§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to improve the way that the international community responds to natural disasters. [124568]
§ Clare ShortMy Department has been working since 1997 to strengthen and improve the three main elements of international disaster response. Firstly, we are working with the Red Cross Societies to improve their preparedness and response to disasters, specifically in poor countries. Secondly, we are working with United Nations organisations such as the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme, United Nations Children's Fund and United Nations High Commission for Refugees, to improve their coordination and improve the speed and effectiveness of their responses. And, thirdly, we are working with the international non-governmental organisations to agree minimum standards of assistance that those affected by disasters can expect to receive.
Our aim is to build a better international humanitarian system but until that is achieved there is a role for donor Governments, such as the UK, to fill gaps in rapid direct response. Therefore my Department maintains an extensive capacity to respond to emergencies around the clock. The decision on whether an operational response is justified and, if so, in what form, is based on assessed needs on the ground and the operational resources available locally or regionally.