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1139653

	registered interest
	date	17/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Commonwealth: English Language
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	What steps he is taking to improve English literacy throughout the Commonwealth.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	911995
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 17/07/2019 answer text <p>DFID is tackling the learning crisis by supporting children to learn the basics of literacy, including in Commonwealth countries.</p><p>We are investing in English language learning, for example through our new skills hub, which includes Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria.</p><p>We also work directly to boost the quality of teaching in English, for example through the Girls’ Education Challenge.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 17/07/2019 15:54:01 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1139027

	registered interest
	date	15/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Brazil: Indigenous Peoples
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what policies his Department has on the provision of funding for the low income indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin in Brazil.
	tabling member constituency	Congleton
	tabling member printed	Fiona Bruce
	uin	277312
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK Government is working with Brazil to help ensure it continues to protect the Amazon and have invested nearly £120 million through the International Climate Fund on projects to limit deforestation, support indigenous people and other forest communities, prevent forest fires and implement the Forest Code in the Amazon, Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes.</p><p>The UK Embassy in Brazil frequently engages with the Brazilian Government on a number of issues including environment, human rights and development. We have been having positive discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture, Human Rights, Foreign Affairs, Brazilian Co-operation Agency (ABC) among others on our policies and programmes.</p><p>DFID does not give direct funding to Brazil, focussing instead on a long-term development partnership with Brazil to deliver the Global Goals internationally.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 18/07/2019 16:03:12 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	3958 label Biography information for Fiona Bruce

1138060

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Somalia: Weapons
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what support the Government is providing to the Somali Government to counter the proliferation of weapons within Somalia and prevent access to weapons by terrorists.
	tabling member constituency	East Dunbartonshire
	tabling member printed	Jo Swinson
	uin	275714
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK plays a leading role in upholding and strengthening the UN Somalia sanctions regime in our capacity as drafters for all UN Security Council Resolutions on Somalia. The sanctions regime is central to international efforts to promote peace and security in Somalia, including through addressing the threat of Al-Shabaab. The regime includes an arms embargo with certain exemptions for humanitarian protection, the African Union Mission in Somalia, and the development of the Somali security forces. Within these exemptions, safeguards are in place to manage proliferation of arms. Our Embassy in Mogadishu regularly engages with the Somali authorities on the importance of compliance with the regime and to support the development of effective weapons and ammunition management. More broadly, the UK has an extensive programme of support to security sector reform in Somalia, helping Somalia take responsibility for its own national security and reduce conflict and terrorism.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 16/07/2019 13:42:36 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1513 label Biography information for Jo Swinson

1138236

	registered interest
	date	10/07/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Tanzania: Non-governmental Organisations
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the treatment of NGOs by the Tanzanian Government.
	tabling member constituency	South Leicestershire
	tabling member printed	Alberto Costa
	uin	275785
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/07/2019 answer text <p>​We are concerned about the treatment of Non-Governmental Organisations in Tanzania and increasing restrictions on the democratic space in which they operate. The UK Government is working closely with civil society, including through the Department for International Development Accountability in Tanzania programme, to strengthen civil society and promote positive and constructive engagement with the Tanzanian authorities on difficult issues. I raised our concerns regarding the protection of civil and political rights with the Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Defending Media Freedom conference in London on 11 July 2019.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 18/07/2019 16:25:21 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4439 label Biography information for Alberto Costa

1137885

	registered interest
	date	09/07/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Ghana: Diplomatic Relations
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to improve diplomatic relations with Ghana.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	275150
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>​The UK has a strong relationship with Ghana that is built on our Commonwealth ties, shared values, our people-to-people links and a common interest in promoting stability, democracy and prosperity in West Africa. The Foreign Secretary visited Ghana on 30 April – 1 May where he was accompanied by a British business delegation. During the visit he held talks with the Vice President of Ghana and several Cabinet Ministers to further bilateral and trade priorities, including securing new commercial deals with British companies. The Foreign Secretary and the Ghanaian Foreign Minister enhanced the UK-Ghana relationship through the signing of a Joint Declaration, which is set to strengthen existing ties, focus action on agreed priorities and open up new areas for mutual co-operation.</p><p>In the last year, I have co-chaired, with Ghana's Vice President, two meetings of the UK-Ghana Business Council, a high-level bilateral forum to promote cooperation on economic development, job creation, trade and investment. The last meeting was held in London in February where, as well as the Vice President, I was delighted to welcome the Minister for Trade, the Minister for Planning, and Deputy Ministers of Finance and Foreign Affairs. During his visit, the Vice President also met with the Foreign Secretary and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 16/07/2019 13:40:26 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1137452

