CIMM – Afghan Members of Parliament – February 8, 2023

Implicated Recommendation:

Recommendation #24 – Expansion of humanitarian program to other vulnerable groups

Key Messages

• The murder of Mursal Nabizada is a horrific tragedy, and we offer our sincere condolences to her family.
• We are aware that former Afghan women parliamentarians continue to face particular risks, given their previous work in the Afghan government and their fight for the rights of women and girls.
• We are doing everything we can to help women leaders and their families, as well as other vulnerable people in Afghanistan, as quickly as possible.
• A number of former Afghan female members of parliament have already arrived in Canada, with more on their way. For the safety and security of all involved, we are unable to provide further information.

Supplementary Messages

• Afghans seeking to leave Afghanistan face multiple challenges, including Taliban exit requirements – notably a passport requirement. They must also navigate third country entry and exit requirements.
• Despite the ongoing challenges, we remain on track to reach our commitment to bring at least 40,000 Afghans to Canada by the end of 2023, one of the largest Afghan resettlement programs around the world.
• Canada was among the first countries to launch a special humanitarian resettlement program for vulnerable Afghans, including woman leaders, human rights defenders, persecuted and religious minorities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and journalists.
• Along with our partners at home and abroad, including Members of Parliament, we will do everything we can to bring vulnerable Afghans, including women leaders, to Canada.