Debates of the Senate (Hansard)

2nd Session, 40th Parliament,
Volume 146, Issue 25

Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker

Foreign Affairs

Government Action on Human Rights in Afghanistan

Hon. Mobina S.B. Jaffer: Honourable senators, I have a supplementary question. Yesterday we heard the Afghan measures were against women and I am a woman. Today I hear they are against the Shia community and I am a Shia. Today I ask the minister to give a very strong message to President Karzai.

Canadians value the diversity of our population. We respect the diversity of our population. In very strong terms, President Karzai should know that we will not accept harassment or unfair laws against women and also against Shia minorities in Afghanistan.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Senator LeBreton: I can assure the honourable senator that our government will be sending a very strong message to the Karzai government such as she suggests.