HC Deb 06 March 2003 vol 400 cc1170-1W
Joan Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of whether UN Security Council Resolution 1325 is being implemented in the work of reconstruction in Afghanistan. [101227]

Clare Short

The international community continues to support enhanced protection of Women's rights in Afghanistan following the fall of the Taliban. A key milestone will be the forthcoming draft of the new constitution, to be presented at the Constitutional Loya Jirga. The international community (including the UK and the EU) are working to ensure that women's rights are fully protected in the constitution.

Progress on improving women's rights varies according to locality, but there are encouraging signs in many areas. Approximately 3 million children have now returned to school, of whom about 30 per cent are girls. However, the proportion of women and girls involved in education varies according to region.

The position of vulnerable women, such as widows and orphans, is still a major concern, particularly in urban areas. WFP and FAO are hoping to expand their employment and livelihood activities (bakery and poultry co-operatives that recruit vulnerable women and girls) in an effort to improve the situation.

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