Concern for Afghan Women and Children
Diane Abbott MP pressed the Government on its work for women and children in war-torn Afghanistan this week. The London MP, who visited Afghanistan in April, is concerned about how the ongoing military action is affecting the lives of women and children in the country. She questioned the Ministry of Defence, the Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on their work in Afghanistan.
Speaking today Diane said:
“It is easy to get caught up in the military concerns in Afghanistan. Of course the battle against the Taliban and the stability of the Afghan Government is of the utmost importance, but we mustn’t forget the consequences for civilians. Women and children are particularly vulnerable in Afghan society, and they are made more vulnerable by the violence and destruction that continues to ravage the country. I was glad to hear that the UK Government is giving over £100 million to women-centred programmes run by the UN and NGOs working in Afghanistan. But I will be pressing the Government to take more responsibility for the actual results of these programmes.”
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For more information please call Caitlin Farrow on
020 7219 4426 or email farrowc@parliament.uk
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