Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what further action she 5W is taking to tackle (a) infant mortality, (b) illiteracy and (c) unemployment among the Palestinian people. [109292]
§ Clare ShortWe have supported a wide range of initiatives, bilaterally and through our contributions to the EC and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, to meet the needs of Palestinians as the humanitarian situation has deteriorated. This includes a number of emergency health programmes including midwifery training and women's health development. We also support work aimed at reducing the impact of violence on Palestinian children, as well as supplementary educational materials for children unable to attend school full time due to closures and curfews. Our work with the World bank and UNRWA helps fund employment generation schemes.
Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the(a) World Bank and (b) United Nations about the situation in the West Bank and Gaza; and if she will make a statement. [109293]
§ Clare ShortWe maintain very close contact with both the World Bank and the United Nations on the West Bank and Gaza Strip. I discussed the Palestinian situation with both UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and World Bank President Wolfenson in New York and Washington last month. The World Bank and the United Nations Special Co-ordinator's Office play a key role in analysing the social and economic impact of the current conflict. We work closely with them on these issues, and jointly finance a number of specific initiatives. Our relations with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees are strong. Its mandate to provide education, health and emergency services to the refugee population remains critical in these troubled times.
Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with the EU about the situation in the West Bank and Gaza; and if she will make a statement. [109294]
§ Clare ShortWe maintain close contact with our European partners and with the European Commission. I have spoken recently to Commissioner Patten about the humanitarian situation in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. We discussed the importance of support to Palestinian reform efforts, and implementation of the Roadmap towards a two state solution. The appalling humanitarian situation can only be resolved through a just political settlement. The EC shares our view of the need to balance immediate humanitarian assistance with longer-term support for institutional development. In the current circumstances it is essential that organisations respond quickly and flexibly to emerging Palestinian needs. I raised this issue with Commissioner Patten in relation to EC assistance.