critical support to Canada’s mission to Afghanistan.On August 13 2021, IRCC announced a humanitarian program to resettle Afghan refugees with a focus on women leaders, human rights defenders, persecuted religious and ethnic minorities, journalists and people who helped Canadian journalists, LGBTI individuals, and extended family members of previously resettled interpreters. And most recently, the Government of Canada announced plans to resettle the extended family of interpreters previously resettled under the 2009 and 2012 public policies. Canada has committed to resettling up to 40,000 vulnerable Afghan refugees under these programs. Since August 2021, over 12 000 Afghans have arrived in Canada, under all streams and more will continue to arrive in the weeks and months ahead.The Government of Canada recognizes that there are still many Afghans who have not been able to travel to Canada under the special immigration measures program, including some who may have had a relationship with the Government of Canada. IRCC continues to process accepted applications as quickly as possible, but the complex operating environment in Afghanistan means that it will take time for people to arrive in Canada.Canada has provided funding to Veterans Transition Network (VTN), Journalists for Human Rights, and Aman Lara to support their efforts to protect vulnerable persons in Afghanistan, including human rights defenders, women peacebuilders, former Canadian Armed Forces interpreters and locally engaged staff. The Government of Canada continues to work closely with these organizations regarding the evolving situation in Afghanistan.Since August 2021, Canada committed a total of $143 million for 2022 to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. This includes $56 million announced on December 21, 2021, and an additional $50 million on March 31, 2022, during the Afghanistan Humanitarian Pledging Conference cohosted by the United Nations, United Kingdom, Germany and Qatar. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance.Canada continues to respond through experienced humanitarian partners, such as United Nations agencies both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries, to address the needs of the most vulnerable. For example, between August to December 2021, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided 8.9 million people with food assistance and treatment for acute malnutrition to over 230,000 children under the age of five inside Afghanistan.Canada engages with allies and countries in the region to explore avenues to assist those who remain on the ground, as well as those who have already travelled to third countries and wish to come to Canada. Canada is deploying its full diplomatic weight through a variety of channels including through the G7, Five Country forums and the United Nations. The Government of Canada is closely monitoring the situation on the ground and remains committed to responding to the needs of the people of Afghanistan.
AfghanistanRéfugiés
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 mai 2022441-00228441-00228 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB21 mars 20222 mai 202227 juillet 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.Since August 2021, Canada has allocated $106 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. This includes $56 million announced on December 21, 2021. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance.Canada continues to respond through experienced humanitarian partners, such as United Nations agencies both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries to address the needs of the most vulnerable. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided 8.9 million people with food assistance and treatment for acute malnutrition to over 230,000 children under the age of five inside Afghanistan in the last four months of 2021.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée25 avril 2022441-00219441-00219 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB4 mars 202225 avril 202227 juillet 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.Since August 2021, Canada has allocated $106 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. This includes $56 million announced on December 21, 2021. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance.Canada continues to respond through experienced humanitarian partners, such as United Nations agencies both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries to address the needs of the most vulnerable. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided 8.9 million people with food assistance and treatment for acute malnutrition to over 230,000 children under the age of five inside Afghanistan in the last four months of 2021.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée25 avril 2022441-00215441-00215 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB4 mars 202225 avril 20229 novembre 2018PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu qu’il y a déjà eu des centaines de milliers d’hindous et de Sikhs en Afghanistan, mais qu’il en reste aujourd’hui moins de 5 000;Attendu qu’un attentat à la bombe, au début juillet, a tué des dirigeants de ces deux communautés en Afghanistan, ce qui démontre leur vulnérabilité constante, surtout dans la mesure où ces dirigeants se rendaient à une rencontre avec le président; Attendu que le ministre de l’Immigration est déjà habilité par la loi à permettre aux gens des minorités vulnérables de venir au Canada en tant que réfugiés parrainés par le secteur privé, et ce, directement du pays où ils sont persécutés; Attendu que les communautés sikhs et hindoues sont disposées à parrainer des réfugiés afghans issus de minorités.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de créer, en vertu des pouvoirs qui lui sont conférés, un programme spécial visant à aider les minorités persécutées de l’Afghanistan.Nous prions aussi la ministre des Affaires étrangères de soulever la question de la persécution dont fait l’objet cette communauté auprès de son homologue afghan et de demander fermement qu’on s’emploie davantage à la protéger.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities, and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several programs, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of March 1, 2022, Canada welcomed 8,580 vulnerable Afghans.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. As with previous large-scale resettlement efforts, we welcome the support of the many Canadians who want to lend a hand. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world. Through this program, we’re expanding our partnership with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation, a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, to resettle hundreds of persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain within Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan, which compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our mission. Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada. Canada will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on IRCC’s website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/afghanistan/key-figures.html.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement. Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world including in Afghanistan, through both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges the persecution and violence faced by Sikhs, Hindus and other religious minorities in Afghanistan over the past four decades of conflict. Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly denounced attacks against Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practise their religion without fearing for their lives and safety.Canada repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities and to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada continues to reiterate that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict.Since August 2021, Canada has allocated $106 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. This includes $56 million announced on December 21, 2021. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, including a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance.Canada continues to respond through experienced humanitarian partners, such as United Nations agencies both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries to address the needs of the most vulnerable. For example, with Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided 8.9 million people with food assistance and treatment for acute malnutrition to over 230,000 children under the age of five inside Afghanistan in the last four months of 2021.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Sikhs and Hindus, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety. Canada also welcomes the initiatives of Canada-based non-governmental organizations working to support Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. This includes the World Sikh Organization of Canada and the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation’s efforts for the safe exit of Sikhs and Hindus and their resettlement in Canada.
