HC Deb 28 November 2001 vol 375 cc871-2W
Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the outcome was of the international meeting held in Washington on 20 November on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan; and if she will make a statement. [18194]

Clare Short

The USA and Japan co-chaired a conference on Afghanistan's reconstruction in Washington DC on 20 November. It was attended by senior officials from over 20 countries, including the UK, as well as the United Nations, international financial institutions and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.

The conference agreed the need for long-term international support for the reconstruction of Afghanistan, the need to involve Afghans—in particular Afghan women—in all phases of the recovery and reconstruction effort; the importance of recovery intervention that demonstrates a quick impact; and the central role of the United Nations. A steering group has been established to guide reconstruction, co-chaired by the US, Japan, the EU and Saudi Arabia. The first meeting of the steering group will take place in Brussels in December.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has in place to assist Afghan refugees when they return to their home towns inside Afghanistan; and what plans she has to take account of the needs of women and children in planning and implementing refugee assistance activities. [18196]

Clare Short

We fully support the UN's efforts under Ambassador Brahimi to help with the long-term reconstruction of Afghanistan, including that which will support returning refugees. This will involve such measures as expanding basic health services, carrying out emergency repairs to infrastructure, de-mining and the reopening of education facilities.

We also strongly support Ambassador Brahimi's commitment to addressing human rights issues and his commitment to the involvement of women in discussions. As recovery activities begin, the programmes that we support will be designed and monitored to ensure that women and children benefit.

The principles and priorities guiding our approach are outlined in our paper entitled 'Afghanistan—Recovery: An emergency plan for the first 100 days'. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House.