Rahaf Alqunun: Saudi teen granted asylum welcomed by Canadian foreign minister at Toronto airport

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy It was another proud moment for Canada: a Saudi teenager who had just been granted asylum walking through the arrivals gate at Toronto airport embraced by the country’s popular foreign minister. The minister presented her as a “very brave new Canadian.” Where we can save a single person, where we can save a single woman, that is a good thing to do,” said Ms Freeland, who refused to answer repeated questions about how this decision will affect Canada’s strained relationship with Saudi Arabia. “And I’d like to also emphasise, this is part of a broader Canadian policy of supporting women and girls in Canada and around the world.” The Saudi teenager became a cause celébrè for women’s and refugee rights after fleeing her family during a holiday in Kuwait to seek asylum. Saudi teen Rahaf al-Qunun posts video as she lands in Canada after being granted asylum She described her life in an interview with The New York Times as one of unrelenting abuse at the hands of her family, who live in the city of Hail, in northern Saudi Arabia.