AfghanistanHindouisme et hindousMinorités religieusesSikhisme et sikhs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 mars 2022e-3750e-3750 (Citoyenneté et immigration)KhalidhaNasiriHeatherMcPhersonEdmonton StrathconaNPDAB15 décembre 2021 à 15 h 14 (HAE)14 janvier 2022 à 15 h 14 (HAE)15 février 202231 mars 202217 janvier 2022Pétition au <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que : La prise de pouvoir par les talibans a entraîné une recrudescence de la violence, de la persécution, des atteintes aux droits de la personne et d’autres violations en Afghanistan, notamment à l’encontre des femmes, des filles, des groupes ethniques et religieux vulnérables, dont les Hazaras, de la communauté LGBTQ+ et des défenseurs des droits de la personne; La crise humanitaire en Afghanistan continue de prendre des proportions sans précédent : pauvreté, insécurité alimentaire, instabilité économique, absence de services de santé de base et déplacements internes; Le gouvernement du Canada s’est engagé à réinstaller 40 000 réfugiés afghans; La loi confère au ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté le pouvoir d’accorder l’asile à une personne dans des circonstances exceptionnelles. Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Recourir aux pouvoirs qui lui sont accordés pour accélérer les processus de réinstallation afin d’atteindre le quota de 40 000 réfugiés afghans dans un délai de 6 à 9 mois, et s’engager à en accueillir 95 000 sur une période de 24 mois;2. Éliminer les obstacles résultant des limites d’attribution imposées aux signataires d’ententes de parrainage et élargir la catégorie des parents de Canadiens d’origine afghane pouvant être parrainés; 3. Permettre les demandes des personnes déplacées à l’intérieur de l’Afghanistan par l’attribution de permis de résidence temporaire, et attribuer aux réfugiés afghans un statut prima facie;4. Consulter régulièrement et substantiellement la communauté afghano-canadienne et les intervenants dans le cadre des efforts continus du Canada en matière de réinstallation des réfugiés afghans et d’aide humanitaire.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees. Canada’s commitment exceeds that of most of our like-minded partners and reinforces Canada’s global leadership in the resettlement of refugees. IRCC continues to work hard on resettling vulnerable people from Afghanistan, including facilitation of safe passage where possible, with an emphasis on individuals who supported Canada and our allies over the past two decades, women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities and their families. Since the crisis in Afghanistan began, IRCC has allocated significant resources and mobilized its global network to prioritize applications from vulnerable Afghans and to process them as quickly as possible. As of February 15, 7,885 Afghan nationals had arrived in Canada: 4,600 under the Special Immigration Measures, and 3,285 under the humanitarian program. While these efforts are underway, Canada continues to resettle vulnerable persons from other populations, including victims of protracted conflicts in Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America.The Government is prioritizing the processing of privately sponsored Afghan refugees, from both existing inventory, and new submissions from Sponsorship Agreement Holders (SAHs).  The annual SAH allocations have been increased to allow SAHs to sponsor additional Afghan refugees.In December 2021, IRCC launched a special family reunification program to help extended family members of former Afghan interpreters who came to Canada under programs in 2009 and 2012. This program aims to facilitate family reunification of these vulnerable groups. Canada is also prioritizing applications of eligible immediate family members joining Afghans currently in Canada.IRCC has been working closely with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in order to identify Afghan refugees in need of resettlement to Canada. However, it remains extremely difficult to facilitate the exit of Afghan nationals from Afghanistan and many at-risk Afghans remain in Afghanistan and are unable to leave. IRCC is working closely with other countries and stakeholders in the region to secure new partnerships and address constraints that limit the mobility of vulnerable groups.The Government of Canada has had significant and ongoing engagement with Afghan-Canadian community and stakeholders, particularly in terms of resettlement. IRCC is partnering with organizations such as Front Line Defenders and ProtectDefenders.eu., along with the UNHCR to identify vulnerable Afghans who are most at need for resettlement. IRCC is also engaging with dozens of organizations from civil society and the private sectorwho are ready and willing to support new Afghan families via temporary accommodations, volunteer offers, monetary donations, in-kind donations of goods and services and possible job opportunities.All key statistics, updated regularly, and further information on the above-mentioned initiatives, may be found on IRCC’s website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/afghanistan/key-figures.html
AfghanistanRéfugiés
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 mars 2022441-00188441-00188 (Affaires étrangères)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC15 février 202231 mars 202214 décembre 2021PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA ATTENDU QUE :
  • Kaboul, la capitale de l’Afghanistan, est tombée aux mains des talibans le 15 août 2021;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada n’était absolument pas préparé à évacuer ses propres citoyens ainsi que les milliers d’alliés afghans et leur famille qui l’ont aidé dans ses actions militaires et humanitaires, et ces derniers, abandonnés en Afghanistan, sont exposés aux représailles des talibans;
  • Le Réseau de transition des vétérans (RTV), des OSBL et des donateurs du secteur privé sont intervenus à la place du gouvernement fédéral resté inactif et ont aidé nos alliés afghans et leur famille en finançant leur séjour dans les installations secrètes et leur évacuation;
  • Le besoin de davantage de soutien financier fédéral se fait désespérément sentir, car les ressources du RTV et des autres groupes fondent à vue d’œil et que des milliers de nos alliés demeurent encore en Afghanistan et en danger.
PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de conclure des partenariats avec le RTV et d’autres groupes pour lancer sur-le-champ une initiative pour l’évacuation de nos alliés afghans toujours en Afghanistan, leur réinstallation au Canada et leur protection contre les représailles des talibans.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is committed to supporting regional efforts and providing assistance to Afghan refugees and host communities. On July 23, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a special immigration program focused on Afghans who provided critical support to Canada’s mission to Afghanistan. On August 13, IRCC announced a humanitarian program to resettle Afghan refugees with a focus on women leaders, human rights defenders, persecuted religious and ethnic minorities, journalists and people who helped Canadian journalists, LGBTI individuals, and extended family members of previously resettled interpreters. Canada has committed to resettling up to 40,000 vulnerable Afghan refugees under these programs.More than 8,500 Afghan refugees, and climbing, have arrived in Canada since the announcement of the special immigration program and more will continue to arrive in the weeks and months ahead. The Government of Canada recognizes that there are still many Afghans who have not been able to travel to Canada under the special immigration program, including some who may have had a relationship with the Government of Canada. IRCC continues to process accepted applications as quickly as possible, but it will take time for people to arrive in Canada.Canada has provided funding to Veterans Transition Network and others to support their efforts to protect vulnerable persons in Afghanistan, including human rights defenders, women peacebuilders, former Canadian Armed Forces interpreters and locally engaged staff. The Government of Canada continues to work closely with various organizations regarding the evolving situation in Afghanistan.Additionally, the Government Canada has allocated $27.3 million in humanitarian assistance early into 2021, with an additional $50 million for Afghanistan and the region announced on August 26, 2021, and most recently, an additional $56 million announced on December 21, 2021, to support the World Food Programme, United Nations High Commission for Refugees, International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and United Nations Children’s Fund over the next 15 months, both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries. This support will help with immediate lifesaving needs of vulnerable Afghans.Canada continues to have discussions with allies and countries in the region to explore avenues to assist those who remain on the ground, as well as those who have already travelled to third countries and wish to come to Canada. Canada is deploying its full diplomatic weight through a variety of channels including through the G7, Five Country forums and the United Nations. The Government of Canada is closely monitoring the situation on the ground and remains committed to responding to the needs of the people of Afghanistan.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.As of February 15, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has approved applications for more than 10,015 persons under our Special Immigration Measures to resettle Afghan nationals who assisted the Government of Canada along with their family members. We continue to move Afghan refugees as quickly as conditions allow.Afghanistan is currently controlled by the Taliban, a listed terrorist entity for Canada, preventing any diplomatic engagements or negotiations whatsoever and creating significant barriers to facilitating the exit of Afghan nationals from Afghanistan. There is currently no Canadian presence on the ground in Afghanistan due to the ongoing security and safety concerns for both IRCC employees and prospective clients, preventing mandatory security screenings being completed for clients prior to departure from Afghanistan. Crossing Afghanistan’s border is also dangerous for our clients, whether by land or air, particularly given the level of violence reported towards attempted crossers, including reported physical violence, door-to-door searches, and “disappearances” of vulnerable persons. A constantly shifting political climate in the region, as well as current events on the world stage, create additional complications requiring high level diplomatic support and interventions by our federal partners.IRCC recognizes many vulnerable, at-risk Afghans remain in Afghanistan, unable to leave. Our officials have established new partnerships, as well as building on existing ones, to address safety and security constraints limiting the mobility of Afghans person. In addition to engaging closely with countries in the region and developing new partnerships, IRCC has added more employees and resources in our missions abroad ensuring individuals qualified for our Special Immigration Measures are processed to completion quickly once out of Afghanistan. IRCC continues working with existing partners such as Front Line Defenders and Protect Defenders, who have been able to facilitate the movement of some human rights defenders to neighboring countries, and continue establishing new partnerships to find avenues or the resettlement of vulnerable individuals from within Afghanistan. IRCC is also working closely with the Veteran’s Transition Network regarding their operations on the ground in Afghanistan.As of February 15, 2022, 7,885 Afghan nationals arrived in Canada: 4,600 under the Special Immigration Measures, and 3,285 under the humanitarian program.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on IRCC’s website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/afghanistan/key-figures.html
AfghanistanRéfugiés
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 mars 2022441-00138441-00138 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB3 février 202221 mars 202227 juillet 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances. With the Taliban’s return to power, Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.In 2021, the Government of Canada announced a total of $133 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 mars 2022441-00125441-00125 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB2 février 202221 mars 202227 juillet 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances. With the Taliban’s return to power, Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.In 2021, the Government of Canada announced a total of $133 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 mars 2022441-00118441-00118 (Affaires étrangères)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC1 février 202221 mars 202214 décembre 2021PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA ATTENDU QUE :
  • Kaboul, la capitale de l’Afghanistan, est tombée aux mains des talibans le 15 août 2021;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada n’était absolument pas préparé à évacuer ses propres citoyens ainsi que les milliers d’alliés afghans et leur famille qui l’ont aidé dans ses actions militaires et humanitaires, et ces derniers, abandonnés en Afghanistan, sont exposés aux représailles des talibans;
  • Le Réseau de transition des vétérans (RTV), des OSBL et des donateurs du secteur privé sont intervenus à la place du gouvernement fédéral resté inactif et ont aidé nos alliés afghans et leur famille en finançant leur séjour dans les installations secrètes et leur évacuation;
  • Le besoin de davantage de soutien financier fédéral se fait désespérément sentir, car les ressources du RTV et des autres groupes fondent à vue d’œil et que des milliers de nos alliés demeurent encore en Afghanistan et en danger.
PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de conclure des partenariats avec le RTV et d’autres groupes pour lancer sur-le-champ une initiative pour l’évacuation de nos alliés afghans toujours en Afghanistan, leur réinstallation au Canada et leur protection contre les représailles des talibans.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada is committed to supporting regional efforts and providing assistance to Afghan refugees and host communities. On July 23, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a special immigration program focused on Afghans who provided critical support to Canada’s mission to Afghanistan. On August 13, IRCC announced a humanitarian program to resettle Afghan refugees with a focus on women leaders, human rights defenders, persecuted religious and ethnic minorities, journalists and people who helped Canadian journalists, LGBTI individuals, and extended family members of previously resettled interpreters. Canada has committed to resettling up to 40,000 vulnerable Afghan refugees under these programs.More than 8,500 Afghan refugees, and climbing, have arrived in Canada since the announcement of the special immigration program and more will continue to arrive in the weeks and months ahead. The Government of Canada recognizes that there are still many Afghans who have not been able to travel to Canada under the special immigration program, including some who may have had a relationship with the Government of Canada. IRCC continues to process accepted applications as quickly as possible, but it will take time for people to arrive in Canada.Canada has provided funding to Veterans Transition Network and others to support their efforts to protect vulnerable persons in Afghanistan, including human rights defenders, women peacebuilders, former Canadian Armed Forces interpreters and locally engaged staff. The Government of Canada continues to work closely with various organizations regarding the evolving situation in Afghanistan.Additionally, the Government Canada has allocated $27.3 million in humanitarian assistance early into 2021, with an additional $50 million for Afghanistan and the region announced on August 26, 2021, and most recently, an additional $56 million announced on December 21, 2021, to support the World Food Programme, United Nations High Commission for Refugees, International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and United Nations Children’s Fund over the next 15 months, both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries. This support will help with immediate lifesaving needs of vulnerable Afghans.Canada continues to have discussions with allies and countries in the region to explore avenues to assist those who remain on the ground, as well as those who have already travelled to third countries and wish to come to Canada. Canada is deploying its full diplomatic weight through a variety of channels including through the G7, Five Country forums and the United Nations. The Government of Canada is closely monitoring the situation on the ground and remains committed to responding to the needs of the people of Afghanistan.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on IRCC’s website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/afghanistan/key-figures.html.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is committed to supporting regional efforts and providing assistance to Afghan refugees and host communities. On July 23, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a special immigration program focused on Afghans who provided critical support to Canada’s mission to Afghanistan. On August 13, IRCC announced a humanitarian program to resettle Afghan refugees with a focus on women leaders, human rights defenders, persecuted religious and ethnic minorities, journalists and people who helped Canadian journalists, LGBTI individuals, and extended family members of previously resettled interpreters. Canada has committed to resettling up to 40,000 vulnerable Afghan refugees under these programs.More than 8,500 Afghan refugees, and climbing, have arrived in Canada since the announcement of the special immigration program and more will continue to arrive in the weeks and months ahead. The Government of Canada recognizes that there are still many Afghans who have not been able to travel to Canada under the special immigration program, including some who may have had a relationship with the Government of Canada. IRCC continues to process accepted applications as quickly as possible, but it will take time for people to arrive in Canada.Canada has provided funding to Veterans Transition Network and others to support their efforts to protect vulnerable persons in Afghanistan, including human rights defenders, women peacebuilders, former Canadian Armed Forces interpreters and locally engaged staff. The Government of Canada continues to work closely with various organizations regarding the evolving situation in Afghanistan.Additionally, the Government Canada has allocated $27.3 million in humanitarian assistance early into 2021, with an additional $50 million for Afghanistan and the region announced on August 26, 2021, and most recently, an additional $56 million announced on December 21, 2021, to support the World Food Programme, United Nations High Commission for Refugees, International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and United Nations Children’s Fund over the next 15 months, both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries. This support will help with immediate lifesaving needs of vulnerable Afghans.Canada continues to have discussions with allies and countries in the region to explore avenues to assist those who remain on the ground, as well as those who have already travelled to third countries and wish to come to Canada. Canada is deploying its full diplomatic weight through a variety of channels including through the G7, Five Country forums and the United Nations. The Government of Canada is closely monitoring the situation on the ground and remains committed to responding to the needs of the people of Afghanistan.
