§ Mrs. BrookeTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received on the incidence of(a) rape and (b) other sexual abuse of Afghan women by international military personnel serving in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [176056]
§ Mr. IngramThe Ministry of Defence has not received any such reports, although I am aware of the concerns expressed in a March 2004 Human Rights Watch report regarding the use of "culturally insensitive" methods during coalition operations in South and South-East Afghanistan. While I cannot speak for the forces of other nations, I understand no United Kingdom military personnel have been accused of committing any form of sexual offence in Afghanistan. Were any to be so, they would be dealt with under the relevant British military discipline procedures and, depending on the offence, the criminal law.