Security, anti-corruption and human rights key to Afghanistan- says Chairman MP

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 10th Jul 2008

For Afghanistan to survive and develop it will need improving security, a crack-down on corruption and a strong human rights culture especially towards women, Malcolm Bruce MP, Chairman of the House of Commons Select Committee on International Development told Parliament today.

Mr Bruce was opening a debate on his committee's report on Reconstructing Afghanistan. He said:

"The international community must make it abundantly clear that the long term commitment to Afghanistan depends on the country establishing international standards against corruption and in upholding the rights of its citizens especially its women.

"For Afghanistan to survive and develop as a viable state it will need improving security, a crack-down on corruption and a strong human rights culture especially towards women."

ENDS

Notes:

The speech to the debate on Afghanistan can be seen in the speeches section of the website