Toanada is ready to accept 20 thousand Afghans fleeing from the Taliban: those who worked for the Canadian government, as well as religious and sexual minorities, journalists and human rights defenders. The first flight with refugees landed on August 4
Canada will accept 20 thousand Afghans who are threatened by the terrorist group “Taliban” banned in Russia, according to a government statement.
“Our teams there, here and around the world are working around the clock to get as many people as possible to a safe place,” the message says.
The government notes that we are talking primarily about citizens who have contributed to the activities of the Canadian authorities in Afghanistan, as well as about vulnerable groups: women activists, human rights defenders, journalists, religious minorities, representatives of the LGBT community and family members of translators who have previously emigrated.
In addition, the Associated Press agency, citing a source, reported that Canada intends to send special forces to Afghanistan to evacuate employees of the embassy in Kabul.
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In April, US President Joe Biden announced the beginning of the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. In early July, the Pentagon announced that 90% of the military contingent had been withdrawn.
At the same time, Canada announced the completion of its military mission in Afghanistan back in March 2014. Ambassador Deborah Lyons, who headed the Canadian diplomatic mission at the time, said that during the presence of troops, the country lost 158 soldiers, two civilian employees, one diplomat and one journalist.
After Biden’s statement about the withdrawal of the American army, the Taliban became more active in Afghanistan. At the beginning of July, they announced that they had gained control over 85% of the country’s territory, and at the end of the month, they announced control over 90% of the state border.
Due to the outbreak of hostilities, civilians began to leave the country en masse, asking for asylum in neighboring countries with Afghanistan and in Europe. Earlier, on August 2, the US State Department announced the expansion of the refugee admission program due to the “increased level of violence” by the Taliban.
On August 4, the first flight with refugees from Afghanistan arrived in Canada. Local TV channel CTV News reported the arrival of more than three dozen people on board a military plane. The Government of Canada then said that the refugees would be helped to find permanent housing, learn the language and conduct consultations related to questions about life in the country.
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