Afghanistan (Hansard, 6 November 2002)

§ Dr. Julian Lewis
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what her policy is on humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. [77705]

§ Clare Short
The latest UN assessment shows that 4.2 million people are still dependent on food aid. Very large numbers of people are also vulnerable to the effects of winter. It is important that the international community works with the Afghan authorities to ensure that basic humanitarian needs are met, whilst seeking to avoid creating a dependency culture. This means, where feasible, shifting to a more sustainable form of assistance (cash for work rather than food for work).
I have recently approved additional allocations of £ 11 million for the provision of humanitarian assistance during the coming winter, through the relevant UN agencies.

§ Julie Morgan
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what plans she has to increase aid to Afghanistan [77712]

§ Clare Short
At the Tokyo donor conference in January this year I pledged £200 million over five years to support humanitarian and reconstruction needs in Afghanistan. In 2002–03, we originally planned to spend £40 million through UN agencies, NGOs and the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund. I have since increased this amount by £25 million, to help meet the increased humanitarian needs over the coming winter, and to help clear Afghanistan's arrears to the International Financial Institutions so that they can receive new concessional credits from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. In addition, we have earmarked £1.8 million of our annual contribution to the UN Mines Advisory Service for Afghanistan.
337W

§ Joyce Quin
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will make a further statement on progress towards reconstruction in Afghanistan. [77714]

§ Clare Short
Much has been achieved in Afghanistan over the last 10 months. There is peace and security in Kabul, a legitimate transitional Government, a new national currency, nearly 2 million refugees have returned home and 3 million children are in school.
But the situation remains fragile. Afghanistan is a desperately poor country and the south is facing its fifth year of drought and between 4 million and 6 million people are still dependent on food aid. The situation outside Kabul remains insecure, warlords control large militias and large parts of the economy are dependent on narcotics.
Further progress requires the establishment of security outside Kabul and an increase in the capacity of the Government to deliver services across the country. The UK will remain engaged to support continuing progress and development.