§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what obstacles exist to the International Committee of the Red Cross having access to all prisoners being held within Afghanistan. [26876]
§ Peter HainVery few. As at 11 January 2002, ICRC delegates were visiting some 4,800 detainees in approximately 40 places of detention throughout Afghanistan. In recent days, the ICRC has had problems gaining access to detainees held at Bagram airport and difficulty in gaining access to a place of detention in Kabul. However, contacts are continuing between the ICRC and the authorities in an effort to resolve these outstanding concerns.