Recommendation 35

While we fully support the Government prioritising the evacuation of people over the repatriation of equipment, we are concerned about reports of military items that are now in the hands of adversaries following the withdrawal of coalition forces from Afghanistan. We support the decision to remove Afghanistan as a permitted destination for five Open General Export Licences. However, we are concerned that this decision was not taken earlier given the warnings and indications that the Afghan Government would collapse. A key test of the export control system is the ability to adapt to changing situations. We support the continuation of licences for humanitarian demining equipment for NGOs and items for the protection of remaining diplomatic missions and the Government’s commitment to keep the situation under review.