Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 88
UK aid programmes that strengthen institutions and civil society can foster environments where atrocities are...
Conclusion
UK aid programmes that strengthen institutions and civil society can foster environments where atrocities are less likely, when these programmes are sensitive to atrocity and conflict risks. We are concerned that successive reductions in those programmes may have blunted their effectiveness. The new International Development Strategy fails to reiterate the previous commitment to direct half of aid spending to fragile and conflict-affected states, which may dilute the UK’s efforts to prevent atrocities.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of Sustainable Development Goal 16 and the role of civil society, stating the UK is committed to working in partnership with CSOs and that ODA allocations will be aligned with development priorities.
Paragraph Reference:
88
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Partially agree. 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.