Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 73
Although ultimate responsibility must lie with the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, Ambassadors and other...
Conclusion
Although ultimate responsibility must lie with the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, Ambassadors and other UK Heads of Mission should have a central role in preventing atrocities in the countries where they work. That role should be explicitly articulated in their job descriptions.
Government Response Summary
The government discusses Sustainable Development Goal 16 and the 2022 International Development Strategy, focusing on openness, predictability, the rule of law, and empowering civil society. It does not directly address the role of Ambassadors.
Paragraph Reference:
73
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
39. Sustainable Development Goal 16 is a priority for the UK Government. This commitment is reaffirmed in the 2022 International Development Strategy (IDS), which states: ‘Our approach to international development will be as a patient partner that champions openness, predictability, and the rule of law. […] We will […] help our partners tackle the structural problems they face and reduce their strategic dependence on others. We know that development progress depends on strong economic and social foundations – underpinned by effective institutions, from functioning markets to a free press and from a credible central bank to fair courts. Open and accountable institutions ensure systems work for everyone.’ 40. Civil society has an important role to play in this, and the UK Government is committed to working in partnership with a diverse range of CSOs to move to a model of development that increasingly strengthens and empowers civil society in developing countries. 41. Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) allocations will be aligned with development priorities. The UK’s International Development Strategy (IDS) also delegates more authority to HoMs on bilateral ODA spend at post.