Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Afghanistan: Women and Girls

Wednesday 22 September 2021 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Cabinet discussions have frequently addressed the impact on women and girls in Afghanistan.
  • The Prime Minister stated that any relationship with the Taliban would be based on respect for fundamental rights, especially for women and girls.
  • Meetings have occurred with NGOs to better understand how to support initiatives for women and girls in Afghanistan.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Carol Monaghan SNP
Asylum & Refugees Women & Equalities
Context

The situation in Afghanistan following recent events has raised concerns about the safety and rights of women.

Question

What discussions have been had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting women in Afghanistan, considering the risks faced by those eligible for the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme?

Answer from Wendy Morton

All at risk of persecution, including religious and ethnic minorities, are eligible for the Afghan citizens resettlement scheme which will welcome up to 20,000 vulnerable Afghans over five years. The impact on women and girls has been discussed frequently by Cabinet.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans or measures beyond general commitments were not detailed.

How: Under Review

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Q2 Jeff Smith Lab Manchester Withington
Foreign Affairs Women & Equalities
Context

The issue of women's education and employment under Taliban rule is becoming increasingly concerning.

Question

How can the UK use financial and economic leverage to ensure the Taliban respects their promises regarding women's rights?

Answer from Wendy Morton

The Prime Minister has been clear that we will judge the regime by its choices and actions rather than words. Any relationship with a Taliban Government would need to be calibrated according to respect for fundamental rights, especially for women and girls.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific financial or economic levers were not detailed.

How: Judging The Regime By Actions

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Q3 Carol Monaghan SNP
Women & Equalities
Context

Concerns about long-term support for initiatives that promote gender equality in Afghanistan.

Question

What discussions are taking place to ensure long-term funding is directed towards initiatives promoting and supporting women and girls?

Answer from Wendy Morton

Life expectancy increased from 56 years in 2002 to 64 in 2018, and over six years the UK has helped more than 250,000 girls attend school through the girls' education challenge fund. Meetings have taken place with NGOs to understand better how we can support their work.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific long-term funding commitments were not detailed.

How: Discussions In Progress

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Q4 James Gray Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

Diplomatic engagement with the Taliban on human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Question

Should we take the Taliban at their word and work through diplomatic channels to ensure they respect the rights of women and girls?

Answer from Wendy Morton

The then Foreign Secretary restated commitment to hold the Taliban accountable for conduct, particularly in regard to human rights. Priorities including human rights will be taken forward at the UN General Assembly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions beyond commitments were not detailed.

How: Holding Accountable, Un Priorities

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Q5 Anum Qaisar-Javed
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

At-risk Afghan sportswomen and artists fleeing to Pakistan due to Taliban restrictions.

Question

What collaborative discussions have the Minister had with Home Office colleagues on setting up special visa categories for at-risk Afghan sportswomen and artists?

Answer from Wendy Morton

It is best to raise specific cases with Home Office colleagues. The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department will have heard what was said about continuing to hold the Taliban accountable.

Not addressed: Specific discussions or visa categories were not detailed.

How: Raise Specific Cases With Home Office

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