By Canadian Press

Treat our families as well as Ukrainian refugees: Afghan interpreters

Apr 12, 2022 | 8:14 AM

OTTAWA — Afghan interpreters who have made it to Canada say they want the same treatment for family members fleeing the Taliban as Ukrainians escaping from Russian troops. 

They are accusing Immigration Minister Sean Fraser of breaking a promise to bring their families to Canada starting this year. 

Afghan interpreters told MPs on a parliamentary committee Monday that none of their families have yet arrived under a special program set up by the federal government, despite a promise from Fraser that some would arrive by this month. 

They say their families should be allowed into Canada as easily as Ukrainians who face a lot less paperwork and security checks.

The interpreters say the Taliban is punishing the families of Afghan interpreters, beating up men and women, stealing their possessions and hunting them down. 

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Their families are burning documents showing links to Canada and fleeing from house to house in fear for their lives.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 12, 2022.

The Canadian Press