ON RELIGIOUS MINORITIES IN AFGHANISTAN

MPP Anand’s second Members’ Statement was on the topic of “Religious Minorities in Afghanistan, delivered on 1 August 2018.

See full transcript below:

“Every day I feel that we here in Canada take many things for granted that enable us to live a free life full of opportunities. In contrast, I would like to share with a heavy heart that there are many places in this world where people are living in fear and uncertainty.

Mr. Speaker, today I’d like to talk about the Hindus and Sikhs of Afghanistan. Once a population of over 300,000, now less than 1,000, these residents are living an unthinkable life. They’re unable to leave their homes freely for fear of attack and harassment, children are unable to attend school—and to the extent that these people are unable to respectfully cremate their loved ones, for even funeral processions are grounds for targeted attacks. Police and government officials are unable to do anything. And the list of hardships goes on.

I’d like to acknowledge two champions, the late MLA Manmeet Singh Bhullar and current MP Garnett Genuis, both from Alberta, who have helped these religious minorities.

Through this statement, I would like to extend my help to these champions and also like to appeal to everyone else who is listening to join us in this noble cause. Let’s support everyone who’s working to improve the lives of any—I repeat, any—religious minorities in dire need of help. Together, let’s work to build a better world.”