Statement made on 06 June 2012 by Senator Mobina Jaffer
Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer:
Honourable senators, my question is directed to the Leader of the Government in the Senate.
Afghanistan is one of the most difficult places in the world to be a girl, a young woman or a woman. Of 4 million young Afghans attending school, only one quarter are girls. In Kabul, only half of girls under 18 go to school. Outside of Kabul, only 9 per cent of girls under 18 go to school.
I was extremely pleased to see that on May 23, 2012, Minister Baird and Minister Oda released a statement condemning the cowardly and senseless acts of violence against innocent schoolgirls and their teachers. I commend both honourable ministers for standing up for the rights of women and girls living in Afghanistan. Access to education is a basic and fundamental human right, one to which all girls in all parts of the world are entitled.
Investing in the future of Afghan children and youth through development programs in education and health is one of Canada's four priorities in Afghanistan. How much time, money and resources have we invested in achieving this priority? What are our plans for the future?
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