§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Afghanistan concerning women's rights in that country; [90906]
(2) what discussions he has had with the interim Government of Afghanistan concerning the abuse of women's rights in that country. [91119]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe are in regular contact with the Afghan Transitional Administration about a range of human rights-related issues, including the need to ensure full respect for women's rights. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary highlighted the importance of progress in these areas at the Petersberg Conference in December 2002, which was attended by President Karzai. I raised our concerns with the Afghan Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullah, Minister for Rural Reconstruction Hanif Atmar, and Chair of the Afghan Human Rights Commission Dr. Sima Samar when they visited the UK in October 2002.
The Afghan Minister for Women, Habiba Surabi, will visit the UK in February for talks with Ministers and officials on how to improve the situation for women in Afghanistan.