AfghanistanRéfugiés
44e législature229Non certifiée15 mars 2022e-3765e-3765 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TiffanySt PierreJennyKwanVancouver-EstNPDBC12 janvier 2022 à 7 h 53 (HAE)13 mars 2022 à 7 h 53 (HAE)15 mars 2022Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :Le gouvernement du Canada s’est engagé à réinstaller au Canada jusqu’à 40 000 ressortissants afghans vulnérables;De nombreux ressortissants afghans ont, au péril de leur vie, aidé le gouvernement canadien en endossant divers rôles (comme interprètes et autres) à l’appui de la mission canadienne en Afghanistan;Des membres de la famille élargie de ces ressortissants afghans ayant joué divers rôles à l’appui de la mission canadienne en Afghanistan sont maintenant fortement pris pour cibles et persécutés par les talibans; Le Canada a le devoir moral d’aider les membres de la famille élargie de ces ressortissants afghans qui risquent aujourd’hui d’être assassinés par les talibans.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes :1. D'élargir immédiatement l’admissibilité au statut de réfugié afghan pour y inclure les membres de la famille élargie de tous les ressortissants afghans ayant appuyé la mission canadienne en Afghanistan, interprètes et autres; 2. D'accélérer le traitement des demandes de ces ressortissants afghans et de leur famille élargie (y compris des défenseurs afghans des droits de la personne) en édictant une mesure d’immigration d’urgence qui leur accordera un permis de résidence temporaire ainsi qu’un titre de voyage temporaire en suspendant les exigences habituelles en matière de documentation jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient en sécurité au Canada;3. D'élargir le volet de réunion des familles pour y inclure les membres de la famille élargie;4. D'attribuer des places supplémentaires aux signataires d’ententes de parrainage; 5. D'ouvrir tous les volets de parrainage privé de réfugiés et suspendre l’obligation d’obtenir une détermination du statut de réfugié (pour les groupes de cinq personnes et les répondants communautaires).AfghanistanRéfugiés44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 janvier 2022441-00113441-00113 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB16 décembre 202131 janvier 202227 juillet 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances. With the Taliban’s return to power, Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.In 2021, the Government of Canada announced a total of $133 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 janvier 2022441-00100441-00100 (Affaires étrangères)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC16 décembre 202131 janvier 202214 décembre 2021PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA ATTENDU QUE :
  • Kaboul, la capitale de l’Afghanistan, est tombée aux mains des talibans le 15 août 2021;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada n’était absolument pas préparé à évacuer ses propres citoyens ainsi que les milliers d’alliés afghans et leur famille qui l’ont aidé dans ses actions militaires et humanitaires, et ces derniers, abandonnés en Afghanistan, sont exposés aux représailles des talibans;
  • Le Réseau de transition des vétérans (RTV), des OSBL et des donateurs du secteur privé sont intervenus à la place du gouvernement fédéral resté inactif et ont aidé nos alliés afghans et leur famille en finançant leur séjour dans les installations secrètes et leur évacuation;
  • Le besoin de davantage de soutien financier fédéral se fait désespérément sentir, car les ressources du RTV et des autres groupes fondent à vue d’œil et que des milliers de nos alliés demeurent encore en Afghanistan et en danger.
PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de conclure des partenariats avec le RTV et d’autres groupes pour lancer sur-le-champ une initiative pour l’évacuation de nos alliés afghans toujours en Afghanistan, leur réinstallation au Canada et leur protection contre les représailles des talibans.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is committed to supporting regional efforts and providing assistance to Afghan refugees and host communities. On July 23, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a special immigration program focused on Afghans who provided critical support to Canada’s mission to Afghanistan. On August 13, IRCC announced a humanitarian program to resettle Afghan refugees with a focus on women leaders, human rights defenders, persecuted religious and ethnic minorities, journalists and people who helped Canadian journalists, LGBTI individuals, and extended family members of previously resettled interpreters. Canada has committed to resettling up to 40,000 vulnerable Afghan refugees under these programs.More than 7,000 Afghan refugees, and climbing, have arrived in Canada since the announcement of the special immigration program and more will continue to arrive in the weeks and months ahead. The Government of Canada recognizes that there are still many Afghans who have not been able to travel to Canada under the special immigration program, including some who may have had a relationship with the Government of Canada. IRCC continues to process accepted applications as quickly as possible, but it will take time for people to arrive in Canada.Canada has provided funding to Journalists for Human Rights, Veterans Transition Network and Aman Lara to support their efforts to protect vulnerable persons in Afghanistan, including human rights defenders, women peacebuilders, former Canadian Armed Forces interpreters and locally engaged staff. The Government of Canada continues to work closely with these organizations regarding the evolving situation in Afghanistan.Additionally, the Government Canada has allocated $27.3 million in humanitarian assistance early into 2021, with an additional $50 million for Afghanistan and the region announced on August 26, 2021, and most recently, an additional $56 million announced on December 21, 2021, to support the World Food Programme, United Nations High Commission for Refugees, International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and United Nations Children’s Fund over the next 15 months, both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries. This support will help with immediate lifesaving needs of vulnerable Afghans.Canada continues to have discussions with allies and countries in the region to explore avenues to assist those who remain on the ground, as well as those who have already travelled to third countries and wish to come to Canada. Canada is deploying its full diplomatic weight through a variety of channels including through the G7, Five Country forums and the United Nations. The Government of Canada is closely monitoring the situation on the ground and remains committed to responding to the needs of the people of Afghanistan.