PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Afghanistan: Females (7 September 2021)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on protecting the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.

Asked by:
Sarah Owen (Labour)

We are committed to prioritising women and girls in the UK’s response to the situation in Afghanistan. Minister for Human Rights, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, addressed the UN Human Rights Council on 24 August. He underscored the UK’s commitment to protecting the human rights of all Afghan people, including women and girls, and holding the Taliban to account. As the Prime Minister said earlier this week, we will also include in resettlement schemes Afghans who have contributed to civil society or who face a particular risk from the Taliban, for example because of their role in standing up for democracy and human rights or because of their gender, sexuality or religion. All who come to our country through this safe and legal route will receive not a five-year visa, but indefinite leave to remain.
Answered by:
Nigel Adams (Conservative)
10 September 2021