Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 46
Push for Grand Bargain commitments, supporting local responders and avoiding unsuitable approaches.
Recommendation
The UK Government should use the Forum to push for action on the commitments set out in the Grand Bargain which was agreed at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 to: increase and support multi-year investment in the institutional capacities of local and national responders, including preparedness, response and co- ordination capacities, especially in fragile contexts and where communities are vulnerable to armed conflicts, disasters, recurrent outbreaks and the effects of climate change. The UK must avoid imposing unsuitable approaches from outside on refugee host countries. Instead, it should work with local civil society organisations to identify and implement best practice for each context. It should recognise the vital role that municipalities play in providing support and services as part of a broader effort to shift power and resources to affected communities.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees to use the GRF to push for Grand Bargain commitments, stating that its existing Humanitarian Framework outlines objectives to drive reforms, prioritise assistance, protect people, and prevent shocks. It remains committed to localisation and supporting local leadership, as outlined in the HF.
Paragraph Reference:
46
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We agree the UK government should use the GRF to push for action on commitments set out in the Grand Bargain and World Humanitarian Summit. The UK is a principled humanitarian actor. In line with our commitments under the Grand Bargain and the World Humanitarian Summit, our Humanitarian Framework (HF) sets out the three objectives of how we will drive reforms of the international humanitarian system to: (i) Prioritise humanitarian assistance to people in greatest need and provide them with what they need most to recover from crises, working to ensure both refugee and host communities are supported based on their needs (e.g., socioeconomic vulnerability) rather than their status (e.g., refugee status). (ii) Protect the people most at risk, including from conflict-related sexual violence and barriers to humanitarian assistance, within this context we work with partners on trauma sensitive approaches. For example, in Jordan one of our interventions provides a holistic needs assessment to refugees and their host communities. Follow up includes psychosocial support and support to those affected by gender-based violence. (iii) Prevent and anticipate future shocks and build resilience in long-running crises by tackling the underlying drivers of crises, instability, and extreme food insecurity. As part of delivering the HF the UK remains committed to support greater localisation of aid as it empowers the community as a whole to have a say in decisions that affect them. The HF commits us to promoting the participation of local and national actors, and in particular, women-led organisations in the design and delivery of responses. It also commits us to supporting local leadership and governments to work at national and local level and with public, private sectors and NGOs to mitigate future crises.