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Sean FraserTo date, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has approved applications for more than 9,800 persons under our Special Immigration Measures to resettle Afghan nationals who assisted the Government of Canada along with their family members. We continue to move Afghan refugees as quickly as conditions allow.There are significant barriers to facilitating the exit of Afghan nationals from Afghanistan. There is no Canadian presence on the ground in Afghanistan. Crossing Afghanistan’s border is also dangerous. We are engaging closely with countries in the region and we have added more staff and resources in our missions abroad to ensure that individuals who have qualified for our Special Immigration Measures are processed to completion quickly if they exit Afghanistan.  IRCC recognizes that many at-risk Afghans remain in Afghanistan and are unable to leave. Our officials are working tirelessly to secure new partnerships and address constraints that limit the mobility of vulnerable groups. We have established new partnerships to find avenues for the resettlement of individuals from within Afghanistan. IRCC is working with Front Line Defenders and Protect Defenders, who have been able to facilitate the movement of some human rights defenders to neighbouring countries. IRCC is also in contact with the Veteran’s Transition Network (VTN) regarding their operations on the ground in Afghanistan.As of January 18, 2022, a total of 7140 Afghan nationals arrived in Canada: 4292 under the Special Immigration Measures, and 2850 under the humanitarian program.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on IRCC’s website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/afghanistan/key-figures.html 
AfghanistanRéfugiés
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 janvier 2022441-00074441-00074 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB14 décembre 202131 janvier 202227 juillet 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances. With the Taliban’s return to power, Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.In 2021, the Government of Canada announced a total of $133 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 janvier 2022441-00056441-00056 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB13 décembre 202131 janvier 202223 novembre 2021PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu qu’il y a déjà eu des centaines de milliers d’hindous et de Sikhs en Afghanistan, mais qu’il en reste aujourd’hui moins de 5 000;Attendu qu’un attentat à la bombe, au début juillet, a tué des dirigeants de ces deux communautés en Afghanistan, ce qui démontre leur vulnérabilité constante, surtout dans la mesure où ces dirigeants se rendaient à une rencontre avec le président; Attendu que le ministre de l’Immigration est déjà habilité par la loi à permettre aux gens des minorités vulnérables de venir au Canada en tant que réfugiés parrainés par le secteur privé, et ce, directement du pays où ils sont persécutés; Attendu que les communautés sikhs et hindoues sont disposées à parrainer des réfugiés afghans issus de minorités.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de créer, en vertu des pouvoirs qui lui sont conférés, un programme spécial visant à aider les minorités persécutées de l’Afghanistan.Nous prions aussi la ministre des Affaires étrangères de soulever la question de la persécution dont fait l’objet cette communauté auprès de son homologue afghan et de demander fermement qu’on s’emploie davantage à la protéger.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Sean FraserThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities, and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.The Government of Canada remains firm in its commitment to welcome Afghan refugees to Canada, and will work to increase the number of eligible refugees to 40,000. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada will be fulfilled through several special measures and programs. As part of this, we announced a special humanitarian program to resettle vulnerable Afghans, such as persecuted religious and ethnic minorities.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. As with previous large-scale resettlement efforts, we welcome the support of the many Canadians who want to lend a hand. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world. Through this program, we’re expanding our partnership with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation, a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, to resettle hundreds of persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain within Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan, which pose serious challenges to our ability to ensure the safety and security of our mission. Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada. Canada will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on IRCC’s website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/afghanistan/key-figures.html.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement. Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world including in Afghanistan, through both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges the persecution and violence faced by Sikhs, Hindus and other religious minorities in Afghanistan over the past four decades of conflict. Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly denounced attacks against Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practise their religion without fearing for their lives and safety.Canada repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities and to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.With the Taliban’s return to power, Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada continues to reiterate that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. The Government of Canada has recently announced an allocation of $50 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. This in addition to the $27.3 million already allocated for Afghanistan in 2021. Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Sikhs and Hindus, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including Sikhs and Hindus, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety. Canada also welcomes the initiatives of Canada-based non-governmental organizations working to support Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. This includes the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation’s efforts for the safe exit of Sikhs and Hindus and their resettlement in Canada.
