Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 March 2010.

India: Orissa

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assistance they will offer to the Government of India to foster community reconciliation in the aftermath of communal violence in Orissa state, India.

Answer: The EU delegation identified cross-community peace-building initiatives and improving the capacity of victims’ lawyers as important areas to address on the visit to Orissa from 2 to 5 February. The delegation, in which a member of our high commission participated, has reported the outcomes and recommendations arising from its visit to the EU who will now consider follow up. This issue was also raised with the Indian Government during discussions at the EU-India Human Rights Dialogue meeting on 25 March 2010. The Government have also provided assistance to the Indian authorities to help address some of the underlying issues that contributed to the violence in 2008. The Department for International Development has allocated £10 million for community development in four districts of Orissa, including Kandhamal. These funds will help to increase incomes, reduce malnutrition and improve water and sanitation for more than 375,000 tribal men and women.

Secondary information