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Sudan: Politics and Government
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Sudan.
	tabling member constituency	Morley and Outwood
	tabling member printed	Andrea Jenkyns
	uin	274585
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>The agreement in principle between the Transitional Military Council and the Forces of Freedom and Change, which sets out the plan for the transition to civilian led government in Sudan, is a historic opportunity for the people of Sudan to secure freedom from repression, instability and economic hardship. The UK commends the role of the African Union (AU) and Ethiopia in their efforts to support the mediation that has helped to deliver this agreement. We look forward to it being formally signed. On 5 July the Foreign Secretary welcomed the agreement. This was reiterated by the UK at the UN Human Rights Council on 9 July.</p><p>There is a challenging path ahead. Sudan has faced decades of autocratic rule and peaceful protesters have been killed whilst demonstrating for change. Sudan needs to see swift implementation of the agreement, broad-based reform and economic adjustment, and will require sustained international support.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 16/07/2019 13:33:55 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4490 label Biography information for Dame Andrea Jenkyns

1137458

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Zimbabwe: Politics and Government
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the political situation in Zimbabwe.
	tabling member constituency	Newport West
	tabling member printed	Ruth Jones
	uin	274661
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>We welcome recent political reform efforts by the Government of Zimbabwe, including commitment to repeal the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Public Order and Security Act in line with Zimbabwe's constitution.</p><p>However, Zimbabwe remains one of the UK's 30 Human Rights Priority Countries globally. We continue to call for the Government of Zimbabwe to uphold the rule of law and human rights and promote free and fair elections, under the protection of the 2013 Constitution and international human rights law. We also call on all political parties to enter into a genuine national dialogue.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 16/07/2019 13:38:40 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4716 label Biography information for Ruth Jones

1137508

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	South Africa: Droughts
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what support his Department is providing to farmers in Bultfontein, South Africa, who are facing eviction due to droughts.
	tabling member constituency	Leeds North West
	tabling member printed	Alex Sobel
	uin	274630
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/07/2019 answer text <p>The Department for International Development’s bilateral programme in South Africa ended in 2015, and no wider British government resources are spent to support farmers in Bultfontein specifically. DFID does however seek to improve climate resilience throughout South and Southern Africa through regional water management programmes that assist in ensuring water resources are managed effectively.</p><p>In addition, DFID’s support to multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, and development assistance spent through International Climate Finance and the Newton Fund, supports resilience building to prepare for, and manage, the effects of extreme weather events.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 11/07/2019 16:12:49 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4658 label Biography information for Alex Sobel

1137509

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Rainforests: Conservation
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps his Department is taking to protect (a) primary rainforests and (b) the species that live in them.
	tabling member constituency	Leeds North West
	tabling member printed	Alex Sobel
	uin	274631
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/07/2019 answer text <p>Stopping deforestation is essential to protect biodiversity, tackle climate change and promote sustainable economic development. DFID works to address the underlying causes of deforestation, such as stopping illegal logging and related corruption, and ending unsustainable practices in the production of palm oil, cocoa and other agricultural commodities. This helps to protect habitats for the species that live in forests.</p><p>Work to tackle deforestation is funded through the Forest Governance, Markets and Climate programme (£250m, 2011-21), which is tackling illegal logging and promoting trade in legal timber; Investments in Forests and Sustainable Land Use (£107m, 2015-23), which works with companies to develop new and sustainable approaches to growing agricultural commodities, which protect forests and provide sustainable livelihoods; and through the Indonesia country programme.</p><p>The Global Environment Facility (GEF), to which the UK is a major donor, also plays a major role in protecting species which live in tropical rainforests. For example, in June the GEF approved $88 million of funding to the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Programme and $57 million of funding to the Congo Basin Sustainable Landscapes Impact Programme to protect rainforests and the species that live in them.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 11/07/2019 16:13:59 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4658 label Biography information for Alex Sobel

1137528

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Sustainable Development: Cooperatives
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps are being taken to increase the number of worker co-operatives worldwide in order to promote sustainable development.
	tabling member constituency	Oldham West and Royton
	tabling member printed	Jim McMahon
	uin	274608
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2019 answer text <p>DFID is committed to ensuring inclusive economic development in the countries where we work, including creating better quality jobs for the poorest and most marginalised. DFID has supported the growth of co-operatives, particularly in the agriculture sector. For example, in the Nigerian dairy market, the Business Innovation Facility project is working with pastoralist co-operatives to boost milk production. We will continue to look for opportunities to support worker co-operatives as one channel through which we can help to create the more and better jobs required to achieve Global Goal 8.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 15/07/2019 15:55:42 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4569 label Biography information for Jim McMahon

1137544

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	South America: Indigenous Peoples
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps his Department is taking to support indigenous groups in the Amazon region whose ecosystems are potentially threatened by oil and gas producers.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle-under-Lyme
	tabling member printed	Paul Farrelly
	uin	274465
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2019 answer text <p>DFID works with the extractives industries (gas, oil and mining), governments and civil society in DFID priority countries to maximise the benefits from extractive industries, in a way that finances public services, enables sustainable and inclusive growth and reduces poverty.</p><p> </p><p>While DFID does not have bilateral programmes or a direct footprint related to extractives industries in the Amazon Region, our forestry programming does support broader work in the Amazon with indigenous groups. For example, in June the Global Environment Facility (GEF), to which the UK is a major donor, approved $88 million of funding to the Amazon Sustainable Landscapes Programme to protect this ecosystem. GEF programming is guided by its Principles and Guidelines for Engagement with Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 15/07/2019 15:53:13 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1436 label Biography information for Paul Farrelly

1137545

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Sudan: Politics and Government
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of the power-sharing agreement between military leaders and the opposition alliance in Sudan on the long-term stability of that country.
	tabling member constituency	Heywood and Middleton
	tabling member printed	Liz McInnes
	uin	274555
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>The agreement in principle between the Transitional Military Council and the Forces of Freedom and Change, which sets out the plan for the transition to civilian led government in Sudan, is a historic opportunity for the people of Sudan to secure freedom from repression, instability and economic hardship. The UK commends the role of the African Union (AU) and Ethiopia in their efforts to support the mediation that has helped to deliver this agreement. We look forward to it being formally signed. On 5 July the Foreign Secretary welcomed the agreement. This was reiterated by the UK at the UN Human Rights Council on 9 July.</p><p>There is a challenging path ahead. Sudan has faced decades of autocratic rule and peaceful protesters have been killed whilst demonstrating for change. Sudan needs to see swift implementation of the agreement, broad-based reform and economic adjustment, and will require sustained international support.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 16/07/2019 13:35:15 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4342 label Biography information for Liz McInnes

1137546

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Democratic Republic of Congo: Ebola
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what recent assessment he has made of the potential risk of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo spreading to South Sudan.
	tabling member constituency	Heywood and Middleton
	tabling member printed	Liz McInnes
	uin	274556
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2019 answer text <p>The risk of spread to countries neighbouring eastern DRC remains high, including to South Sudan. This is why the UK is the leading donor to regional preparedness efforts in neighbouring countries, helping support a range of activities, including screening at border crossings and the vaccination of health workers. The recent confirmed Ebola case in Ariwara, DRC, 70km from South Sudan, has further encouraged the international community to step up preparedness activities, particularly in high-risk areas along the border, in the support of the Government of South Sudan.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 15/07/2019 15:54:59 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4342 label Biography information for Liz McInnes

1137547

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Somalia: Guinea
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of (a) diplomatic relations between Somalia and Guinea, and (b) the effect of those relations are having on Somaliland.
	tabling member constituency	Heywood and Middleton
	tabling member printed	Liz McInnes
	uin	274557
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 16/07/2019 answer text <p>​The UK is aware of the reported tensions between Somalia and Guinea. The two countries are responsible for their bilateral relationship. We are not aware of those relations having an effect on Somaliland. UK policy remains that it is for Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to decide on a sustainable solution regarding their future. We continue to support and encourage plans for a peaceful dialogue between the two.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 16/07/2019 13:37:27 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4342 label Biography information for Liz McInnes