AfghanistanHindouisme et hindousMinorités religieusesSikhisme et sikhs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 janvier 2022441-00053441-00053 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB13 décembre 202131 janvier 202227 juillet 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances. With the Taliban’s return to power, Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.In 2021, the Government of Canada announced a total of $133 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 janvier 2022441-00033441-00033 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB6 décembre 202131 janvier 202223 novembre 2021PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu qu’il y a déjà eu des centaines de milliers d’hindous et de Sikhs en Afghanistan, mais qu’il en reste aujourd’hui moins de 5 000;Attendu qu’un attentat à la bombe, au début juillet, a tué des dirigeants de ces deux communautés en Afghanistan, ce qui démontre leur vulnérabilité constante, surtout dans la mesure où ces dirigeants se rendaient à une rencontre avec le président; Attendu que le ministre de l’Immigration est déjà habilité par la loi à permettre aux gens des minorités vulnérables de venir au Canada en tant que réfugiés parrainés par le secteur privé, et ce, directement du pays où ils sont persécutés; Attendu que les communautés sikhs et hindoues sont disposées à parrainer des réfugiés afghans issus de minorités.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de créer, en vertu des pouvoirs qui lui sont conférés, un programme spécial visant à aider les minorités persécutées de l’Afghanistan.Nous prions aussi la ministre des Affaires étrangères de soulever la question de la persécution dont fait l’objet cette communauté auprès de son homologue afghan et de demander fermement qu’on s’emploie davantage à la protéger.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Sean FraserThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities, and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.The Government of Canada remains firm in its commitment to welcome Afghan refugees to Canada, and will work to increase the number of eligible refugees to 40,000. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada will be fulfilled through several special measures and programs. As part of this, we announced a special humanitarian program to resettle vulnerable Afghans, such as persecuted religious and ethnic minorities.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. As with previous large-scale resettlement efforts, we welcome the support of the many Canadians who want to lend a hand. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world. Through this program, we’re expanding our partnership with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation, a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, to resettle hundreds of persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain within Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan, which pose serious challenges to our ability to ensure the safety and security of our mission. Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada. Canada will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on IRCC’s website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/afghanistan/key-figures.html.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement. Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world including in Afghanistan, through both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges the persecution and violence faced by Sikhs, Hindus and other religious minorities in Afghanistan over the past four decades of conflict. Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly denounced attacks against Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practise their religion without fearing for their lives and safety.Canada repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities and to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.With the Taliban’s return to power, Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada continues to reiterate that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. The Government of Canada has recently announced an allocation of $50 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. This in addition to the $27.3 million already allocated for Afghanistan in 2021. Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Sikhs and Hindus, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including Sikhs and Hindus, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety. Canada also welcomes the initiatives of Canada-based non-governmental organizations working to support Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. This includes the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation’s efforts for the safe exit of Sikhs and Hindus and their resettlement in Canada.
AfghanistanHindouisme et hindousMinorités religieusesSikhisme et sikhs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 janvier 2022441-00013441-00013 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB26 novembre 202131 janvier 202213 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances. With the Taliban’s return to power, Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.In 2021, the Government of Canada announced a total of $133 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 janvier 2022441-00008441-00008 (Affaires étrangères)RickPerkinsSouth Shore—St. MargaretsConservateurNS24 novembre 202131 janvier 202213 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances. With the Taliban’s return to power, Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.In 2021, the Government of Canada announced a total of $133 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 janvier 2022441-00007441-00007 (Affaires étrangères)RickPerkinsSouth Shore—St. MargaretsConservateurNS24 novembre 202131 janvier 202213 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances. With the Taliban’s return to power, Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.In 2021, the Government of Canada announced a total of $133 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 janvier 2022441-00003441-00003 (Affaires étrangères)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservateurON24 novembre 202131 janvier 202211 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que, l’émir d’Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan, qui fut installé et subventionné par le gouvernement britannique, mena une campagne génocidaire contre les Hazaras de 1891 à 1893, exterminant la grande majorité des membres de ce groupe ethnique;Attendu que des dizaines de milliers de Hazaras furent chassés de leurs terres, tandis que d’autres furent contraints à se convertir (de chiite à sunnite), violés et réduits en esclavage de 1891 à 1893;Attendu que, en août 1998, des centaines, sinon des milliers de Hazaras – hommes, femmes, enfants et vieillards – ont été massacrés dans les villes de Mazar-e-Sharif et Bamiyan;Attendu que les Hazaras sont toujours en butte à une persécution systémique et ciblée dans l’Afghanistan d’après-2001, comme en témoignent le massacre de nouveaux-nés dans une maternité de Dasht-e-Barchi en mai 2020 ou les attaques ciblées à Behsud (dans la province de Maidan Wardak), Jibrail (Herat) et Jalalabad (Nangarhar) de janvier à mars 2021;Attendu que le Canada a dépensé 3,6 milliards de dollars en assistance à l’Afghanistan et a perdu 158 courageux militaires dans le combat contre les talibans;Attendu que l’Afghanistan demeure l’un des principaux bénéficiaires de l’aide internationale du Canada;Par conséquent, nous soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Reconnaître officiellement en tant que génocide le nettoyage ethnique perpétré contre les Hazaras en 1891-1893. 2. Désigner le 25 septembre à titre de Jour de commémoration du génocide hazara. 3. Appuyer le projet de loi C-287, qui permettra de garantir que toute l’aide au développement que le Canada envoie à l’Afghanistan contribue à la paix et à la sécurité de la région pour tous les peuples.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy, and Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world, including in Afghanistan, in both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges that ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly from the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan. Canada denounced the tragic attack on May 8, 2021, against a girls’ high school in Kabul, which claimed the lives of 85 people, mostly young Hazara girls. Attacks such as this are a visible demonstration of the broader issues of persecution, discrimination, forced conversions and targeted attacks that ethnic and religious minorities face in Afghanistan at the hands of armed groups.Canada also notes the historic and systematic discrimination and prosecution of the Hazara population in Afghanistan, and recalls the tragic events of 1891-1893, as well as those of August 1998. Events such as these should never happen again. The determination of whether a situation constitutes genocide must however be done by a competent international or national court or tribunal, bearing in mind that the legal definition of genocide is precise and complex, as outlined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to which Canada is a party.Canada has repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances. With the Taliban’s return to power, Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada reiterates that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.In 2021, the Government of Canada announced a total of $133 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans, including Hazaras, to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety.
