§ 11. Mr. TouhigTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department has taken to improve the effectiveness of humanitarian action. [46875]
§ Clare ShortDuring the UK Presidency we hosted a joint Conference with the European Commission Humanitarian Office to discuss the principles that should govern humanitarian assistance. At this Conference I launched DFID'S 10 key principles to guide humanitarian operations in conflict areas in order to better integrate respect for human rights and humanitarian law within assistance programmes. A process of consultation is now underway with member states and EU countries are looking at establishing a humanitarian ombudsman. NGOs are also working to agree improved standards of assistance.