§ 11. Mr. WareingTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's assistance to Ukraine. [132191]
§ Clare ShortOver the last five years we have provided over £44 million in direct assistance to Ukraine and expect to provide around £9 million this year. The UK also assists Ukraine through its contributions to multilateral agencies, including an average of £10 million a year as the UK share of European Community assistance.
Our objective in the Ukraine is to support the process of transition in a way which brings sustainable benefits to all levels of society with particular focus on poor and vulnerable groups. Over 30 per cent. of the population of Ukraine live in poverty.
§ 12. Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what projects her Department is developing with the Ukraine, with particular reference to the issue of street children; and if she will make a statement. [132192]
§ Clare ShortMany of Ukraine's street children come from state orphanages. We are working with UNICEF to develop alternatives to institutional care, and to help establish a foster care system in four regions in Ukraine. We are also supporting the training of Ukraine's social workers, to increase their capacity to address the needs of vulnerable children, including street children.