AfghanistanAide au développement internationalGénocideHazaras
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 janvier 2022441-00002441-00002 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB24 novembre 202131 janvier 202219 novembre 2021PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu qu’il y a déjà eu des centaines de milliers d’hindous et de Sikhs en Afghanistan, mais qu’il en reste aujourd’hui moins de 5 000;Attendu qu’un attentat à la bombe, au début juillet, a tué des dirigeants de ces deux communautés en Afghanistan, ce qui démontre leur vulnérabilité constante, surtout dans la mesure où ces dirigeants se rendaient à une rencontre avec le président; Attendu que le ministre de l’Immigration est déjà habilité par la loi à permettre aux gens des minorités vulnérables de venir au Canada en tant que réfugiés parrainés par le secteur privé, et ce, directement du pays où ils sont persécutés; Attendu que les communautés sikhs et hindoues sont disposées à parrainer des réfugiés afghans issus de minorités.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de créer, en vertu des pouvoirs qui lui sont conférés, un programme spécial visant à aider les minorités persécutées de l’Afghanistan.Nous prions aussi la ministre des Affaires étrangères de soulever la question de la persécution dont fait l’objet cette communauté auprès de son homologue afghan et de demander fermement qu’on s’emploie davantage à la protéger.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Sean FraserThe Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities, and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.The Government of Canada remains firm in its commitment to welcome Afghan refugees to Canada, and will work to increase the number of eligible refugees to 40,000. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada will be fulfilled through several special measures and programs. As part of this, we announced a special humanitarian program to resettle vulnerable Afghans, such as persecuted religious and ethnic minorities.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. As with previous large-scale resettlement efforts, we welcome the support of the many Canadians who want to lend a hand. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world. Through this program, we’re expanding our partnership with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation, a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, to resettle hundreds of persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain within Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan, which pose serious challenges to our ability to ensure the safety and security of our mission. Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada. Canada will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on IRCC’s website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/afghanistan/key-figures.html.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement. Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic minorities around the world including in Afghanistan, through both bilateral and multilateral forums.Canada acknowledges the persecution and violence faced by Sikhs, Hindus and other religious minorities in Afghanistan over the past four decades of conflict. Canada strongly condemns all terrorist attacks in Afghanistan and offers its heartfelt sympathies to all the victims and their families. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan and has publicly denounced attacks against Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. Canada firmly believes that freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practise their religion without fearing for their lives and safety.Canada repeatedly shared its concerns on the situation of ethnic and religious minorities and to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Canada, alongside its international allies, continues to call for adherence to obligations under international human rights law, including the rights of women, girls, and minority groups, and that international humanitarian law is upheld in all circumstances.With the Taliban’s return to power, Canada recognizes that Afghanistan is at a pivotal moment, and is closely monitoring developments on the ground. One of Canada’s foreign policy priorities is to ensure the respect for Afghanistan’s international obligations, including forming an inclusive and representative government and protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Canada continues to reiterate that all ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. The Government of Canada has recently announced an allocation of $50 million in humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan. This in addition to the $27.3 million already allocated for Afghanistan in 2021. Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Sikhs and Hindus, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan and Canada’s development and security support in Afghanistan has helped promote diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups over the past two decades. Canada is exploring ways to continue its support for Afghan human rights defenders and remote monitoring activities of the human rights situation by human rights bodies from outside of Afghanistan. Going forward, receiving unbiased and verified accounts of human rights atrocities will be crucial for the international community’s decision-making around its future engagement with the Taliban.Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan partners on the ground and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including Sikhs and Hindus, as their participation is crucial to ensuring a sustainable peace.On August 13, 2021, Canada announced a special humanitarian program to focus on particularly vulnerable Afghan nationals, including religious and ethnic minorities. Canada’s special immigration program has already brought thousands of Afghans to Canada, and teams across the world continue working to bring many more Afghans to safety. Canada also welcomes the initiatives of Canada-based non-governmental organizations working to support Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. This includes the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation’s efforts for the safe exit of Sikhs and Hindus and their resettlement in Canada.
AfghanistanHindouisme et hindousMinorités religieusesSikhisme et sikhs