{"primaryDescription":"

MPs to explore the situation on the ground in Afghanistan 

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The International Development Committee is to explore the situation on the ground in Afghanistan five years after the fall of the civilian Government in Kabul. 

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As the conditions continue to deteriorate, MPs will hear from humanitarian practitioners, a broadcaster and a human rights activist. 

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Policies and conflicts in Iran and Pakistan have led to a 10% increase in Afghanistan's population as Afghan diaspora returns.  

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At the same time, incremental restrictions on the rights of women and girls by the Taliban have culminated in a situation where women and girls are no longer allowed to attend school beyond the age of 11, women are only allowed to work in a few sectors, and there is almost no protection from domestic abuse.

","secondaryDescription":"

Witnesses on the first panel are expected to discuss the current situation for women and girls in Afghanistan and what the Government is doing to help. 

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The second witness, from BBC News and World Service, is likely to be asked about how challenges around education are being addressed. It comes UNICEF has estimated that 3.7 million children are out-of-school in Afghanistan. 

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The session also comes as it is estimated that 3.7 million children under five years old and 1.2 million pregnant and breastfeeding women have acute malnutrition in Afghanistan. 

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Witnesses on the third panel may be asked about the food security situation in Afghanistan, progress towards tackling diseases and trends in people movement.   

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The Committee could also explore the role of the FCDO and what more it could do to improve the situation in the country. 

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