1137579

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Developing Countries: Renewable Energy
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what support her Department is providing to clean energy projects in developing countries.
	tabling member constituency	Lanark and Hamilton East
	tabling member printed	Angela Crawley
	uin	274575
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2019 answer text <p>UK support over the last six years has resulted in 17 million people having improved access to clean energy, and 590MW of clean energy capacity being installed.</p><p>DFID’s support to clean energy in developing countries is delivered through a range of programmes. For example, DFID provides funding to support the installation of more solar power such as through mini-grids in Kenya and Rwanda; helps to establish markets in African countries for small scale, household solar power so poor people have access to affordable clean energy; and funds research and innovation for example in electric vehicles, clean cookstoves and solar battery storage. We also provide support for investments in clean energy through CDC for example supporting hydro-electric power in DRC; and through our funding of multilateral development organisations, such as the World Bank and the Green Climate Fund, the latter of which reports investment of $12.4 billion in renewable energy since 2008.</p><p>Our priority is to help developing countries establish a secure and sustainable energy supply, which is essential for economic growth and poverty reduction. We are doing that in a way that supports the global climate change goals.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 15/07/2019 15:57:10 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4469 label Biography information for Angela Crawley

1137591

	registered interest
	date	08/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Democratic Republic of Congo: Mining
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps the Government is taking to support the Congolese authorities to ensure that mines in that country are (a) well regulated, (b) follow health and safety procedures and (c) do not employ or use children as labour in those mines.
	tabling member constituency	Newcastle-under-Lyme
	tabling member printed	Paul Farrelly
	uin	274470
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK is working to promote responsible and safe practices, including eliminating child labour and ensuring sound governance and regulation of the mining sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a founding member of the European Partnership for Responsible Minerals (EPRM), the UK helps promote responsible sourcing of minerals. More recently, DFID has been working with the Carter Centre to improve transparency and governance in the mining sector.</p><p> </p><p>The UK is very committed to addressing the three issues outlined on regulation, health &amp; safety and use of child labour by encouraging compliance with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. The implementation of this guidance will be made mandatory for the biggest importers in the EU via the EU Regulation on the Responsible Sourcing of Conflict Minerals. This will come into force in January 2021. The UK will continue to implement this regulation after leaving the EU as it will be rolled over into UK Law via the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 15/07/2019 15:54:02 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1436 label Biography information for Paul Farrelly

1136864

	registered interest
	date	04/07/2019
	answering body	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept id	16
	answering dept short name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign and Commonwealth Office
	hansard heading	Nigeria: Terrorism
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic steps he has taken with the Nigerian Government to help prevent the alleged funding of supply of weapons to terrorist groups by the oil industry in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Stroud
	tabling member printed	Dr David Drew
	uin	273311
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/07/2019 answer text <p>​We are not aware of any evidence to corroborate the cited allegations against oil companies in Nigeria. Militants, pirates and criminals are active across the Niger Delta and their access to weapons is of real concern. The British Government regularly discusses insecurity in the Delta with a range of State and Federal government bodies, who share our concern. We also remain committed to supporting Nigeria in dealing with the threats posed by terrorist groups in the North East of Nigeria.</p><p> </p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 09/07/2019 13:53:48 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	252 label Biography information for Dr David Drew

1136634

	registered interest
	date	03/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Developing Countries: Human Rights
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what plans he has to ensure that human rights are prioritized within his Department's approach to achieving the (a) SDGs and (b) other development outcomes.
	tabling member constituency	Dundee West
	tabling member printed	Chris Law
	uin	272857
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK is committed to respecting, promoting and protecting universal human rights. Respect for human rights is important in itself and for achieving stable, inclusive and prosperous societies. Human rights underpin freedom, democracy and rule of law and form the basis of the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are at the heart of the UK Aid Strategy and the Department’s new Single Departmental Plan which guide DFID’s strategic decision-making.</p><p> </p><p>The UK continues to be a strong advocate for Goal 16 on inclusive, peaceful societies, widely acknowledged as an enabler for all the other Sustainable Development Goals and for the protection and promotion of human rights.</p><p> </p><p>DFID programmes support human rights across a range of areas such as health, education, peace and security as well as through our support for inclusive and accountable governance. DFID puts the rights of women and girls at the centre of our development efforts through the 2018 Strategic Vision for Gender Equality. We support southern grassroots organisations to protect girls from issues like female genital mutilation and enforced child marriage and DFID’s support to the Jo Cox Memorial Grants includes a specific tranche to build civil society’s capacity to predict identity-based violence.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 11/07/2019 16:14:54 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4403 label Biography information for Chris Law

1136635

	registered interest
	date	03/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Developing Countries: Human Rights
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department’s support to human rights defenders on the ground; and what plans he has to increase that support.
	tabling member constituency	Dundee West
	tabling member printed	Chris Law
	uin	272858
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/07/2019 answer text <p>DFID works closely with the FCO on safeguarding of Human Rights Defenders. Support on the ground includes lobbying and programming for safe and open spaces for civil society and human rights defenders to operate. Officials monitor programme outcomes and regularly consult with civil society and directly with Human Rights Defenders to improve our response.</p><p> </p><p>DFID’s Governance for Growth, Stability and Inclusive Development paper, published in March, set a refreshed strategic direction for our work on governance, with a renewed focus on protecting democratic space, where this is under threat, and supporting the rule of law and civic freedoms. A new programme, led by a UK human rights organisation, Article 19, will pilot responses to shrinking civic space and pressure on independent media and civil society.</p><p> </p><p>This month, the FCO published a new document, ‘UK support for Human Rights Defenders’, which reflects the importance of human rights defenders and the support the UK provides to them through its network of embassies and high commissions. Human Rights Defenders and civil society organisations were consulted on the document prior to its publication.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 11/07/2019 16:15:55 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4403 label Biography information for Chris Law

1136637

	registered interest
	date	03/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Developing Countries: Human Rights
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps he will take to ensure that, in line with the UN Statement of Common Understanding, a human-rights based approach is integrated within his Department's development co-operation and programming.
	tabling member constituency	Dundee West
	tabling member printed	Chris Law
	uin	272859
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK is committed to respecting, promoting and protecting universal human rights. Respect for human rights is important in itself and for achieving stable, inclusive and prosperous societies. Human rights underpin freedom, democracy and rule of law and form the basis of the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are at the heart of the UK Aid Strategy and the Department’s new Single Departmental Plan which guide DFID’s strategic decision-making.</p><p> </p><p>DFID country offices’ planning processes take account of interdisciplinary analysis, including a country’s progress toward achieving the SDGs, and our aid relationships involve consideration of partner governments’ commitment to human rights.</p><p> </p><p>DFID carries out, and regularly reviews, programme risk assessments, including the risks of unintended harm to people and to the environment, and our Supply Partner Code of Conduct sets high, legally enforceable standards for ethical behaviour and compliance with human rights by our suppliers in the delivery of DFID contracts.</p><p> </p><p>DFID’s position paper, Governance for Growth, Stability and Inclusive Development, published in March, set a refreshed strategic direction for DFID’s work on governance, including a renewed focus on protecting democratic space, where this is under threat, and supporting the rule of law and civic freedoms. It is a key reference document for future planning.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin grouped question UIN 272861 question first answered 11/07/2019 16:16:50 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4403 label Biography information for Chris Law

1136638

	registered interest
	date	03/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Developing Countries: Human Rights
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what plans he has to ensure that his Department's strategic decision-making is explicitly guided by human rights principles and instruments.
	tabling member constituency	Dundee West
	tabling member printed	Chris Law
	uin	272860
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK is committed to respecting, promoting and protecting universal human rights. Respect for human rights is important in itself and for achieving stable, inclusive and prosperous societies. Human rights underpin freedom, democracy and rule of law and form the basis of the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are at the heart of the UK Aid Strategy and the Department’s new Single Departmental Plan which guide DFID’s strategic decision-making.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 11/07/2019 16:19:03 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4403 label Biography information for Chris Law

1136639

	registered interest
	date	03/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Developing Countries: Human Rights
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps he will take to further integrate human rights considerations into his Department's country-level programming, particularly in human rights priority countries.
	tabling member constituency	Dundee West
	tabling member printed	Chris Law
	uin	272861
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/07/2019 answer text <p>The UK is committed to respecting, promoting and protecting universal human rights. Respect for human rights is important in itself and for achieving stable, inclusive and prosperous societies. Human rights underpin freedom, democracy and rule of law and form the basis of the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are at the heart of the UK Aid Strategy and the Department’s new Single Departmental Plan which guide DFID’s strategic decision-making.</p><p> </p><p>DFID country offices’ planning processes take account of interdisciplinary analysis, including a country’s progress toward achieving the SDGs, and our aid relationships involve consideration of partner governments’ commitment to human rights.</p><p> </p><p>DFID carries out, and regularly reviews, programme risk assessments, including the risks of unintended harm to people and to the environment, and our Supply Partner Code of Conduct sets high, legally enforceable standards for ethical behaviour and compliance with human rights by our suppliers in the delivery of DFID contracts.</p><p> </p><p>DFID’s position paper, Governance for Growth, Stability and Inclusive Development, published in March, set a refreshed strategic direction for DFID’s work on governance, including a renewed focus on protecting democratic space, where this is under threat, and supporting the rule of law and civic freedoms. It is a key reference document for future planning.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin grouped question UIN 272859 question first answered 11/07/2019 16:16:51 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4403 label Biography information for Chris Law

1136640

	registered interest
	date	03/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Developing Countries: Civil Society
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if he will take steps to make funding more accessible to civil society organisations in his Department's partner countries.
	tabling member constituency	Dundee West
	tabling member printed	Chris Law
	uin	272862
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/07/2019 answer text <p>In financial year 2016-17, DFID spent £1.3 billion funding the work of civil society. DFID provides assistance to strengthen civil society in the UK and overseas through capacity building support and funding opportunities. This assistance is delivered through our centrally-managed programmes and our country programmes.</p><p> </p><p>DFID is acting to increase support to CSOs based in developing countries. We are broadening out some of our centrally-managed programmes to accept bids from Southern-based CSOs. This includes UK Aid Direct, DFID’s centrally-managed programme for small and medium civil society organisations. The most recent UK Aid Direct funding round was fully open to bids from Southern-based CSOs for the first time.</p><p> </p><p>In addition, through UK Aid Connect we are funding programmes specifically targeted at enhancing civil society effectiveness in the UK and overseas.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 11/07/2019 16:20:52 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	4403 label Biography information for Chris Law

1136720

	registered interest
	date	03/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Department for International Development: Overtime
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what estimate he has made of the amount of unpaid overtime worked by staff in his Department in the last 24 months.
	tabling member constituency	Hemsworth
	tabling member printed	Jon Trickett
	uin	272753
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 11/07/2019 answer text <p>DFID complies with the requirements of The Working Time Regulations 1998 and supports staff wellbeing by encouraging people to work regular hours and ensures managers work with them to reprioritise work and avoid overtime. Overtime is used as a last resort to help deal with exceptional or seasonal pressures of work.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 11/07/2019 16:19:58 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	410 label Biography information for Jon Trickett

1136265

	registered interest
	date	02/07/2019
	answering body	Department for International Development
	answering dept id	20
	answering dept short name	International Development
	answering dept sort name	International Development
	hansard heading	Kenya: Overseas Aid
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what country-specific direct support his Department is providing to Kenya to (a) support economic development and (b) strengthen democratic institutions in that country.
	tabling member constituency	Romford
	tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
	uin	272141
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 09/07/2019 answer text <p>The DFID Kenya economic development portfolio comprises a range of programmes primarily focused on Trade, Agriculture, Urban Economic Development, Energy and Jobs. Specifically, these initiatives aim to support Kenya in:</p><ol><li>Reducing the time taken and costs involved in trading within Kenya and across the region by improving the efficiency of transport infrastructure and strengthening the regulatory and policy environment for trade.</li><li>Developing fairer, better functioning, market systems in agriculture, livestock and water sectors.</li><li>Responding to high levels of urbanisation by helping municipalities in Kenya to plan better and attract investment into climate-resilient infrastructure and value chain projects.</li><li>Designing and testing the commercial viability of different Green Mini-Grid models developed and operated by the private sector in Kenya.</li><li>Fostering innovation and job creation through providing seed-financing and technical assistance to competitively selected businesses with the potential to create large scale jobs including for the youth, those working in the informal sector and hard-to-reach places and those living with disabilities.</li></ol><p> </p><p>In addition, the DFID Kenya Governance portfolio is working to help strengthen democratic institutions in Kenya through supporting:</p><ol><li>The Independent Elections and Boundary Commission to prepare and manage fair, credible and peaceful elections.</li><li>A range of other independent institutions such as the Independent Police Oversight Authority, the Office of the Auditor General, and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.</li><li>A range of civil society organisations working to better hold government to account in the areas of service delivery, police reform and public participation, as well as working with parliamentary committees, for example, the public accounts committees.</li></ol><p>In line with the UK’s new approach to Africa, our work is helping to build a stronger, more modern partnership with Kenya.</p> answering member constituency West Worcestershire answering member printed Harriett Baldwin question first answered 09/07/2019 15:51:57 answering member 4107 label Biography information for Dame Harriett Baldwin
	tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell