Family of Afghan refugees reunited in Vancouver after years of separation
Abdul Bashir Hashimi is starting off 2022 with a full heart. His family is by his side and they are settling into a new life in Canada.
Four years ago, Hashimi was forced to leave his wife Nabila and four children – daughters Maryam, Zainab and Bahar, and son Mohammad Yahya – behind in Afghanistan as he searched for a better life. He arrived in Canada as a refugee, and now that he has obtained his permanent residency, his family is able to join him.
They arrived at Vancouver International Airport in early December.
"I was so happy,” said Hashimi. “I was not sure that I’d see them again alive. It was (such a) difficult time, but I'm happy now.”
“Thanks so much to Canada for giving me this situation,” he added.
People in Afghanistan face a rapidly growing humanitarian crisis. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, half of Afghanistan’s population are facing extreme levels of hunger, millions of children are out of school and the fundamental rights of women and girls are under attack.
Farmers and herders are also struggling amidst the worst drought in decades and the economy is in a free fall since the Taliban seized power. Without international aid and support, tens of thousands of children are at risk of dying from malnutrition, as basic health services have collapsed.
Canada has committed to welcome at least 40,000 refugees and vulnerable Afghans into the country. According to officials, this will be done through several programs, including a special immigration program for Afghans who assisted the Canadian government and a humanitarian program. Some 7,140 Afghans have arrived since August 2021. Earlier this week, a flight of 200 Afghan refugees landed in Vancouver.
"Please help them, help the people of Afghanistan, especially woman. It's now a suffering time for them. I am so upset," pleaded Nabila Hashimi.
Her husband said he decided to settle in Vancouver because “it has the best weather in Canada.” Due to the upheaval, his children have not been able to go to school for quite some time, but they should be able to start up again within the next month.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.