The Canadian federal government has introduced Bill C-41 with the aim of amending terrorism provisions in the country’s criminal code that had prevented Canadian individuals and organizations from providing humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. The proposed legislation would create a legal pathway for Ottawa to partner with non-government organizations (NGOs) and deliver aid such as food and clothing to the people of Afghanistan. Currently, Canadian humanitarian workers cannot provide aid in areas controlled by terrorists without facing prosecution. Bill C-41 would allow aid workers to apply for a five-year exemption from prosecution, specifically to help those in crisis in regions identified as being controlled by a terrorist group. The move came over a year after many other countries changed their laws and issued exemptions to enable aid workers to continue operating in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021. The Liberal government hopes to pass the legislation swiftly and work closely with NGOs to ensure efficiency. Humanitarian groups expressed concern that purchasing goods in Afghanistan might be considered contributing to a terrorist organization, as this would be categorized in the Canadian Criminal Code. The parliamentary committee heard that much of the aid provided ends up going to Taliban soldiers, some of whom are involved in committing war crimes in Afghanistan, according to an expert witness.
Legislation to Amend Criminal Code’s Terrorism Provisions Postponed by Feds.
