Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Robert Neill (Conservative). It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 May 2007 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Question: What steps he is taking to promote civil society in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Answer: We have given significant support to civil society in the DRC, both before and during the elections, to enable organisations to undertake civic education and to act as observers, and we are also supporting the media to help improve accountability. More than 30 per cent. of our support goes mostly to international non-governmental organisations to deliver programmes. That support will include £27 million over three years to two large NGOs to provide free basic health care in 20 health areas.

Secondary information