Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 15
Cuts to SRHR Official Development Assistance negatively impacted aid recipients and UK's reputation
Conclusion
The cuts to bilateral and multilateral Official Development Assistance on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) since 2020 have had a considerably negative impact upon the aid recipients of SRHR programmes, particularly on women and girls and those belonging to marginalised groups. The abrupt nature of the aid cuts damaged the UK’s relationships with aid partners and its reputation as an aid delivery partner.
Government Response Summary
The FCDO agrees with the committee's conclusions, acknowledging that cuts to UK ODA budgets have negatively impacted SRHR work and caused damage, while noting the UK remains a major SRHR donor.
Paragraph Reference:
15
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Agree 8. The FCDO agrees with the Committee’s conclusions and recognises that cuts to UK ODA budgets have affected our international work on SRHR and we acknowledge the impact of those reductions. While the FCDO has worked closely with partners to mitigate those impacts, to maximise the effectiveness and impact of our funding, to complement our investments with strong political leadership and to make up shortfalls by crowding in alternative funding, it is incontrovertible that damage was done. 9. The UK remains a major donor to SRHR and uses its political and diplomatic weight in support of comprehensive SRHR.