August 15, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), issued this joint statement:

“Today marks five years since Afghanistan fell to the Taliban. Canada strongly condemns the extreme repression, widespread human rights violations and abuses as well as continued erosion of fundamental freedoms perpetrated by the Taliban against the Afghan people.

“Afghanistan is facing a worsening humanitarian, political and human rights crisis. Since seizing power, the Taliban have institutionalized an ideological system of extreme repression targeting women and girls, with edicts touching upon nearly every aspect of their lives. Millions of Afghan girls remain barred from education while women are denied opportunities to work, to move and speak freely and to live a dignified life without fear and violence.

“The Taliban’s repression has compromised the work of journalists, silenced human rights defenders and civil society, and subjected ethnic and religious minorities to persecution. The Taliban have taken no steps toward establishing an inclusive and representative government. Terrorist organizations continue to operate in a permissive environment, posing a serious risk to regional and global security.

“The Taliban must be held accountable for their actions. Canada will not support the normalization of relations until demonstrable progress is made on human rights, inclusive governance and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

“At a time of profound need, Canada has responded with compassion to help the people of Afghanistan. Since 2021, Canada has contributed more than $143 million in funding for basic needs assistance, such as healthcare and education, and more than $315 million to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance, such as food and nutrition, emergency health services, clean water and sanitation as well as protection services, to the people of Afghanistan.

“Canada remains steadfast in supporting the people of Afghanistan and their aspirations for a stable, peaceful and secure country where the rights and dignity of everyone are respected.”