§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the UN Economic and Social council report "Discrimination against Women and Girls in Afghanistan"; and if he will adopt its recommendations in respect of UK operations in Afghanistan. [38129]
§ Mr. BradshawWe welcome the report "Discrimination against Women and Girls in Afghanistan" and support its recommendations. We have always said that the restoration of human rights, including women's rights, will be the key to the establishment of stable systems of government in Afghanistan. We expect the Afghan Government to ratify the convention on the elimination of discrimination against women.
1639WWe welcome the role that women are playing in the Afghan Interim Authority, both in the Interim Administration and on the Loya Jirga Commission. Whilst the form of any future Afghan Government is for the Afghan people to decide, we expect that women will be involved.
On reconstruction, our projects have always involved women and this will continue in the recovery and rehabilitation process. The involvement of women in projects, and use of expertise on gender issues will help to ensure that the rights of women are promoted—particularly recognising the complexity of gender issues in Afghanistan.