Rahaf Mohamed Alqunun Message from Canada

Statement by Rahaf Mohammed Alqanun , Toronto

 I would like to start by saying thank you to the Government of Canada, Thailand, UNHCR and everyone who helped play a role in ensuring that I found a safe country to live in. I am one of the lucky ones. I know that there are unlucky women who disappeared after trying to escape or who could not do anything to change their reality. 

When I heard the news from UNHCR that Canada was selected as my new home, the stress that I felt over the last week melted away. I was not treated respectfully by my family and I was not allowed to be myself and who I want to be. As you know, in Saudi Arabia this is the case for all Saudi women, except for those that are fortunate enough to have understanding parents. They can't be independent and they need the approval of their male guardian for everything. 

Any woman who thinks of escaping, or escapes, will be at risk of persecution 

I want to be independent, travel, make my own decisions on education, a career, or who, and when I should marry. I had no say in any of this. Today I can proudly say that I am capable of making all of those decisions. 

I am so grateful for all of the offers of support for housing and friendship. Thank you to everyone for reaching out and making me feel welcome in my new home. 

I understand that everyone here and around the world wishes me well and would like to continue to hear about how I am doing, but will not be conducting any more media interviews for the time being. I ask everyone to respect my wishes. I would like to start living a normal private life, just like any other young woman living in Canada. 

This starts with me getting help in my settlement process and of course, learning English! Today and for years to come, I will work in support of freedom for women around the world. The same freedom I experienced on the first day I arrived in Canada . 

Rahaf Mohamed Alqanun , Toronto , canada 2019 .
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