AFGHAN WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS

Early day motion 1354, tabled 27 April 2009 by Sally Keeble (Labour). Signed by 73 members.

That this House supports the brave stance taken by women members of the Afghan parliament to attack the now shelved family law proposals drafted by the Karzai government, which potentially could have decriminalised rape; furthermore expresses concern that the Afghan government has drawn up legislation which amounts to severe restrictions to women's rights; and calls on the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to continue to express concern at the highest level over this issue and ensure that the Karzai government acts in a way that is consistent with the UN Charter on Human Rights and the Afghan constitution.

Signatures by party: Labour 44, Liberal Democrat 16, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.