Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 91
The Government should reassess whether the new International Development Strategy allows for a sufficient share...
Recommendation
The Government should reassess whether the new International Development Strategy allows for a sufficient share of ODA to reach communities in fragile and conflict- affected states, as well as other states it assesses as being at risk of mass atrocities. It must also introduce a dedicated budget line for atrocity prevention within the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of FCAS in the IDS, stating that the majority of ODA will be allocated to low-income countries, where a higher proportion are FCAS, but avoids committing to specific ODA spend targets in FCAS or states at risk of mass atrocities. They note HoMs have more authority on bilateral ODA spend, and that the CSSF focus evolves with Government priorities.
Paragraph Reference:
91
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Partially agree. 43. Fragile and Conflict Affected States (FCAS) are important for the IDS, which aims to tackle the causes of crises and build the long-term foundations for lasting development. We cannot end extreme poverty in low- and middle-income countries without tackling conflict and fragility. As the IDS states, we must go beyond ODA and draw on the full HMG toolkit to deliver our development and foreign policy ambitions. This is particularly true when addressing fragility and conflict. In these contexts, we will combine our diplomatic, defence, economic and development levers to achieve our objectives. 44. While the IDS does not make specific commitments on ODA spend in FCAS or states at risk of mass atrocities, it does state that the majority of our ODA will be allocated to low-income countries, only spending in middle-income countries where necessary. We know that a higher proportion of low-income countries are FCAS. Our funding for humanitarian assistance prioritises people in greatest need in times of crisis, most of whom are in FCAS. ODA allocations will be aligned with development priorities. 45. The IDS also delegates more authority to HoMs on bilateral ODA spend at post. This allows more agile responses to conflicts and crises in FCAS, informed by those with the best understanding of the context and drivers of fragility and conflict. Development technical specialists across FCDO, including conflict and governance advisers, support our programming and advise teams on analysis of what works when programming in FCAS. 46. The Conflict, Stability and Security Fund’s (CSSF) focus on conflict and stability, women, peace and security, and transnational threats provides a valuable source of funding for work that underpins Government objectives. The CSSF very recently conducted a strategic priorities review which aligned Portfolios with Government priorities, as set out the Integrated Review (IR). The Fund’s focus evolves with these priority areas. Following the IR refresh, expected early in the New Year, all Portfolios will look to reflect any changes accordingly, including in specific emerging themes.