Canada-Afghanistan relations

Canada and Afghanistan

On August 15, 2021, following the fall of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the Taliban, Canada permanently closed its embassy in Kabul. Canada does not recognize the Taliban as the Government of Afghanistan. The Taliban remains listed as a terrorist entity under Canadian law.

The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan has fundamentally changed conditions in the country. A severe humanitarian crisis has ensued, impacting a significant portion of the population. The human rights situation continues to deteriorate, with women, girls and ethnic and religious minorities facing systemic discrimination and violations of their human rights. Furthermore, Afghanistan is becoming, once again, a haven for transnational terrorist groups.

Canada remains committed to addressing these challenges, including working closely with international partners. In response to the growing human rights violations committed by the Taliban, Canada strongly advocates for coordinated efforts by the international community to press the Taliban to respect international humanitarian law, and uphold human rights, in particular, the full rights of women, girls and ethnic and religious minorities. Canada also calls for the formation of an inclusive and representative Afghan government. These priorities are advanced through Canada’s sustained engagement across high-level international fora, including the G7 and the United Nations.

As part of its response to the crisis, the Government of Canada has resettled over 60,000 vulnerable Afghans— one of the largest contributors to Afghan resettlement efforts worldwide. Canada welcomed women leaders, human rights defenders, members of religious and ethnic minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, journalists, and extended family members of previously resettled interpreters in this effort. Learn more about Canada’s commitment to resettle Afghans.

Bilateral relations

Canada has suspended all diplomatic operations in Afghanistan and does not recognize the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.

Diplomatic relations between Canada and Afghanistan were formally established in 1968. In 2003, Canada opened its embassy in Kabul and appointed its first resident ambassador. However, following the Taliban’s takeover on August 15, 2021, Canada withdrew its diplomatic presence from Afghanistan.

International assistance

Canada is deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation facing Afghans and continues to support principled and gender-responsive humanitarian assistance, based on critical needs, to help save lives and alleviate suffering. Canada has provided over $290 million in humanitarian assistance since 2021 to support vulnerable Afghans in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries. Canada works through experienced humanitarian partners, such as United Nations agencies, both inside Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries, to provide this life-saving assistance.

In addition to humanitarian support, Canada continues to work with fellow donor countries, United Nations agencies, and other multilateral partners, to support the essential needs of Afghans through development assistance. Since 2021, Canada has provided over $143 million in support of the delivery of basic health and education services to the most vulnerable Afghans, particularly women and girls, in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries.

Canada’s prior engagement in Afghanistan

Since the early 1960s, Canada has provided humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, initially in response to a series of natural disasters. From 2001 to 2021, Canada provided approximately $4 billion in international assistance to Afghanistan in support of stabilization, reconstruction, peace and development efforts.

From 2001 to 2021, after the overthrow of the first Taliban rule, Afghans achieved significant democratic, human rights, education, and health gains with international and Canadian support. This period was marked by fundamental changes in Afghan society, including a major expansion of primary education enrolment rates for girls, improvements in health care and immunization, a fourteen-year increase in life expectancy, a vibrant and open media, and the establishment of democratic institutions.

Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban have implemented a series of edicts and hardline policies that have reversed the hard-fought institutional, civil society, and human rights gains established over twenty years, with the situation now particularly dire for women and girls.

Contribution of the Canadian Armed Forces

More than 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members served in Afghanistan as part of the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from 2001 to 2014, making it the largest Canadian military deployment since the Second World War. A total of 158 Canadian Forces members and one Canadian diplomat lost their lives during the intervention. Canada concluded its military operations in 2014.

In August 2021, the CAF returned to oversee evacuation efforts at the Kabul airport as part of Operation AEGIS. In coordination with international allies, the CAF successfully evacuated more than 3,700 people, including Canadian citizens and permanent residents, citizens of allied countries, Afghan nationals with links to Canada, and other vulnerable Afghans.

Trade relations

Canadians and Canadian companies planning to conduct activities in Afghanistan are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Canadian sanctions and restrictions. The Taliban is a listed terrorist entity under Canadian law. Strong due diligence and mitigation measures are crucial for any organization seeking to work in the country.

The Government of Canada cannot provide legal advice to the public. We recommend obtaining legal advice with respect to any legal matter related to engaging in trade relations with Afghanistan.

Multilateral partners

To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, including the situation in Afghanistan, Canada works closely with a range of multilateral organizations and in multilateral fora, including:

Date modified:: 2025-10-29

Language selection

Search