§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her policy is towards(a) the operation of NGOs in sub-Saharan Africa, (b) the substitution of western for local cultural norms by NGOs in sub-Saharan Africa and (c) NGOs promoting western concepts of the role of women in sub-Saharan Africa. [7204]
§ Clare ShortMy Department works with civil society (including NGOs) in the UK and in sub-Saharan Africa to build the capacity of poor people so that their voices may be heard whenever decisions are taken locally, nationally and internationally that affect their lives.
Like most Governments in sub-Saharan Africa, we support the internationally agreed human rights framework. This provides a common set of principles for tackling poverty and inequality. These include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and cultural entitlements.