§ Lord Watson of Invergowieasked Her Majesty's Government:
What assistance, financial or otherwise, they have provided since May 1997 to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support humanitarian work. [HL1140]
§ Lord WhittySince May 1997, we have contributed some £21 million towards the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Our support includes funding for humanitarian relief operations, the dissemination of international humanitarian law, protection work, co-operation activities with national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and to their headquarters budget. It also includes responses to specific appeals for a number of countries affected by conflict, including Afghanistan, Albania, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka and Rwanda.
The Department for International Development is also involved in a continuing dialogue with the International Committee of the Red Cross to progress an effective joint partnership in the areas of conflict reduction and humanitarian action. This seeks to defend human rights and promote more principled interventions in conflict situations.