A leading advocacy organization for LGBTQ refugees is partnering with the federal government to resettle hundreds of Afghan refugees fleeing persecution because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBTQ persecution under Taliban ruleIn a report released this week, Rainbow Railroad detailed accounts from LGBTQ and intersex Afghans who had sought the organization's help from within Afghanistan. The risks for LGBTQ Afghans is not alleviated by fleeing to neighbouring countries. But Powell said having a referring organization with the expertise in assisting LGBTQ refugees, such as Rainbow Railroad, is "crucially needed" in order to help a highly vulnerable group such as LGBTQ and intersex Afghans. While she applauds the partnership with Rainbow Railroad, she said the federal government must expedite the resettlement process for " individuals who are being persecuted [and] whose lives are at risk."

Source: CBC News December 22, 2022 21:59 UTC