Ottawa: October 28, 2021

Afghanistan is facing one of the most complex humanitarian crises of its recent history. This has stemmed from a convergence of the past four decades of imposed conflicts, endemic poverty, the adverse effects of climate change and the impact of the global economic recession due to COVID-19. More importantly, the past six months of extreme violence, failure of the state to provide effective public service, and disruption of the constitutional order have further exacerbated the grim humanitarian landscape across Afghanistan where the imminent collapse of state institutions and economy have pushed the whole Afghan nation to the brink. Consequently, according to the United Nations (UN) agencies, fourteen million Afghans (1 in 3 Afghans) face severe hunger; around three million Afghan children are at risk of acute malnutrition; 22.8 million Afghans could face acute hunger during wintertime; and 97% of all Afghans could plunge into poverty by mid-2022.

The diplomatic missions of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan welcome the convening by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres of a high-level ministerial conference on Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation last month. Afghans were heartened that over one hundred countries and thirty international and regional organizations participated and generously pledged $1.2 billion—including $606 million for the next four months through the end of December. However, of the latter amount, according to the UN, it has only received $300 million, which is inadequate to address the urgent needs of Afghanistan’s vulnerable groups across the country. Hence, we strongly support the call by Secretary-General Guterres on the international community to expedite the disbursement of their generous financial aid pledges to help avert worst-case scenarios if lifesaving aid fails to reach those in acute need.

Moreover, we underscore with gratitude the provision by the European Union (EU) of $1.2 billion in pledged support for the humanitarian programs in and out of Afghanistan with a focus on the Afghan internally displaced persons, refugees in neighboring countries, as well as asylum seekers.

Knowing from the past experience, we urge that the implementing agencies of the UN, NGOs, and other humanitarian actors take maximum aid effectiveness measures to ensure that assistance is delivered to the most vulnerable people and on the basis of needs alone. This collective effort should help reach more Afghan beneficiaries for assistance and thus save more lives this winter.

The diplomatic missions of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan around the world will offer its full support and assistance to the international assistance community and humanitarian actors to accomplish this extremely important life-saving mission.
We also call on the Taliban to ensure full respect for human rights, international humanitarian law and principles so that the humanitarian aid community can reach out to all our people in need.

Ottawa: October 28, 2021

In an interview with the Canadian Press, Ambassador Hassan Soroosh outlined the urgent humanitarian needs in Afghanistan and highlighted the need for scaling up and speeding up the international response to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe and economic collapse in the country.
Ambassador Soroosh expressed his gratefulness to the government of Canada for the new commitment in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan as well as for showing leadership in expanding the resettlement program for Afghanistan.
While expressing concern over the challenge of brain drain in the long-term, Ambassador Soroosh expressed hope that with measures such as increasing the frequency of commercial flights from Afghanistan as well as increased processing capacity in the region, more people at risk will be able to benefit from the resettlement programs in Canada.
Ambassador Soroosh also highlighted the importance of a broader international mechanism to monitor and document human rights violations in Afghanistan.
Ambassador Soroosh stated that the Embassy in Ottawa and Afghan Consulates in Toronto and Vancouver remain committed to continuing their operations.
https://www.cp24.com/…/afghan-ambassador-calls-for-urgent-f…

Ottawa: November 2, 2021

Many congratulations to All-Girl Robotics Team on winning the Global Judges Award!

Ottawa: November 4, 2021

In an interview with CBC, Ambassador Hassan Soroosh discussed the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan; the need for an accelerated international response to save lives and livelihoods; the resettlement program for Afghanistan, and the importance of long-term support to the people of Afghanistan.
Watch some excerpts of the interview:
The CBC story about the interview is also available via the following link

Ottawa: November 8, 2021

Ambassador Hassan Soroosh expressed earlier his "congratulations to the ArtLords on being selected as one of the 2021 Global Pluralism Award finalists."
Ambassador Soroosh also expressed his gratitude to the Global Center for Pluralism" for recognizing & celebrating the inspiring efforts & achievements in promoting pluralism as a shared value."

Ottawa: November 10, 2021;

In an interview with the Hill Times, Ambassador Hassan Soroosh discussed the dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the need for scaling up and accelerating the international response. The Ambassador further highlighted the importance of an inclusive future for all Afghans based on the will of the people.
He also discussed the resettlement program and extended his gratitude to Canada for playing a leadership role in both humanitarian assistance and resettlement program for Afghanistan.

Ottawa: November 11, 2021

September 28, 2021;

In a short message on Twitter, Ambassador Hassan Soroosh extended his gratitude to the government of Canada for “conveying strong messages in support of the people of Afghanistan and our shared values during the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly and the side events on Afghanistan throughout last week.”

Ottawa, October 5, 2021

Ottawa, October 9, 2021;