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Select Committee · International Development Committee

FCDO’s approach to sexual and reproductive health

Status: Closed Opened: 7 Mar 2023 Closed: 21 May 2024 19 recommendations 5 conclusions 1 report

The International Development Committee report into the FCDO's approach to sexual and reproductive health has now been published and found that since 2020 the UK has slashed aid spending on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), with a devastating impact on women and girls. Existing project budgets were cut or cancelled entirely, often with …

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
First Report - The FCDO’s approach to sexual and reproducti… HC 108 25 Jan 2024 24 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

4 items
1 Conclusion First Report - The FCDO’s approach to s… Acknowledged

Cuts to SRHR Official Development Assistance negatively impacted aid recipients and UK's reputation

The cuts to bilateral and multilateral Official Development Assistance on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) since 2020 have had a considerably negative impact upon the aid recipients of SRHR programmes, particularly on women and girls and those belonging to marginalised groups. The abrupt nature of the aid cuts …

Government response. The FCDO agrees with the committee's conclusions, acknowledging that cuts to UK ODA budgets have negatively impacted SRHR work and caused damage, while noting the UK remains a major SRHR donor.
10 Conclusion First Report - The FCDO’s approach to s… Acknowledged

Inadequate menstrual health information and WASH services hinder women and girls in low-income countries.

To meet menstrual health needs, women and girls must be able to access accurate, timely and age-appropriate information about menstruation. In addition, they need access to WASH services and inclusive infrastructure. Without adequate services and facilities, managing menstruation can be a challenge for women and girls in low-and-middle-income countries, preventing …

Government response. The FCDO agrees, affirming its belief in enabling women and girls to manage periods safely and with dignity, and recognising that inadequate WASH services in schools can lead to girls missing education.
16 Conclusion First Report - The FCDO’s approach to s… Acknowledged

Retain FCDO bilateral investments in HIV prevention and treatment for marginalised groups and the Global Fund.

To support the achievement of global targets on ending AIDS, and to retain the UK’s historical leadership in this important area of SRHR, the FCDO should retain bilateral investments in HIV prevention and treatment, both through dedicated HIV programming and in its support for integrated SRHR, with a special focus …

Government response. The government gives a 'Partially Agree' response but provides no further details or specific commitments under this recommendation.
24 Conclusion First Report - The FCDO’s approach to s… Acknowledged

Continue advancing 'Leave No One Behind' and raise marginalised groups' SRHR rights diplomatically.

Over recent years, there has been an alarming rollback on the rights of women and girls globally, of which SRHR are integral, and further criminalisation of LGBT+ people. The merger of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with the Department for International Development offers an opportunity for the FCDO to better …

Government response. The government gives a 'Partially Agree' response but provides no further details or specific commitments under this recommendation.

Oral evidence sessions

3 sessions
Date Witnesses
12 Sep 2023 Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office View ↗
4 Jul 2023 Alessandra Aresu · Humanity & Inclusion, Alice Welbourn · Salamander Trust, Dr Camilla Ducker · WHO HQ, Representative for the FGS Integration Group (FIG), Dr Tsitsi Chataika · CBM UK, Kirsty Smith · CBM UK, Ms Fionnuala Murphy · Frontline AIDS, Saskia Perriard-Abdoh · Kaleidoscope Trust View ↗
23 May 2023 Asenath Mwithigah · Orchid Project, Caroline Guinard · MSI Reproductive Choices, Dr Milly Kaggwa · Population Services International, Dr Sebastian Taylor · Royal Colleges for SRHR, Mr Matt Jackson · United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Tinebeb Berhane · ActionAid Ethiopia View ↗