International Development and Gender-based Violence

Praised the work of her Front-Bench colleague and highlighted the impact of gender-based violence on women and girls globally, noting that one in three women and girls experience abuse throughout their lifetime. Cited a report indicating 243 million women and girls were abused by an intimate partner last year alone, despite less than 40% reporting it. Criticised the government's decision to cut the aid budget, which undermines efforts against gender-based violence.

She briefly acknowledged the chair's procedural contribution, thanking Andrew Rosindell for his remarks.

Concerned about violence against women and girls in Pakistan and China, highlighting the abduction of girls from minority groups in Pakistan for forced marriage and violation, as well as Uyghur women facing forced birth control measures. Cited cases like that of 14-year-old Maira Shahbaz and 13-year-old Arzoo Raja being kidnapped, with judges often ordering their return to abductors. Also raised the plight of Leah Sharibu, abducted by Boko Haram and still in captivity for refusing to renounce her faith. Highlighted birth rates plummeting in mostly Uyghur regions due to population control measures.

Concerned about the rise in violence against women and girls, particularly in conflict zones like Tigray where there have been 40,000 Ethiopian refugees. Criticised the cutting of the 0.7% aid commitment as harmful to addressing gender-based violence. Highlighted cases of sexual violence from UN reports and called for survivor-centred approaches with safe spaces and empowerment.

The MP highlighted the increase in violence against women and girls globally during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing statistics such as a 700% rise in helpline calls to charity Refuge. He expressed concern over the reduction of UK foreign aid from 0.7% to 0.5% of GDP and advocated for the application of pressure on governments with poor women's rights records. Responded to Fiona Bruce's speech by stating that Pakistan's own laws allow for the abuse of citizens, citing the case of 14-year-old Maira Shahbaz who was gang-raped and forcibly converted to Islam. Highlighted that under Pakistani law, renouncing religion after forced conversion could result in a death sentence.

Ms Shah highlighted instances of violence against women in occupied Kashmir by Indian armed forces, noting that rape is often used as a weapon of war. She cited Human Rights Watch reports and specific events like the Kunan-Poshpora mass rapes of 1991. Ms Shah also criticized dismissals of calls for inquiries into these abuses. Is the money that the Minister is talking about affected by the recent announcement on development funding being cut?

Gender-based violence is a global pandemic, with at least 15 million more cases predicted due to covid-19 restrictions. The UK must ratify the Istanbul convention to ensure comprehensive protections for women and girls, but has failed to do so in four years. Concerned about underfunding of programmes addressing gender-based violence, including aid worker system changes, women's empowerment initiatives, and anti-FGM efforts.