HC Deb 10 March 1999 vol 327 cc226-7W
28. Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department is taking to improve the effectiveness of its response to humanitarian emergencies; and if she will make a statement. [73858]

Clare Short

We have recently published a Policy Statement outlining our strategies for conflict reduction and humanitarian assistance. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Following a disaster, most lives are saved by immediate local effort. We are giving priority to building up the disaster response capacity of communities and institutions in disaster-prone poor countries. We also look first to agencies that are well established in the country and have the local knowledge and expertise to deliver assistance most quickly and effectively. It is important that we not only save lives and relieve suffering following a humanitarian crisis but also reduce risks and vulnerability to future crises. Therefore, we are assisting disaster-prone countries to include risk reduction, disaster management and mitigation in their development planning process and supporting community initiatives to reduce their vulnerability to risks. This includes analysing common hazards and their impact on poor people, and assessing the effect of recurrent crises on achieving the targets of sustainable international development.

Much of my Department's humanitarian response is channelled through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the United Nations humanitarian agencies and non-governmental organisations. We are working closely with these agencies to strengthen international systems for dealing with humanitarian crises, particularly to improve response capacity and accountability, and the development of common standards for technical performance and reporting. We are also promoting better co-ordination within the European Union, especially through the European Community Humanitarian Office.

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