A Betrayal Unveiled: Veteran Alleges Canada Abandoned Afghan Military Lawyers Amidst Court's Scathing Negligence Ruling

A Canadian veteran is powerfully asserting that Canada has betrayed Afghan military lawyers, leaving them in peril after their service alongside the Canadian military. This accusation comes hot on the heels of a scathing Federal Court ruling that condemned the government for its 'negligence' and 'unacceptable' delays in processing their critical immigration applications.

Phil McCready, a former military legal officer who worked closely with these Afghan lawyers, is at the forefront of this impassioned plea.

He emphasizes that these individuals put their lives on the line for the NATO mission, believing in the promise of support and protection from their allies, including Canada. Now, many are trapped in Afghanistan or neighboring countries, facing dire threats from the Taliban due to their association with Western forces.

The Federal Court's decision, issued by Justice Alan Diner, highlights a systemic failure within Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The judge found the government's actions, or lack thereof, to be 'egregious' and 'negligent' in handling the applications of three Afghan military lawyers. Their cases, initially submitted in October 2022, languished in bureaucratic limbo for an alarming 18 months without any substantive progress.

Justice Diner didn't mince words, stating that the delays were 'unacceptable' and demonstrated a 'failure to carry out their duties in a timely manner.' He granted the applications for judicial review, ordering IRCC to process the cases of the three applicants and their families within a mere 60 days.

This ruling, while specific to these individuals, casts a long shadow over the broader handling of Afghan refugee claims.

McCready's dismay is palpable. He sees the court's ruling as a vindication of what he and others have been arguing for years: Canada's abandonment of those who risked everything for shared values.

These Afghan lawyers were integral to establishing the rule of law and a fair justice system in Afghanistan, tasks that directly supported Canada's mission there.

The current Special Immigration Measures (SIM) program for Afghans, launched in 2021, has been widely criticized for its convoluted process and limited scope.

Despite promises, many vulnerable individuals, including those who directly supported Canadian forces, have been left behind. McCready contends that the government's negligence has not only endangered these individuals but also severely damaged Canada's international reputation as a reliable ally.

This is not an isolated incident.

Various reports and advocacy groups have consistently pointed to the bureaucratic hurdles, lack of communication, and slow processing times plaguing Afghan immigration streams. The court's decision now adds a judicial stamp of disapproval to these long-standing concerns, forcing the government to confront its responsibilities head-on.

The veteran's call for action is clear: Canada must honor its commitments.

The safety and well-being of these Afghan lawyers and their families are paramount. This court ruling serves as a stark reminder that while missions may end, the moral obligations to those who served alongside us do not. It's a critical moment for Canada to demonstrate whether its pledges of support are genuine or merely empty rhetoric.