§ Lord Swinfenasked Her Majesty's Government:
What additional assistance they are providing to alleviate the plight of those affected by the recent outbreak of fighting around Kabul, Afghanistan.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyI have approved a further package of assistance for Afghanistan amounting to £ 2. 5 million. This is in addition to a total pledge of £ 7. 5 million earlier this financial year. The new money will be provided (a) to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (£1 million) for the urgent needs of the newly displaced for shelter materials, etc; (b) to the International Committee of the Red Cross (£½ million) for the maintenance of hospital supplies and convoys to Kabul; (c) to UNICEF (£½ million) for work on water supplies and sanitation in camps and (d) to various UK Non-Governmental Organisations (£½ million) for a variety of projects also in the camps, providing basic assistance—e.g., blankets, tents, shelter materials and cooking sets.