Afghan Women and Girls

Discussed a case where young Afghan women over 18 are not eligible for the resettlement scheme despite the danger they face under Taliban restrictions, urging the Foreign Office to ensure that young women are not abandoned.

Women and girls in Afghanistan are being forcibly disappeared by the Taliban, a deliberate act that is tragic. The UK Government's withdrawal led to many families getting stuck due to immigration bureaucracy, leaving relatives in dangerous situations.

Debbie Abrahams congratulated the hon. Member for North East Fife on her work as chair of the APPG for Afghan women and girls, highlighting Marzia Babakarkhail's experiences fleeing Afghanistan after attempted assassinations by the Taliban. She stressed that the situation is real and serious, with 66 female judges under threat, and criticised the Government's response to resettlement promises made in August 2021.

I am concerned about the safety of Afghan women and girls in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover. I have been working with local organisations to support resettlement efforts for vulnerable individuals.

When politicians express support for communities under oppressive regimes, they are often accused of wanting to westernise nations. We should instead support the Afghan people to decide their future and for women and girls within their community to lead.

Mr. Jim Shannon welcomed the Chair to her new position and thanked Wendy Chamberlain for securing the debate, expressing concern over the rights of Afghan women and girls since the fall of Kabul in August 2021. He highlighted that women have been barred from governmental jobs, faced travel restrictions, education bans, a strict dress code, and prevented from working for NGOs, which has resulted in significant losses to Afghanistan's GDP. Shannon pointed out the specific challenges religious minorities face under Taliban rule, including threats to their marriage recognition, freedom of movement, and access to education. Inquired about the impact of humanitarian aid reduction on NGOs and employment opportunities for women in Afghanistan, questioning whether discussions have been held to ensure that the Taliban view such aid differently.

Called for support for judges and other professionals working to improve conditions in Afghanistan, urging the Government to facilitate safe passage and provide resources needed for these individuals to maintain connections with their home country. Welcomes Marzia Babakarkhail's efforts to assist female judges and prosecutors in Afghanistan, criticises the UK for abandoning women who took up roles encouraged by the UK, urges for more humanitarian visas for those at risk from the Taliban. Raises a petition signed by over 56,000 people asking for immediate help to evacuate and settle these women. Joanna Cherry agreed with Debbie Abrahams, asserting that the issue is about structural misogyny and discrimination against women rather than religion. Asked the Minister to speak to his Home Office counterparts regarding the humanitarian visa issue, highlighting that time is critical despite previous meetings indicating potential support from the Prime Minister.

Proposes reinstating a special unit on the parliamentary estate that assisted Ukrainian refugees, suggesting it could also be used for Afghan refugees. Argues this approach was effective in Ukraine and should be considered for those with fewer obligations but understandable sympathy. Expressed gratitude towards the Minister and requested him to convey the need for a similar engagement hub as was present during Ukraine-related discussions, emphasising the importance of enabling right hon. and hon. Members to interact with Home Office officials.

We need a comprehensive strategy to protect the rights of Afghan women and girls, including education and healthcare provisions. The UK must lead international efforts in this regard.

Emphasized the importance of safe and legal routes for Afghan women and girls, noting that access to education via the internet is crucial. Raised concerns about family members left behind in Afghanistan.

The potential of technologies to send money directly to citizens suffering under the Taliban should be significant for the UK Government, ensuring security while offering a non-traditional support method.

Called attention to a BBC report on mental health and suicide among Afghan women and girls; suggested providing a safe and legal route for them to come to the UK as an important step. Welcomed the intervention on safe routes for Afghan women and girls. Highlighted the need for education access, technology for learning, and support for those fleeing to third-party countries before obtaining visas.

Apologised for confusion, acknowledged the chair and praised Wendy Chamberlain's efforts. Emphasized the harsh regression of women's rights in Afghanistan post-Taliban seizure, with UNESCO estimating 80% of school-age Afghan girls out of school. Highlighted hypocrisy regarding Taliban figures sending their daughters abroad for education. Stressed the importance of education in breaking poverty cycles and cited UNDP estimates that nearly 85% of Afghans live in poverty due to Taliban's exclusion policies. Noted a letter from Hillhead High School Feminism Club expressing solidarity with Afghan women and demanding UK advocacy action at Prime Minister's Questions.

The MP discussed the lack of progress for Afghan women's rights under Taliban rule, highlighting severe restrictions on education and employment. She mentioned a 65% cut in UK aid to Afghanistan, calling it devastating during humanitarian crisis. The MP urged the Government to engage with international partners to reverse Taliban edicts, support civil society organisations employing Afghan women, and expedite responses regarding ODA budget pressures.

Few can forget the heart-wrenching scenes of desperate constituents seeking loved ones out when the Taliban returned. Afghan women are fighting back despite losing their rights, risking their lives in the process. There is no specific route for most Afghan women and children to access the resettlement scheme.

Highlighted that senior Taliban members send their daughters out of the country for education while banning other girls from going to school, suggesting tightening sanctions against such family members.