Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 38
38
Paragraph: 137
The Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative has lost its way since Foreign Secretary Hague...
Conclusion
The Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative has lost its way since Foreign Secretary Hague left the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The permanent team of staff dedicated to the initiative is small and funding has dwindled. Similar to our findings for the aid sector, it could be improved through better engagement with local populations. The FCDO should use the merger as an opportunity to reinvigorate the PSVI and the Gender Equality Division should develop a coherent strategy for the initiative which is coordinated with the wider priorities of the Unit. The FCDO should consider how the Research and Evidence Division can help to improve monitoring and learning so the initiative can be strengthened in future and adopt longer funding cycles to enable long-term planning.
Paragraph Reference:
137
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The PSVI remains a top priority for the UK Government. We are the only government in the world to have a Prime Minister’s Special Representative as well as a dedicated team and funding focused on tackling conflict-related sexual violence, including a PSVI Team of Experts that can be deployed to support specific contexts. The role of the Prime Minister’s Special Representative has continued to be a ministerial appointment since its creation in 2014. Our global leadership role on the issue is widely acknowledged by international partners and in the United Nations. PSVI has always had an institutional home in the FCO, and now the FCDO. Since its creation, PSVI has been led by the FCDO (previously FCO) with support from the then DFID and the MOD. The recent merger has provided further opportunities to integrate the strengths and expertise of various teams. For example, bringing the UK’s development offer more into the PSVI campaign, and using the UK’s co-leadership of the Generation Equality Action Coalition on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) to push for more action to tackle GBV in conflict and crisis, including sexual violence. HMG recognised the need for improved oversight and strategic direction. As Lord Ahmad said at the November 2020 IDC hearing, the FCDO plans to lead the development of a three-year strategy with input from the MOD, and programme learnings from the Conflict Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), and the What Works to Prevent Violence programme. We will also develop an evidence-based Theory of Change, as part of the development of the strategy, with embedded monitoring, evaluation, and learning. We hope to begin a consultation process on the new strategy in early 2021.