§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what date her Department received reports and representations from the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding the conditions of fighters held in Shibergan prison in Afghanistan; and what action her Department has taken. [58829]
§ Clare ShortMy Department has not received reports or representations from the International Committee of the Red Cross regarding Shibergan prison in Afghanistan. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is pursuing this issue.
§ Mrs. CaltonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent action the Government have taken to protect women in Afghanistan. [59081]
§ Clare ShortIn Afghanistan women have begun to return to work and girls are going back to school. Two women hold office in the Afghan Interim Administration (AIA) and 11 per cent. of seats in the Loya Jirga are guaranteed for women. The UK is working closely with the AIA and the rest of the international community, to ensuring women's full and effective participation in civil, cultural, economic, political and social life throughout Afghanistan. To date this includes an allocation of $1 million to the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) for a programme to support Afghan women's leadership through awareness raising, capacity building and gender mainstreaming; as well as local level, quick impact recovery projects supporting women. We are also providing support directly to the Ministry for Women.