§ Sir Alastair GoodladTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development which countries she proposes to exclude from the development assistance programme on human rights grounds. [26746]
§ Mr. FoulkesWe are looking for constructive and open partnerships with Governments overseas. Decisions on my Department's resource allocations are taken on the basis of a range of criteria, including a recipient country's commitment to human rights. In a few cases, the behaviour of Government so offends against the interests and rights of their people that we will not work with the offending regime. Instead, we will focus our support on those within government and civil society who are working for change. Our primary concern must be to continue to deliver support direct to the poor and to help them realise their rights.