Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the (1) economic, (2) humanitarian, and (3) political, situation in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan continues to require support from international donors. Low economic growth has been compounded by the effects of Covid-19. In 2019/20, 15.6 million Afghans were living below the national poverty line. At the 2020 Geneva Conference, the UK committed to continuing to support Afghanistan's development. The humanitarian situation is concerning due to the high rate of poverty, internal displacement and civilian casualties from the continued conflict. 16.9 million people face acute food insecurity. In 2020-21, the UK is on course to provide up to £59.6 million in humanitarian assistance to help over two million people. UK Aid and development projects have helped lift life expectancy from 50 years in 1990 to 64 in 2018 and there are 8.2 million more children in school since 2002. Girls, who did not attend school pre-2001, now make up 39% of children enrolled.

Only a negotiated and inclusive political settlement between Afghans will bring a sustainable end to conflict. The UK supports negotiations between the Afghan Government and the Taliban. However, the high levels of violence are deeply concerning, especially targeted attacks on civilians. It is vital that there is a reduction in violence, leading to a comprehensive ceasefire, and meaningful engagement in a political process that can deliver the peace that Afghans want and deserve.