Recommendations & Conclusions
8 items
11
Recommendation
5th Report - Protection not permission:…
Accepted in Part
We encourage the Government to consider a standing exemption for relevant humanitarian organisations to ensure that they do not risk liability for their legitimate dealings with sanctioned entities. In the meantime, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) must provide clearer guidance for the humanitarian sector on the interpretation of …
Government response. The government agrees and commits to introducing a tailored humanitarian exemption or ‘carve-out’ across autonomous UK sanctions when parliamentary time allows. They also state OFSI has comprehensive guidance and will continue working to produce clear guidance for humanitarian actors.
19
Recommendation
5th Report - Protection not permission:…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the UK works with the other UN Member States represented on the ministerial group for the safety of humanitarian aid workers to call for a Special Session of the UNSC to discuss the problem of disregard of IHL in the delivery of aid. This session should focus …
Government response. The government partially agrees, stating it already actively engages with UN Member States and co-sponsored UNSCR 2730, which addresses humanitarian personnel protection and will lead to a UN Secretary-General's report. It also supports the inclusion of humanitarian access in UN …
29
Conclusion
5th Report - Protection not permission:…
Accepted in Part
There is much more the Government could do to ensure that UK manufactured weapon components do not fall into the hands of those who may use them in attacks on aid workers and aid infrastructure. (Conclusion, Paragraph 61)
Government response. The government partially agrees, stating it already has a robust export control regime and will publish an annual report on UK strategic export controls. However, it rejects commitments to an independent review of past allegations, independent audits, or temporary freezing …
30
Recommendation
5th Report - Protection not permission:…
Accepted in Part
We recommend the Government a. Provide for interim measures to allow for the temporary freezing of licenses where there are credible allegations of IHL breaches, subject to full investigation and final determination; b. report findings of independent audits of arms exports to Parliament, including details of any incidents where British …
Government response. The government partially agrees, stating it already assesses IHL risks and wider security context, including risks to aid workers, for export licences, and will publish an annual report on strategic export controls. However, it rejects providing for interim licence freezing …
33
Recommendation
5th Report - Protection not permission:…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the Government takes appropriate opportunities to commemorate the sacrifices of the hundreds of aid workers every year who pay the ultimate price in the service of others. This should include representation at the memorial service in Westminster Abbey, speeches coinciding with the UN Secretary General’s update on …
Government response. The government agrees to commemorate aid worker sacrifices, noting it already marks World Humanitarian Day, attends memorial services, delivers speeches for UNSCR 2730, and has introduced the Humanitarian Medal. It welcomes the suggestion to update Parliament on this issue as …
36
Recommendation
5th Report - Protection not permission:…
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the Government work closely with those delivering UK Official Development Assistance to identify appropriate responses to disinformation aimed at neutral implementing partners. This should include ensuring organisations such as the BBC World Service are adequately funded to fulfil their roles. (Recommendation, Paragraph 72)
Government response. The government agrees to work on identifying responses to disinformation, citing existing FCDO efforts like a programme in Sudan. However, it clarifies the BBC World Service's editorial independence and does not commit to directly ensuring its funding as a government …
42
Conclusion
5th Report - Protection not permission:…
Accepted in Part
Beyond funding, the FCDO should explore how it might make its in- house security and mental health expertise, particularly at diplomatic mission level, accessible to local NGOs as requested as appropriate. (Recommendation, Paragraph 81)
Government response. The government partially agrees, stating they cannot commit resources to extend direct security and mental health services to third parties. However, they are open to sharing the rationale for their strategic approach to staff welfare and wellbeing and encourage mutual …
49
Conclusion
5th Report - Protection not permission:…
Accepted in Part
The FCDO needs to make sure that insurance provided to aid workers by their employers covers legal advice and longer-term medical, including physiological support. The FCDO should work with insurance providers and delivery partners to ensure that appropriate and affordable packages of insurance are provided—including for local staff and volunteers, …
Government response. The government partially agrees, stating that while they support partners' access to insurance, the choice of provider lies with partners. They note flexible funding guidelines and due diligence processes that ensure partners consider staff wellbeing, highlighting the HAVEN programme in …