§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the level of civil and political rights afforded to women in Afghanistan. [23820]
§ Mr. FatchettThere is little respect shown for civil and political rights in general in Afghanistan. Women and girls have suffered particularly in Taliban-held areas by being prevented from working and receiving education. We have urged all factions to respect human rights, especially the rights of women. We subscribe to a common donor position which ensures that support goes only to aid programmes which actively attempt to promote the equitable participation of both men and women.
§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the nature and extent of the United Kingdom's diplomatic contact with Afghanistan. [23821]
§ Mr. FatchettNo UK diplomats are based in Afghanistan. UK diplomats based in London and at the High Commission in Islamabad regularly meet representatives of all the Afghan factions to raise human rights and other concerns. Afghanistan is represented in the UK by a Chargé D'Affaires with whom we have working level contact.