§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what measures the Department is taking to promote human rights in(a) Cuba and (b) Afghanistan. [124368]
§ Hilary BennWe do not have a bilateral government-to-government aid programme to Cuba nor do we have plans to develop one. As a member of the EU we support the EU Common Position on Cuba which requires the Government of Cuba to enhance democracy and safeguard human rights as a precondition for establishment of a formal framework agreement. This Common Position is now under review as part of a range of measures that the EU has implemented in response to the recent deterioration in human rights.
6WThe promotion of human rights underpins DFID's strategy in Afghanistan. All our work seeks to promote human rights, and to improve Afghans' ability to participate in civic and political life. DFID aims to achieve this by supporting specific activities, such as livelihoods and humanitarian projects aimed at helping the most vulnerable, while also supporting the development of a democratic, inclusive state that can provide security and basic services to its citizens.