§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what programmes his Department has(a) run and (b) supported in (i) Somaliland, (ii) Somalia in general, (iii) Ethiopia and (iv) Eritrea; and if he will make a statement. [133657]
§ Hilary BennThe UK has increased its involvement in Somalia over the last year. Most of our resources are aimed at meeting humanitarian needs, although we have also begun to support activities in regions, which have demonstrated steps towards peace and democratisation. For example, we have supported the electoral process in Somaliland, as well as exploring development programming in education, health and governance. We have also been providing support through the European Union (EU) and the UN.
We have provided substantial humanitarian assistance in response to current food shortages in Ethiopia. This has totalled £49.1 million since the beginning of 2002. We are also actively pressing ahead with our development programme for Ethiopia, as described in our Country Assistance Plan (CAP), published in March 2003. The CAP outlines our intention to work in three priority areas: education; food security; and capacity building. We will also continue to engage in HIV/AIDS, the private sector, roads and development of civil society.
We have no bilateral development programme in Eritrea, though we do provide humanitarian assistance and the British Ambassador in Eritrea manages a Small Grants Scheme. Our main avenues of engagement and support are through the EU, World Bank and IMF.