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Written question asked by Layla Moran (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 25 May 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 June 2021 (named day). It was answered by James Duddridge (Conservative) on Monday, 7 June 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Democratic Republic of Congo: Volcanoes

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of reductions to Official Development Assistance spending on the ability of the UK Government to respond effectively to the eruption of Mount Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Answer

The seismic impact of the pandemic on the UK economy has forced us to take tough but necessary decisions, including temporarily reducing the overall amount we spend on aid to 0.5% of GNI. Despite the reductions in Overseas Development Assistance (ODA), the UK will remain one of the largest humanitarian donors in DRC and a world-leading ODA donor. We will spend more than £10 billion this year to fight poverty and respond to humanitarian crises across the globe.

In response to the recent eruption of Mount Nyiragongo, UK-funded partners are already on the ground providing emergency support. The International Federation of the Red Cross Disaster Relief Emergency Fund is providing first aid, water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter and psychological support and working to restore family units. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), one of our major humanitarian partners, is providing support for unaccompanied children and the UN Humanitarian Air Service is providing vital reconnaissance flights in the area. We are working closely with the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs and our humanitarian partners to monitor the situation, assess the impact, and deliver further assistance if required.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
7264
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Development aid Democratic Republic of the Congo Volcanoes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk