Written question asked by Adam Holloway (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 December 2005. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Monday, 19 December 2005 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Somalia

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to secure aid agency transport links to Somalia.

Answer: DFID takes the security of aid provision very seriously in relation to Somalia and we are working closely with the international community to promote the establishment of an effective Somalia Government, to return stability and the rule of law. To this end we are helping Somalia develop an effective civilian police force. In partnership with other UK Government Departments, we are closely engaged in how to address the issues of piracy, terrorism and other forms of cross-border criminal activities with our international partners in the region.DFID has also provided significant financial support through the Humanitarian Response Fund (HRF) for Somalia, administered by the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) which has responsibility, inter alia, for the security of UN operations on the ground. We are also planning to provide increased funding to the World Food Programme (WFP) which will include transport and security.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 37454; 440 c2516W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: International assistance Humanitarian aid Security Transport Somalia
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk