Canada’s Commitment to Afghan Resettlement: A Haven for Journalists

May 6, 2022—Ottawa, Ontario – The Government of Canada continues its dedicated efforts to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals swiftly and safely. To date, Canada has welcomed a total of 12,605 Afghan refugees, with more arriving each week.

As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day on May 3, it is an opportune moment to recognize the crucial role of journalists and the ongoing challenges in fostering freedom of expression. Canada takes pride in being among the pioneers in launching a specialized humanitarian resettlement initiative, specifically designed to assist the most vulnerable Afghans, including journalists.

Celebrating Courage: Afghan Journalists in Canada

Canada acknowledges the bravery and dedication of Afghan journalists who have faced tremendous adversities and are now contributing significantly to Canadian society and the journalistic landscape. These individuals, now free to pursue their professions in a country where press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy, include:

• Ghousuddin Frotan: Formerly based in Kandahar, Frotan covered the southern region of Afghanistan for the Wall Street Journal. He has also been affiliated with Radio Liberty, Agence France Presse, and BBC Radio Pashto service. Since arriving in Canada in January 2022, Frotan secured a Dalla Lana Fellowship in Global Journalism at the University of Toronto and has published articles in the Toronto Star.

• Maryam Sama: An ex-member of the Afghan Parliament, Sama is known for her outspoken activism. Despite facing numerous social challenges and threats, she continues to advocate for freedom of expression. In Canada since March 2022, her career in journalism is poised for growth, unimpeded by the censorship that prevails in Afghanistan.

• Wajiha Saidy: As a former senior producer with the Moby Media Group, Afghanistan's largest media company, Saidy's film production team faced threats from the Taliban in August 2021. She fled to safety, arriving in Ottawa in January 2022. Saidy is optimistic about pursuing her media career in Canada, free from the perils she faced in her homeland.

A Tradition of Welcoming

Canada's ambitious goal of resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals highlights its standing among the world's leading nations in refugee resettlement. Upholding a proud tradition of welcoming the most vulnerable, Canada remains committed to facilitating the arrival of those seeking safety and a new beginning, including courageous journalists.

For media inquiries, photos of previous Afghan arrivals are available on Dropbox. To stay updated on Canada's progress in welcoming Afghan refugees, further information is readily accessible.

In this endeavor, Canada reaffirms its dedication to human rights and the invaluable role of a free press in bolstering democracy and societal progress. As Afghan journalists find a new home here, they symbolize resilience and the hope for a future where voices are heard without fear.