Among the most notable successes in Afghanistan of the past decade are the tr...

Among the most notable successes in Afghanistan of the past decade are the tremendous gains made by Afghan women and girls. Those gains must not be lost. Canada views the status and role of women as a key barometer by which the success of Afghanistan's progress will be measured. The recent Ulema Council statement, as well as cases of heinous abuse of Afghan women, represents a dramatic step backwards for Afghan women. Although we noted President Karzai's remarks on 11 March reiterating his full support of Afghan women's religious and constitutional rights, Canada will remain vigilant. We expect the Government of Afghanistan to uphold its Constitution and to distance itself from those outrageous remarks.