Statement from NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh on the situation in Afghanistan

Today, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made the following statement:

The worsening situation and heart-breaking loss of life in Afghanistan are part of a growing and devastating tragedy. The awful truth is that it didn't have to be this way.

For months, we have joined with experts, journalists, and people around the world in calling for faster action before it was too late. In February of this year, we wrote to the government about the need for Canada to work with allies and demonstrate global leadership in support of women, peace, and security in Afghanistan. Following that, we pushed for real and concrete actions toward achieving Justin Trudeau’s stated commitment of getting people out -including vulnerable women and girls, journalists and the people who supported Canadians on the ground. This work would have saved lives and should have begun months ago.

We believe more can and should be done to help Afghans, especially women and girls, who now face a desperate and grave future. Canada can again be a compassionate and fearless force for human rights and peace in the world.

What we need now is to engage meaningfully with our allies, including surrounding countries, to do everything possible to save lives and assist in getting as many people as we can out of the country.Canada should also be prepared to provide increased supports to humanitarian aid and women’s rights organizations in Afghanistan in the months and years ahead.