Menzies Campbell Adds His Support To Afghan Women Rights ‘Kite’ Initiative

North East Fife MP Sir Menzies Campbell has added his support to an international campaign to press for women’s rights in Afghanistan.

Sir Menzies took part in an event in Westminster on Wednesday 23 November which saw a cross-party group of MPs and peers have their photograph taken in front of hundreds of handmade kites designed by campaigners from around the country to symbolise their support for women’s rights in Afghanistan.

The kite symbol is being used for the campaign as, although Afghanistan women and girls make kites, they are effectively prevented from actually flying them because of cultural attitudes which make it socially unacceptable.

Sir Menzies said:

“I am pleased to support this important campaign. The need to promote the rights of Afghan women and girls is as important as ever. Securing a peaceful future for Afghanistan is a complex task but a solution which does not see the rights of Afghan women protected means the international community has failed to fulfil one of its primary duties.”

Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen said:

“We’d like to see all Parliamentarians supporting this campaign for women’s rights in Afghanistan.

“There is a clear and present danger that the rights of Afghan women and girls could be sacrificed in deals with the Taleban as the international community looks for the exit sign in Afghanistan.

“Numerous MPs have been vocal on the subject of Afghan women’s rights during the past decade. Now’s the time for them to stand up and be counted.”

The campaign is led by Action Aid UK, Amnesty International UK, CARE UK, GAPS, Womenkind Worldwide and Women for Women International. It has seen 18,000 campaigners petition the UK Government to support Afghan women’s rights. More than 8,000 kits have been made.