Written question asked by Edward Leigh (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 January 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 February 2019. It was answered by Alistair Burt (Conservative) on Tuesday, 5 February 2019 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Developing Countries: Abortion

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what her Department’s policy is on funding organisations that provide abortions that have (a) been found guilty of breaking the law and (b) ineffective procedures for addressing sexual misconduct.

Answer: The Department for International Development is clear that we will not fund illegal activities. We take issues of sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment extremely seriously and demand the highest standards from all organisations the department works with. We have put in place new, enhanced and specific safeguarding standards and new funding will not be approved unless our partners meet these tough standards. When organisations uncover issues, we must not penalise them for being transparent, but support effective due process in the handling of such allegations.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 214479
Session: 2017-19
Subjects: Abortion Developing countries Development aid Misconduct Sexual offences Non-governmental organisations
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk