Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Accepted
Explore creative diplomacy with likeminded states to solve access issues and evaluate FCDO capacity.
Recommendation
We recommend that the UK explores creative forms of diplomacy with likeminded states that can bring maximum pressure and combined diplomatic capability to solving specific access issues. As part of this initiative the diplomatic capacity and influence of the FCDO needs to be evaluated and invested in where needed. (Recommendation, Paragraph 24)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government agrees that humanitarian aid must be facilitated and commits to strengthening UK diplomatic influence through a new internal humanitarian diplomacy and access strategy, actively pursuing diplomatic efforts, and supporting relevant international mechanisms.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
28. The UK remains an active and constructive voice in the United Nations and other multilateral forums to champion IHL, tackle barriers that restrict humanitarian access and protect civilians including humanitarian personnel. 29. The UN Security Council continues to agree action to respond to and prevent conflicts around the world, despite increased polarisation in the Council. 30. The FCDO is also committed to finding novel solutions and we agree with the committee’s call for a radical new approach to humanitarian diplomacy. The Foreign Secretary is clear that partnership must be at the core of our foreign policy; it is critical to overcome global challenges including humanitarian access. The FCDO is working with partners and allies to more systematically mobilise collective diplomatic action to maximise impact on humanitarian access and protection. 31. We recognise the importance of investment in efforts that continually enhance diplomatic capacities. The FCDO is finalising an internal humanitarian diplomacy training module focused on access and protection, in partnership with the British Red Cross, to bolster capability across FCDO.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