PREMIER WALL EXPRESSES STRONG OPPOSITION TO VIOLATIONS OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN AFGHANISTAN

Premier Brad Wall has written to Prime Minister Harper urging the federal government to continue pressing the government of Afghanistan to reverse a new law that violates the fundamental human rights of Shia women in that country.

Among other things, the new law legalizes rape within marriage and regulates when and why women can leave their homes.

Wall called these human rights violations an affront to Canadians and to Canada's military efforts in Afghanistan.

"Like the vast majority of Canadians, Saskatchewan people have strongly supported the efforts of our Canadian Forces in Afghanistan," Wall said in his letter. "We are proud that our brave men and women have played a key role to secure freedom for the Afghans from the oppressive Taliban regime and improve human rights in that country.

"This effort has come at a huge cost. One hundred and seventeen Canadian soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of freedom and justice in Afghanistan. That's why this latest move to strip basic rights away from some women in that country is so offensive to Canadians. This new law is a huge step backward and, as you (Prime Minister Harper) recently stated, ‘antithetical to our mission in Afghanistan'."

Wall said it was a "tragic irony" that the latest soldier to die in Afghanistan was a woman - Trooper Karine Blais.

"Any effort to restrict the rights of women in Afghanistan is an affront to her sacrifice and the sacrifice of all of our Canadian Forces personnel in that country.

"I urge you and your government to continue your efforts to ensure this and other provisions which restrict human rights for women in Afghanistan are repealed, and that Canada continues to make every effort to ensure the advancement of human rights, justice and equality for all of the people of Afghanistan," Wall said in his letter.

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For more information, contact:

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927