Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that the rights of women in civil society in Afghanistan, including the right to education for girls, are protected following the withdrawal of UK and NATO troops in September.

The UK remains committed to supporting Afghanistan on its path to a more peaceful and positive future. We will continue to work closely with the UN, Afghanistan and our international partners to intensify peace efforts as NATO forces drawdown.

The UK has assisted in the significant improvement in the rights of all Afghans, including women and minorities. There are 8.2 million more children in school now than in 2002, including 3.7 million girls. However, only a negotiated and inclusive settlement will safeguard the rights and freedoms that Afghans want and deserve. We will continue to make clear to all sides that any political settlement must protect progress, including protection for women and minorities.