Afghanistan (Hansard, 26 June 2002)

§ 4. Andrew George (St. Ives)
What recent assessment she has made of the international effort to provide humanitarian relief to Afghanistan. [62471]

§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Ms Sally Keeble)
About half the Afghan population—about 9 million people—rely on food aid, but a complete humanitarian catastrophe has been avoided through the efforts of the international community, which has provided more than £1 billion n humanitarian aid to the country since October last year. We now need to refocus our efforts so that we not only provide people with food, but ensure, in conjunction with the transitional Administration, that livelihoods and public services are restored and that the security sector is reformed.

§ Andrew George
I am grateful to the Minister for that reply. The leadership of her Department in this regard is widely acknowledged, but does she not share my concern that last month the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees had to cut by two thirds food aid to returning refugees? There are worries that food rations might need to be stopped altogether in certain areas. What action will 866 her Department take in the international sphere to ensure that assistance is increased and peace is effectively secured?

§ Ms Keeble
We are pressing others to provide the aid that was promised to the country. We are also considering other factors, including what happens in the regions and security sector reforms, to ensure that food aid can get out—not only into Kabul, but throughout the countryside.

§ Linda Gilroy (Plymouth, Sutton)
Will my hon. Friend give the Department's assessment of the capacity of women to help to deliver that humanitarian aid effectively?

§ Ms Keeble
It is extremely important to ensure that women can play a proper role in the reconstruction of the country. The transitional Administration have made the education of women a priority, and women have acted independently in the Loya Jirga. We will monitor the situation closely to ensure that the commitment to appoint a women's Minister is carried out.

§ Mr. Andrew Robathan (Blaby)
What assessment has the Minister made of the ability to get all land back into productive use for agriculture next season, if not this season? What effect will that have on the need for humanitarian food aid?

§ Ms Keeble
The ability to get land back into productive use is important because approximately 85 per cent. of the population live in rural areas and rely on it for their food. There are perhaps two key factors: the administrative reforms that I mentioned, and ensuring that we encourage farmers to produce different crops instead of cultivating poppies. My Department is taking a lead on that.

§ Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow)
Can it possibly be true that specific Afghan cultivators have easily acquired land mines to protect their poppy crops?

§ Ms Keeble
I was not aware of that. The Government have provided some £3 million of support for removing land mines. I shall make inquiries and keep my hon. Friend informed.